The CYGNET Study: Environmental and Genetic Determinants of Maturation of Girls
-
Investigator: Robert Hiatt, MD, PhD
Sponsor: Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Location(s): United States
Description
Cohort study of Young Girls’ Nutrition, Environment & Transitions A Project of the Bay Area Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Center
This prospective cohort study of 444 girls examines environmental and genetic factors in the development of early puberty and other hallmarks of maturation through the collection of biospecimens, genotyping, data from questionnaires and interviews, and clinical exams.
Examine predictors of age at onset of puberty, especially TannerStage for breast and pubic hair development, including:
• Developmental and lifestyle factors
– Body size and anthropometry
– Food and nutrition
– Physical activity and energy expenditure
• Environmental factors
– Psychosocial factors, social and built environment
– Cigarette smoking, alcohol, medications
– Persistent hormonally-active agents (e.g., PCB’s, PBDE’s)
– Less persistent hormonally-active agents (e.g., phthalates)
• Genetic polymorphisms
– Genes that may influence metabolism of exogenous exposures
– Genes that may influence relevant hormonal pathways