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Tennilä J, Muukkonen L, Utriainen P, Voutilainen R, Jääskeläinen J, Liimatta J. Cognitive performance in young adult women with a history of premature adrenarche. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03380-4. [PMID: 38969813 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03380-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Girls with premature adrenarche (PA) mature earlier than peers and have been found to have greater symptom accounts reflecting anxiety compared to peers. It is not known, however, whether PA effects cognitive development. This longitudinal case-control cohort study aimed: (1) To investigate whether a history of PA leads to measurable changes in adulthood cognitive performance, and (2) to assess whether findings characteristic of PA girls predict adulthood cognitive performance. METHODS Twenty-seven girls with PA and 27 age-matched control girls were examined and followed from mid-childhood (mean age 7.2 years) until early adult age (18.5 years). Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition scores were used as main outcome measure. RESULTS Allostatic load (AL) scores, which compile multisystem variables to reflect the overall wear and tear of the body from increased and prolonged stress, were higher in the PA group in both prepuberty and adulthood, but there were no differences in WAIS-IV results between the groups (full-scale IQ 92.7 vs. 97.5, p 0.376; no differences in separate indexes). Childhood androgen levels, glucose metabolism biomarkers, and AL scores failed to predict adulthood cognitive performance outcomes. CONCLUSION The study suggests that PA does not predispose to adverse adulthood outcomes of cognitive development. IMPACT The study suggests that a history of premature adrenarche (PA) does not affect cognitive performance in adult age. Childhood androgen levels and biomarkers of glucose metabolism failed to predict adulthood cognitive outcomes in this study. Allostatic load scores were elevated in the PA group both in childhood and adulthood but did not predict adulthood cognitive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Tennilä
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | - Pauliina Utriainen
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, 00029, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo Voutilainen
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jani Liimatta
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
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Liimatta J, du Toit T, Voegel CD, Jääskeläinen J, Lakka TA, Flück CE. Multiple androgen pathways contribute to the steroid signature of adrenarche. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 592:112293. [PMID: 38838762 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adrenarche is a normal developmental event in mid-childhood characterized by increasing adrenal androgen secretion. The role of the classic androgen pathway has been well described in adrenarche, but the role of newer active androgens and additional androgen pathways is less clear. OBJECTIVE To study the contribution of novel androgens and related steroid biosynthesis pathways to the development of adrenarche, and to identify additional steroid biomarkers of adrenarche. DESIGN A longitudinal study of children aged 6-8 years at baseline, followed up at ages 8-10 and 14-16 years. A total of 34 children (20 girls) with clinical and/or biochemical signs of adrenarche (cases) and 24 children (11 girls) without these signs (controls) at age 8-10 years were included. Serum steroid profiling was performed by liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Thirty-two steroids compartmentalized in progestagens, gluco- and mineralocorticoid pathways, and four androgen related pathways, including the classic, backdoor, 11-oxy, and 11-oxy backdoor pathways. RESULTS The classic and 11-oxy androgen pathways were more active, and serum concentrations of main androgens in the classic (dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione and androsterone) and 11-oxy (11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, 11β-hydroxytestosterone, 11-ketoandrostenedione, and 11-ketotestosterone) pathways were higher in cases at ages 6-8 and 8-10 years. Pregnenolone concentrations at adrenarchal age (8-10 years) and cortisol concentrations at adolescence (14-16 years) were higher in cases. 11β-hydroxyandrosterone and 11-ketoandrosterone tended to be higher in cases with clinical signs compared to cases who had only biochemical evidence of adrenarche, albeit they were detected at low levels. In biomarker analyses, calculated steroid ratios with cortisol, cortisone, or 11-deoxycortisone as dividers were better classifiers for adrenarche than single steroids. Among these ratios, androstenedione/cortisone was the best. CONCLUSIONS The classic and 11-oxy androgen pathways are active in adrenarche. Children with earlier timing of adrenarche have higher serum cortisol levels at late pubertal age, suggesting that early adrenarche might have long-term effects on adrenal steroidogenesis by increasing the activity of the glucocorticoid pathway. Future studies should employ comprehensive steroid profiling to define novel classifiers and biomarkers for adrenarche and premature adrenarche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Liimatta
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit (KuPRU), University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Therina du Toit
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Clarissa D Voegel
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit (KuPRU), University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo A Lakka
