Seminar

Minipuberty, the first postnatal transient activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, results in a temporary elevation of gonadotropins that influence neurological and reproductive development. Preterm infants exhibit exacerbated minipuberty and an increased risk of cognitive and reproductive disorders in adulthood.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in regulating this phase. Our research shows that NO deficiency is associated with impaired maturation of the HPG axis, suggesting that NO could be a therapeutic target to reduce the effects of prematurity on long-term development.