Thousands of animal experiments have demonstrated that androgenic hormones, such as testosterone, during the prenatal and early postnatal periods, masculinise and defeminise various neural and behavioural characteristics that differ by sex. Can these findings from animal experiments be generalised to human behaviour? Can early androgen exposure shape subsequent gender-related disorders in humans? Chapter 1 (Introduction) provides an overview of the literature. Chapter 2 (Kung et al., 2016a) is the first study to demonstrate that testosterone concentrations in saliva samples collected during the early postnatal testosterone surge at 1 to 3 months of age can negatively predict subsequent expressive vocabulary size (how many words a child can say) during toddlerhood. Notably, males typically have a smaller expressive vocabulary than do females during toddlerhood and a small expressive vocabulary is predictive of subsequent language difficulties, such as dyslexia and stuttering, which are more common in boys. Chapters 3 (Kung et al., 2016b) and 4 (Kung et al., 2016c) evaluate a popular theory of autism, the extreme male brain theory, which argues that heighted androgen exposure during early development causes the male preponderance in autism. To test the hypothesised relationship, Chapters 3 and 4 use different measures and study populations, including testosterone concentrations in amniotic fluid samples obtained prenatally and saliva samples obtained during the early postnatal testosterone surge in typically developing children, as well as examining the adjustment in children exposed to unusually high levels of androgens prenatally due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a rare clinical condition occurring in approximately 1 in 18,000 births. Findings from these two chapters converge to show that any relationship between early androgen exposure and subsequent development of autistic traits is small, non-existent, or unreliable, providing a much-needed clarification of the role of early androgen exposure in the aetiology of autism. Using data from a general population study, Chapter 5 (Kung et al., 2018a) is the first study to show that male-typical play behaviour in early childhood, a trait that has been linked to increased early androgen exposure in previous research, can positively predict adolescent physical aggression, which is typically higher in males than in females. This positive association between play and aggression supports potential influences of early androgen exposure, as well as socio-cognitive influences involved in gender development. Chapter 6 (Kung et al., 2018b) is the first study to compare emotional and behavioural adjustment in children with CAH, their unaffected siblings, and children in the general population. Findings from this chapter suggest that although within the families with a child with CAH there are generally no differences in emotional or behavioural problems between boys or girls with CAH and their unaffected same-sex siblings, both girls with CAH and their unaffected sisters are at risk of developing behavioural problems when compared with girls in the general population. Familial influences and social stigma may contribute to this gender-specific pattern of behavioural adjustment. Finally, Chapter 7 (Discussion) integrates the findings and previous research and provides directions for further research. Chapter References Chapter 2 Kung, K. T. F., Browne, W. V., Constantinescu, M., Noorderhaven, R. M., and Hines, M. (2016). Early Postnatal Testosterone Predicts Sex-Related Differences in Early Expressive Vocabulary. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 68, 111-116. Chapter 3 Kung, K. T. F., Constantinescu, M., Browne W. V., Noorderhaven, R. M., and Hines, M. (2016). No Relationship Between Early Postnatal Testosterone and Autistic Traits in 18 to 30-Month-Old Children. Molecular Autism, 7:15. Chapter 4 Kung, K. T. F., Spencer, D., Pasterski, V., Neufeld, S., Glover, V., O'Connor, T. G., Hindmarsh, P. C., Hughes, I. A., Acerini, C. L., and Hines, M. (2016). No Relationship Between Prenatal Androgen Exposure and Autistic Traits: Convergent Evidence from Studies of Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and of Amniotic Testosterone Concentrations in Typically-Developing Children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57, 1455-1462. Chapter 5 Kung, K. T. F., Li, G., Golding, J., and Hines, M. (2018). Preschool Gender-Typed Play Behavior at Age 3.5 Years Predicts Physical Aggression at Age 13 Years. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 47, 905-914. Chapter 6 Kung, K. T. F., Spencer, D., Pasterski, V., Hindmarsh, P. C., Neufeld, S. A. S., Hughes, I. A., Acerini, C. L., and Hines, M. (2018). Emotional and Behavioral Adjustment in 4- to 11-Year-Old Boys and Girls with Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Unaffected Siblings. