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Background: Development of the gonads during fetal life is complex and vital for adult reproductive health. Cell and animal studies have shown an alarming effect of mild analgesics on germ cells in both males and females. More than 50% of pregnant women use mild analgesics during pregnancy, which potentially could compromise the reproductive health of the next generation. Objectives: We present a research protocol designed to evaluate the effect of prenatal exposure to mild analgesics and endocrine‐disrupting chemicals on gonadal function in the offspring. Population: Healthy, singleton pregnant women and their partners. Design: The COPANA cohort is a prospective, observational pregnancy and birth cohort. Methods: Participants were enrolled during the first trimester of pregnancy. Information on the use of mild analgesics was collected retrospectively 3 months prior to pregnancy and prospectively every 2 weeks throughout the study. We collected extensive data on lifestyle and reproductive health. Biospecimens were collected in the first trimester (maternal and paternal urine‐ and blood samples), in the third trimester in conjunction with a study‐specific ultrasound scan (maternal urine sample), and approximately 3 months post‐partum during the infant minipuberty period (maternal and infant urine‐ and blood samples). A comprehensive evaluation of reproductive function in the infants during the minipuberty phase was performed, including an ultrasound scan of the testis or ovaries and uterus. Preliminary Results: In total, 685 pregnant women and their partners were included between March 2020 and January 2022. A total of 589 infants (287 males) and their parents completed the follow‐up during the minipuberty phase (December 2020—November 2022). Conclusions: The Copenhagen Analgesic Study holds the potential to provide novel and comprehensive insights into the impact of early and late prenatal exposure to mild analgesics and other endocrine‐disrupting chemicals on future reproductive function in the offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) may affect the male reproductive system as it uses angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)2, which is expressed in testicular tissue, as an entry point into the cell. Few studies have evaluated the long‐term effects of mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on testicular function, and insulin‐like factor 3 (INSL3) levels have not previously been assessed during acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on testicular function including INSL3 and the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in semen in non‐hospitalised men with mild COVID‐19. Materials and methods: This longitudinal study included 36 non‐hospitalised SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive men (median age 29 years). Inclusion was within seven days following a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction test. Reproductive hormone levels, semen parameters, and the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in oropharyngeal and semen samples were assessed during acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (baseline) and at three‐ and six‐month follow‐up. Wilcoxon matched‐pair signed‐rank (two samples) test was used to assess time‐related alterations in reproductive hormone levels and semen parameters. Results: Lower plasma testosterone (T) (total and calculated free (c‐fT)) and higher luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations were observed during acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (baseline) compared to three‐ and six‐month follow‐up. Consequently, ratios of c‐fT/LH were lower at baseline compared to three‐ and six‐month follow‐up (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Concomitantly, lower INSL3 concentrations were observed at baseline compared to three‐month follow‐up (p = 0.01). The total number of motile spermatozoa was also lower at baseline compared to six‐month follow‐up (p = 0.02). The alterations were detected irrespective of whether the men had experienced SARS‐CoV‐2‐related fever episodes or not. No SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was detected in semen at any time point. Discussion and conclusion: This study showed a reduction in testicular function, which was for the first time confirmed by INSL3, in men mildly affected by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The risk of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA via semen seems to be low. Febrile episodes may impact testicular function, but a direct effect of SARS‐CoV‐2 cannot be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis governs sexual maturation and reproductive function in humans. In early postnatal life, it is transiently active during which circulating sex steroids reach adult levels. While this so‐called minipuberty represents a universal phenomenon in infants of both sexes, its role for early maturation and growth remains incompletely understood. Objectives: To provide normative data on auxology as well as serum and urinary hormone levels in healthy, full‐term infants throughout the first year of life and to investigate associations of postnatal HPG axis dynamics as well as hormonal, genetic and environmental exposures with early genital development and growth. Population: Healthy, Danish, full‐term, singleton newborns including their parents. Design: Single‐centre, prospective, observational longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort. Methods: Newborns were followed with six repeated clinical examinations during a one‐year follow‐up period. An umbilical cord blood sample was drawn at birth. At each visit, infants underwent a clinical examination focusing on auxology and genital development. Further, blood (serum, plasma, DNA) and urine samples were collected at each visit. Mothers and fathers underwent a clinical examination and provided blood samples prior to and after birth. A subset of parents provided urine samples and breast milk samples. Pregnancy and obstetrical outcomes, and detailed parental questionnaires were compiled. Preliminary results: Between August 2016 and August 2018, 2481 women with singleton pregnancies were invited to participate of which 298, including their partners, were enrolled (12.0%). A total of 268 healthy, full‐term newborns born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) were included at birth, 233 newborns participated in the postnatal follow‐up period and 186 completed the one‐year follow‐up period (9.4% and 7.5%, respectively). Conclusion: The COPENHAGEN Minipuberty Study provides detailed, longitudinal data on early genital development and growth including hormonal and genetic profiles and environmental exposure in healthy infants including additional data in their parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]