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- Jan 9, 2010
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Genes linked to early puberty and body fat found
But lifestyle can overcome these factors
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Mon 22 Nov, 2010 07:00 am GMT
© Ivonne Wierink - Fotolia.com
Scientists have discovered 30 new genes involved in the sexual maturation of women - with many of these genes also linked to the body's ability to regulate fat uptake and metabolism.
The age at which a girl has her first period (called menarche) is highly dependent on her diet and general health. It normally occurs between 11 and 14 years of age.
If a child reaches a particular weight - around 45 kg - the onset of puberty is triggered, and the heavier the child, the earlier puberty starts. Early onset has been linked to a number of negative health effects, such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Girls who enter puberty earlier also tend to grow up to be shorter adults than other girls who start puberty later.
Researchers at the King's College Department of Twin Research and the Boston University School of Public Health analysed genetic data from over 87,000 women and found 30 genes linked to the timing of puberty.
One of the study authors, Massimo Mangino, commented: "It is fascinating how common genetic variants influence both early puberty and weight gain. The findings give us clues on how intricately linked are different biological processes."
Professor Tim Spector added: "This study shows the power of large genetic collaborations allowing us great insights into how puberty is triggered by precise amounts of body fat."
Although the study shows that there is some genetic basis for both early puberty and increased body weight, the scientists point out that lifestyle factors can overcome these factors. Efforts that help reduce childhood obesity should also help to reduce the early onset of puberty in girls, they say.
The results of the study are published in the Journal Nature Genetics.
My take: Wazazi hasa sisi wenye watoto wa kike tupunguze kuwalisha bila mpangilio
But lifestyle can overcome these factors
Share
Send
Mon 22 Nov, 2010 07:00 am GMT
Scientists have discovered 30 new genes involved in the sexual maturation of women - with many of these genes also linked to the body's ability to regulate fat uptake and metabolism.
The age at which a girl has her first period (called menarche) is highly dependent on her diet and general health. It normally occurs between 11 and 14 years of age.
If a child reaches a particular weight - around 45 kg - the onset of puberty is triggered, and the heavier the child, the earlier puberty starts. Early onset has been linked to a number of negative health effects, such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Girls who enter puberty earlier also tend to grow up to be shorter adults than other girls who start puberty later.
Researchers at the King's College Department of Twin Research and the Boston University School of Public Health analysed genetic data from over 87,000 women and found 30 genes linked to the timing of puberty.
One of the study authors, Massimo Mangino, commented: "It is fascinating how common genetic variants influence both early puberty and weight gain. The findings give us clues on how intricately linked are different biological processes."
Professor Tim Spector added: "This study shows the power of large genetic collaborations allowing us great insights into how puberty is triggered by precise amounts of body fat."
Although the study shows that there is some genetic basis for both early puberty and increased body weight, the scientists point out that lifestyle factors can overcome these factors. Efforts that help reduce childhood obesity should also help to reduce the early onset of puberty in girls, they say.
The results of the study are published in the Journal Nature Genetics.
My take: Wazazi hasa sisi wenye watoto wa kike tupunguze kuwalisha bila mpangilio