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 97, 104-110.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar as concentrações de testosterona no pêlo de cães domésticos, testar dois protocolos diferentes de extração hormonal, comparar os níveis séricos e avaliar as possíveis diferenças de concentração de testosterona no pêlo de acordo com: o sexo; animais castrados e inteiros; região de colheita; tipo e tempo de armazenamento do extrato e coloração da pelagem. Foram utilizados 31 animais adultos, sendo 25 machos e 6 fêmeas, da raça poodle provenientes de canis particulares. O pêlo foi colhido com auxílio de tesoura ou máquina de tosa e armazenados em temperatura ambiente, juntamente com colheita da amostra de sangue. Os protocolos de extração utlizaram 3mL de metanol como solvente por 2 ou 48 horas, os extratos foram secos em ar comprimido, ressuspendidos e armazenados na geladeira ou freezer por até 30 dias. As concentrações foram determinadas por radioimunensaio (RIE). Os testes estatísticos foram realizados utilizando-se o programa computadorizado Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Os resultados mostraram que é possível determinar as concentrações do hormônio testosterona no pêlo de cães. Os dois protocolos de extração de testosterona no pêlo demonstraram-se eficientes, porém o segundo apresenta maior recuperação hormonal do que o primeiro. É possível determinar as concentrações do hormônio testosterona no pêlo de cães. Não há correlação positiva entre os níveis hormonais de testosterona encontrados no sangue e no pêlo. Há diferença estatística significativa entre as concentrações de testosterona no pêlo de acordo com o sexo: entre fêmeas e machos inteiros (p=0,0074) e entre fêmeas e machos (castrados e inteiros) (p=0,0042). Não há diferença entre fêmeas e machos castrados (p=0,3610). Não há diferença significativa das concentrações de testosterona no pêlo entre animais machos inteiros ou castrados. Não há diferença estatística significativa das concentrações de testosterona no pêlo entre as regiões de colheita da amostra (cabeça, corpo ou membros), pois em todos os animais há correlação positiva entre essas áreas. Não há diferença significativa das concentrações de testosterona no pêlo de acordo com a coloração da pelagem (branca, cinza, marrom e preta). Não há diferença estatística significativa das concentrações de testosterona no armazenamento do extrato do pêlo ressuspendido por até 30 dias na geladeira ou freezer. / The objective of the present study was to determine the concentrations of testosterone in domestic dogs hair, to test two different protocols of hormonal extraction, to compare the levels and in accordance with to evaluate the possible differences of hair concentration of testosterone: the sex; castrated and intact animals; sampling areas; type and time of storage of the extract and hair color. 31 adult animals had been used, being 25 males and 6 females, of the poodle breeds proceeding from particular kennels. The hair was cut with of scissors help or machine and keep in ambient temperature, together with of the sample of blood. The extraction protocols added 3mL of methanol as solvent for 2 or 48 hours, the extracts were dried in compressed air, added in assay buffer and stored in the refrigerator or to freezer for up to 30 days. The concentrations had been determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The statistical tests were performed using the computer program Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The results had shown that it is possible to determine the concentrations of testosterone in dogs hair. The two protocols of extraction of testosterone in the hair had been demonstrated efficient, however as it presents greater hormonal recovery of what the first one. The sex has difference significant statistics in accordance with testosterone concentrations in the hair: between females and intact males (p=0,0074) and between females and males (castrated and intact) (p=0,0042). It does not have difference between females and castrated males (p=0,3610). It does not have significant difference of the concentrations of testosterone in the hair between intact or castrated male. It does not have difference significant statistics of the concentrations of testosterone in the hair in the sampling areas (head, body or members), therefore has positive correlation between these areas. The hair color does not have significant difference with concentrations of testosterone in the coat (white, gray, brown and black). It does not have difference significant statistics of the concentrations of testosterone in the storage of the extract added in assay buffer for up to 30 days in the refrigerator or freezer.

