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Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What exactly makes men taller than women? New study reveals genetic truth that might surprise you
Men are generally taller than women, with an average height gap of about five inches. While hormonal differences have often been credited for this, new research points to genetic factors—particularly the role of the sex chromosomes—as a significant contributor to this long-standing biological difference. A comprehensive study recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) analyzed genetic data from nearly one million adults. The research drew from three major biobanks: the UK Biobank and two from the United States—MyCode and All of Us. Among the 928,605 participants, 1,225 individuals were identified with atypical numbers of sex chromosomes, providing a rare insight into the biological mechanisms influencing height. The Role of the SHOX Gene At the core of the study is the SHOX gene—short stature homeobox—which plays a key role in regulating height. The SHOX gene resides in a specific region shared by both the X and Y chromosomes, known as pseudoautosomal region 1 (PAR1). This allows it to function similarly in both chromosomes. In typical human females (XX), one of the X chromosomes is largely inactive, except for genes in PAR1, including SHOX. However, these genes still experience partial silencing. In contrast, males (XY) have both an active X and Y chromosome, each expressing SHOX without inactivation, leading to higher gene expression. By comparing individuals with various chromosomal configurations—such as those with extra X or Y chromosomes—the researchers found that an additional Y chromosome contributed more significantly to increased height than an additional X chromosome. This pattern held true across different ancestry groups, highlighting a consistent genetic influence on stature. Beyond Hormones: Statistical Evidence To measure the impact of these chromosomal differences, researchers used multivariate linear regression to account for the influence of hormones, inactive chromosomes, and conditions like Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome. Their analysis concluded that genetic contributions from the Y chromosome explained a substantial portion—up to 22.6%—of the average height gap between men and women. Matthew Oetjens, senior author of the study and a genetics researcher at Geisinger College of Health Sciences, emphasized the biochemical significance of SHOX. He pointed out that its position near the tip of the sex chromosomes allows it to escape silencing in females, though only partially. In males, both chromosomes actively contribute, enhancing the gene's expression and its effect on height. Impact and Implications While the SHOX gene accounts for roughly a quarter of the average height difference , researchers believe other factors—such as sex hormones and yet-undiscovered genetic elements—also play important roles. According to Eric Schadt, professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the use of large-scale biobank data was instrumental in shedding light on a mystery that has puzzled scientists for decades. He acknowledged that while the gene's effect is modest, it represents a key step forward in understanding human growth. Earlier research has also noted trends in height change over the past century, indicating that men have gained height at a faster rate than women, further widening the gap. Social studies have shown that women tend to prefer taller male partners, though scientists caution that taller individuals may also face higher risks for certain cancers due to increased cell division. The findings not only enhance our understanding of human height differences but also provide a foundation for exploring genetic explanations behind other sex-based disparities. Researchers hope that further study into genes like SHOX and their interactions with hormones and other biological systems will continue to reveal more about the complexities of human growth and health outcomes.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Novo Nordisk's Sogroya Supports Effective Weekly Alternative To Daily Hormone Therapy Across Three Growth Disorders
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) on Monday presented data from the phase 3 REAL8 basket study investigating once-weekly Sogroya (somapacitan) in four different but related growth disorder indications, including small for gestational age (SGA), Turner syndrome (TS), Noonan syndrome (NS), and idiopathic short stature (ISS) under one trial protocol. In REAL8, pre-pubertal children with NS, TS, or ISS were randomized to receive either once-weekly Sogroya (somapacitan) 0.24 mg/kg/week or once-daily somatropin 0.050 mg/kg/day. Children born SGA were randomized to receive either somapacitan 0.24 mg/kg/week, a low dose of somatropin 0.035 mg/kg/day, or a high dose of somatropin 0.067 mg/kg/ trial showed that once-weekly Sogroya was non-inferior to the once-daily growth hormone Norditropin (somatropin) in improving yearly growth rate (as measured by height velocity or HV at Week 52). In addition, once-weekly Sogroya was superior to daily growth hormone in children with NS and to lower doses of daily growth hormone in children born SGA. REAL8 data showed that Sogroya was well-tolerated, with no safety or tolerability issues identified compared to once-daily growth hormone. Results from the Turner syndrome (TS) sub-study of REAL8 will be available later this year. The REAL8 trial achieved its primary endpoints for the first three sub-studies, demonstrating that once-weekly Sogroya was non-inferior to once-daily growth hormone treatment at Week 52 across the three indications presented: In children born SGA, Sogroya demonstrated superior estimated mean HV when compared with a lower dose (0.035 mg/kg/day) of somatropin (11.0 vs 9.4 cm/year) and non-inferior estimated mean HV when compared with a higher dose (0.067 mg/kg/day) of somatropin (11.0 vs 11.1 cm/year). Sogroya demonstrated superior estimated mean HV in children with NS compared with somatropin (10.4 vs 9.2 cm/year). Sogroya demonstrated non-inferior estimated mean HV in children with ISS compared with daily somatropin (10.5 vs 10.5 cm/year). In April 2025, based on the data from REAL8 and REAL9, the three indications (SGA, NS, and ISS) were submitted for regulatory review in both the EU and the U.S. Price Action: NVO stock is down 3.00% to $63.80 during the premarket session at the last check on Monday. Image via Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? NOVO NORDISK (NVO): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Novo Nordisk's Sogroya Supports Effective Weekly Alternative To Daily Hormone Therapy Across Three Growth Disorders originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
