Potential role of microalgae in delaying early menarche in girls with central precocious puberty

Abstract

Central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls is characterized by an early onset of puberty. Premature thelarche occurring before age of 8 years in such cases is followed by onset of menarche in next 2–3 years. Though certain causative environmental, genetic and hormonal factors have been identified, the exact etiology remains largely elusive in many cases. A connection between gut microbiome (GM) and precocious puberty has been widely reported attributing it to the well-known gut-endocrine axis. Gut dysbiosis has been proposed as the “missing link” in idiopathic CPP (ICPP). Accordingly, biotherapeutic strategies such as probiotic therapy, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary interventions (e.g. phytoestrogens and polyphenols) have been successfully tried. Recent studies have identified microalgae as a sustainable source of high-quality protein, with a number of additional benefits. These are attributed to their demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Moreover, microalgae are widely reported to restore gut microbiome homeostasis by exerting dual probiotic and prebiotic functions and influencing sex hormone biotransformation. Their role in biotransformation of sex hormones, therefore, makes microalgae a suitable candidate for this role per se. By joining the pieces of these intricate clues, we hypothesize that inclusion of microalgae in diet represents future of nutritional interventions in ICPP. Recognition of ICPP by onset of thelarche will alert the parents, physicians and nutritionists. Inclusion of nutritional supplementation with microalgae after this, could offer a rational approach for delaying the oncoming onset of menarche in children with ICPP.