A presente pesquisa investigou a relação de alguns comportamentos de liderança, denominados de Liderança Executiva, com a concentração hormônio Testosterona, medido na saliva. Também foram analisadas as relações da Liderança Executiva com a Relação Digital (RD=2d/4d), definida pela razão entre o comprimento do 2º dedo (indicador) dividido pelo comprimento do 4º dedo (anelar) e com o conceito de internalidade do Lócus de Controle. Estes estudos visavam dar um subsídio maior para a adoção de um modelo bio-social no estudo da liderança. Um grupo de 169 participantes, estudantes de um curso de Pós-graduação, foram submetidos ao questionário de auto-avaliação (autopercepção) de liderança executiva, elaborado a partir do Inventário Fatorial de Personalidade - IFP. Com base no escore obtido foram divididos em três grupos: (1) baixa percepção de liderança (BPL), (2) média percepção de liderança (MPL) e (3) alta percepção de liderança (APL). Uma análise estatística permitiu selecionar 10 participantes mais característicos em cada grupo. Estes 30 participantes foram submetidos à coleta e análise da concentração de T salivar, utilizando-se o kit da Salimetrics Inc (catalog nº 1-2412). Também foram feitas medições do comprimento do segundo e quarto dedo, para o cálculo da Relação Digital. Para avaliação do Lócus de Controle (LoC) foi aplicada a Escala de Rotter. A hipótese principal de que os três grupos iriam diferir na concentração de Testosterona salivar foi confirmada estatisticamente, revelando uma relação direta positiva entre autopercepção de liderança e concentração de T salivar. A hipótese relativa à relação inversa entre percepção de liderança e relação digital não foi confirmada. Da mesma forma a relação entre percepção de liderança e internalidade do Lócus de Controle também não foi confirmada pelos dados da pesquisa. Os resultados obtidos oferecem uma contribuição importante para os projetos futuros de aperfeiçoamento de um modelo mais integrado, de natureza biossocial, para o constructo da liderança. / The current research investigated the relationship of some leadership behaviors, thereafter called Executive Leadership, with the concentration levels of testosterone found in the human saliva. The research also investigated the corelations among Executive Leadership behaviors, the digital ratio (2nd:4th) and the concept of internal Locus of Control. The digit ratio is defined as the division of the length of 2nd finger (index finger) by the length of 4th finger (ring finger). Such study aimed at providing additional subsidies for adopting a biosocial model to understanding leadership. A group of 169 male students enrolled in a postgraduation program was selected as participants. They answered an Executive Leadership behaviors self assessment questionnaire (self perception). The questionnaire was based on the Inventário Fatorial de Personalidade - IFP. The subjects were grouped based on their questionnaire\'s scores: (1) low self perception of leadership (BPL), (2) average self perception of leadership (MPL) e (3) high self perception of leadership (APL). Through statistic analysis the 10 most characteristic participants of each of the three groups were selected. These 30 participants were submitted to collection and analysis of saliva testosterone concentration level, using the kit provided by Salimetrics Inc (catalog nº 1-2412). On top of that, their index and ring fingers´s length was measured, as means to obtain data to calculate the digital ratio. The Rotter Scale was used to assess the Locus of Control (LoC). The main hypothesis - the three groups would differ with regards to the concentration of testosterone found in their saliva - was statistically confirmed, therefore there is direct positive relationship between self perception of leadership and concentration of T in the saliva. The hypothesis of inverse relationship between self perception of leadership and Digit Ratio was not confirmed. The research data also did not confirm relationship between internal Locus of Control and self perception of leadership. The results obtained through the research offer an important contribution for future studies of integrated biosocial leadership models.

Preparing for a national weightlifting championship: A case series. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2019—This study aimed to characterize psychological, physiological, and performance changes of a high-level female (24.5 years; 53.8 ± 0.3 kg; 155.4 cm) and male (25.8 years; 92.7 ± 1.2 kg; 189 cm) weightlifter over 28 weeks while preparing for a national championship. Body mass, hydration, psychological inventories, serum biomarkers, vastus lateralis muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), and squat jump (SJ) performance were assessed weekly beginning 11 weeks from the competition date. Weightlifting performance goals were met for the female athlete (actual total = 159 kg) but not for the male athlete (actual total = 292 kg). Reductions in vastus lateralis CSA possibly took place the week leading into competition for both athletes. Both athletes reported positive recovery-stress states on the day of competition relative to baseline values. Fluctuations between steroid hormone concentrations and inflammatory markers were unpredictable and inconsistent for both athletes throughout the training program. Unloaded SJ height and rate of force development were the highest on competition day for both athletes. Based on these findings, it is possible for high-level male and female weightlifters to achieve and maintain peak preparedness 3–4 days before competition following a 1-week overreach and 3-week exponential taper, where training volume-load is reduced by half and intensity maintained or slightly increased relative to pretaper values. Furthermore, the short recovery and stress scale and SJ testing seem to be useful tools for sport scientists and coaches when monitoring high-level weightlifters preparing for competition.

Depot intramuscularly administered testosterone cypionate (TC) is indicated for treatment of hypogonadism in males. However, illegal use of TC and other anabolic steroids in athletic competition has been occurring for over 50 years. A randomized three-arm clinical trial was conducted to investigate side effects of long-term abuse of testosterone cypionate. The objective of the thesis is to apply modeling approach to characterize pharmacokinetics of long-term TC injections as well as identify its side effects on healthy male volunteers. A linear one-compartment model with first-order absorption best described the concentration-time profile of testosterone obtained from 31 healthy males. The population clearance estimates for total and free testosterone were 2.42*103 and 6.03*105 L/day, respectively. Weight and albumin were identified as significant covariates for total testosterone. Given the known inhibitory effect of testosterone on HPG axis, an indirect effect model was applied to describe the suppression of luteinizing hormone and spermatogenesis. The estimated potency of total testosterone with respect to LH suppression was 9.38ng/ml. Model simulation showed that suppression of luteinizing hormone and spermatogenesis after TC injection was more severe and of greater duration in the highest dose level. A polynomial change point mixed effects model was successfully built to describe the change in weight and lipid profiles after weekly injection of testosterone cypionate. Model simulation showed that both 250mg and 500mg would incur an average increase of body weight of 3.5kg at 8 weeks after dosing. A polynomial change point model also identifies that there is a tendency for lipid decrease after TC administration. However, no difference was found in the lipid change between three dose groups, which precludes any definite conclusion on the effect of long-term TC administration on lipid profiles.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), a permanent dilation in the abdominal region of the aorta, is a highly sexually dimorphic disease. AAAs prevalence is ranging from 4-10 fold higher in males than females. Defining the mechanistic basis for reduced (in females) or increased (in males) AAA formation and progression may uncover potential therapeutic targets. The majority of studies examining sexual dimorphism focus on the role of sex hormones. However, genes residing on sex chromosomes, in addition to sex hormones, may contribute to sexual dimorphism of AAAs. For example, the X chromosome contains about 5% of the whole genome, but the role of sex chromosomes genes to sexual dimorphism of cardiovascular diseases such as AAAs is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of sex chromosomes as mediators of sex differences for angiotensin II (AngII)-induced AAAs in hypercholesterolemic mice. We used the four core genotype murine model, which enables the creation of phenotypically normal male and female mice with an XX versus XY sex chromosome complement, to test the hypothesis that an XY sex chromosome complement promotes AngII-induced AAAs. Transgenic male mice expressing the Sry gene on an autosome, but not on the Y-chromosome, were bred to female low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient mice to create male and female mice with an XX or an XY sex chromosome complement. In females, an XY sex chromosome complement doubled the incidence and markedly increased the severity of AngII-induced AAAs. To define mechanisms, we examined gene expression patterns in abdominal aortas and demonstrated elevated expression of inflammatory genes that were linked to increased MMP activity and oxidative stress in aortas from XY females. Moreover, administration of testosterone to XY females, to mimic males, resulted in a striking level of aneurysm rupture. In males, transcriptional profiling of abdominal aortas revealed 450 genes that were influenced by sex chromosomes. Infusion of AngII to XY males resulted in diffuse pathology along the length of the aorta, while XX males developed focal AAAs, with pathology reduced by orchiectomy in both genotypes. Thoracic aortas of XY males exhibited adventitial thickening which was not exist in thoracic aortas from XX males. Following a prolonged period (3 months) of AngII infusions XY males had AAAs with expanded aortic walls, while XX males had thin walled dilated AAAs. In summary, our findings demonstrate a remarkable effect of sex chromosome complement to regulate aortic vasculature and disease development. Aside from demonstrating mechanisms of sexual dimorphism of aortic diseases, these findings indicate that chronic sex hormone therapy in the aging and transgender population may have cardiovascular ramifications. Moreover, identification of targets influenced by sex chromosomes and/or sex hormones in a manner that predicts disease development may identify sex-specific approaches to cardiovascular therapy.

Elevated yolk progesterone has been shown to impair prenatal, but facilitate postnatal auditory learning in bobwhite quail chicks. Elevated yolk testosterone has facilitated prenatal learning, but its effects on postnatal auditory learning in quail are unknown. Either testosterone or an oil vehicle was injected into bobwhite quail eggs prior to incubation. Control eggs were unmanipulated. Following hatching, chicks were exposed to a conspecific maternal call (A or B) for 240 min. At 48 hr, chicks were tested for their preference for the familiarized vs. novel call. All groups demonstrated a preference for the familiar call (p < .05), but minimal between group difference were found. Contrary to previous research, elevated yolk testosterone neither facilitated nor impaired postnatal auditory learning in bobwhite quail chicks. Further research will examine underlying mechanisms responsible for differential effects and explore if similar systems are involved in other species-typical processes such as social motivation. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

This research explores the relationship between testosterone and conceptions of masculinity and maleness in North America. The purpose of this study was to discover how men's experiences and enactments of their own masculinity and maleness add dimensions to cultural tropes of masculinity. Aging men (ages 39-75) and transgender men (male-identified, though not born biological men), illuminate the extent to which masculinity and maleness are a cultural achievement, enacted in concert with both cultural mores and individual desires. The research is based on over 27 months of fieldwork, in and around Boston, Massachusetts, using the methods of participant observation, semi-structured interviewing, and discourse analysis. I interviewed of 21 aging men and 24 transgender men. Men responded to semi-structured questions on their identity, experiences of living within their bodies, and understandings of testosterone as an object, commodity, and metaphor. Part commodity, part multi-faceted symbol, testosterone at once establishes, maintains, and enforces a coherently embodied gender. This comparative research suggests that we cannot fully understand the complexity of experiential gender identity without first unpacking the multiple elements of identity (e.g., cultural ideals, individual performances, and biological bodies) which come together in a single human being. This dissertation exposes cultural ideals of masculinity, and shows how men work with, and against, these ideals in constructing their own identities. This research shows that men have enduring and particularistic relationships with their own bodies which both reflect and challenge dominant stereotypes of the male body. I articulate strategies for aging men and transgender men to simultaneously identify and disidentify with cultural masculinity, demonstrating the shifting relevance of cultural masculinity in men's actual gendered lives. This work coins the term "maskulinity," the act of men utilizing cultural notions of masculinity to pass as men at will. I argue that in their acceptance and rejection of cultural masculinity, men in turn modify U.S. understandings of masculinity. This dissertation illuminates striking similarities between aging men and transgender men, showing how these men live in and through their bodies.

Abstract not available

A number of investigations during the last two decades describe adverse trends in male reproductive health, which have been proposed to be caused by environmental factors with endocrine disrupting properties. In contrast to many other toxicants, endocrine disruptors often do not show linear dose-response relationships typical of those found in traditional toxicological studies. For many compounds, low-dose exposure causes effects opposite to the ones seen after high-dose exposure. In addition, the timing of exposure has been found to be critical. Hence, to correctly assess the impact of endocrine disruptors on reproductive health requires in-depth knowledge of their mechanisms of action. This thesis aimed at identifying the mechanisms underlying the effects of cadmium (Cd), phthalates and phytoestrogens on testicular steroidogenesis. For this purpose, in vitro as well as in vivo models were used. Cd was found to inhibit testosterone synthesis in vivo by down-regulating LH receptor gene expression and reducing the testicular levels of cAMP and StAR protein. In addition, Cd caused a pronounced increase in testicular prostaglandin F2ɑ (PGF2ɑ), suggesting that Cd exerts its suppressive effect on steroidogenesis also by inducing the inhibitory PKC pathway. Pre-treatment with zinc (Zn) protected completely against Cd-induced effects on testosterone and PGF2ɑ. Furthermore, we observed that Cd exposure increased glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA expression in the testis. GAPDH is a potent coactivator of androgen receptor-mediated transcription and the up-regulation found in our study is probably a compensatory response to reduced testosterone concentrations. This finding is interesting since GAPDH has been proposed to have an important role in the regulation of apoptosis as well as sperm motility. We discovered that mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), the active metabolite of the frequently used phthalate di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), stimulates Leydig cell steroidogenesis in vitro, by a cAMP- and StAR-independent mechanism. MEHP exposure caused a similar effect in granulosa cells. Gene expression analysis revealed that MEHP is likely to stimulate steroidogenesis by increasing the amount of cholesterol available for steroid synthesis. In the last investigation, we examined the effects of low-dose phytoestrogen exposure on testosterone synthesis during puberty in male goats. Isoflavones present in clover increased plasma concentrations of testosterone and free as well as total triiodothyronine (T3). T3 has previously been shown to induce testosterone synthesis and it is possible that an elevated T3 secretion underlies the increased plasma testosterone levels. Reduced fertility and reproductive tract malformations affect both the individual and the society. Hence, a sound knowledge of reproductive toxicants is of crucial importance. The findings presented in this thesis provide new insights into the reproductive toxicology of endocrine disruptors and may be valuable for risk assessment purposes.