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; Foundation for Research in Health Exercise and Nutrition, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Augsburger P, Liimatta J, Flück CE. Update on Adrenarche-Still a Mystery. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:1403-1422. [PMID: 38181424 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adrenarche marks the timepoint of human adrenal development when the cortex starts secreting androgens in increasing amounts, in healthy children at age 8-9 years, with premature adrenarche (PA) earlier. Because the molecular regulation and significance of adrenarche are unknown, this prepubertal event is characterized descriptively, and PA is a diagnosis by exclusion with unclear long-term consequences. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We searched the literature of the past 5 years, including original articles, reviews, and meta-analyses from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, using search terms adrenarche, pubarche, DHEAS, steroidogenesis, adrenal, and zona reticularis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Numerous studies addressed different topics of adrenarche and PA. Although basic studies on human adrenal development, zonation, and zona reticularis function enhanced our knowledge, the exact mechanism leading to adrenarche remains unsolved. Many regulators seem involved. A promising marker of adrenarche (11-ketotestosterone) was found in the 11-oxy androgen pathway. By current definition, the prevalence of PA can be as high as 9% to 23% in girls and 2% to 10% in boys, but only a subset of these children might face related adverse health outcomes. CONCLUSION New criteria for defining adrenarche and PA are needed to identify children at risk for later disease and to spare children with a normal variation. Further research is therefore required to understand adrenarche. Prospective, long-term studies should characterize prenatal or early postnatal developmental pathways that modulate trajectories of birth size, early postnatal growth, childhood overweight/obesity, adrenarche and puberty onset, and lead to abnormal sexual maturation, fertility, and other adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Augsburger
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jani Liimatta
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit (KuPRU), University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
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Liimatta J, Flück CE, Mäntyselkä A, Häkkinen MR, Auriola S, Voutilainen R, Jääskeläinen J, Lakka TA. Effects of 2-Year Physical Activity and Dietary Intervention on Adrenarchal and Pubertal Development: The PANIC Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:e1603-e1613. [PMID: 37329220 PMCID: PMC10655527 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Childhood overweight has been linked to earlier development of adrenarche and puberty, but it remains unknown if lifestyle interventions influence sexual maturation in general populations. OBJECTIVE To investigate if a 2-year lifestyle intervention influences circulating androgen concentrations and sexual maturation in a general population of children. METHODS We conducted a 2-year physical activity and dietary intervention study in which 421 prepubertal and mostly normal-weight 6- to 9-year-old children were allocated either to a lifestyle intervention group (119 girls, 132 boys) or a control group (84 girls, 86 boys). The main outcome measures were serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione (A4), and testosterone concentrations, and clinical adrenarchal and pubertal signs. RESULTS The intervention and control groups had no differences in body size and composition, clinical signs of androgen action, and serum androgens at baseline. The intervention attenuated the increase of DHEA (P = .032), DHEAS (P = .001), A4 (P = .003), and testosterone (P = .007) and delayed pubarche (P = .038) in boys but it only attenuated the increase of DHEA (P = .013) and DHEAS (P = .003) in girls. These effects of lifestyle intervention on androgens and the development of pubarche were independent of changes in body size and composition, but the effects of intervention on androgens were partly explained by changes in fasting serum insulin. CONCLUSION A combined physical activity and dietary intervention attenuates the increase of serum androgen concentrations and sexual maturation in a general population of prepubertal and mostly normal-weight children, independently of changes in body size and composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Liimatta
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit (KuPRU), University of Eastern Finland, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christa E Flück
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aino Mäntyselkä
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit (KuPRU), University of Eastern Finland, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Merja R Häkkinen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), 70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Raimo Voutilainen
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit (KuPRU), University of Eastern Finland, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit (KuPRU), University of Eastern Finland, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo A Lakka
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
- Foundation for Research in Health Exercise and Nutrition, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Diaz-Thomas AM, Golden SH, Dabelea DM, Grimberg A, Magge SN, Safer JD, Shumer DE, Stanford FC. Endocrine Health and Health Care Disparities in the Pediatric and Sexual and Gender Minority Populations: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:1533-1584. [PMID: 37191578 PMCID: PMC10653187 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine care of pediatric and adult patients continues to be plagued by health and health care disparities that are perpetuated by the basic structures of our health systems and research modalities, as well as policies that impact access to care and social determinants of health. This scientific statement expands the Society's 2012 statement by focusing on endocrine disease disparities in the pediatric population and sexual and gender minority populations. These include pediatric and adult lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) persons. The writing group focused on highly prevalent conditions-growth disorders, puberty, metabolic bone disease, type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, and obesity. Several important findings emerged. Compared with females and non-White children, non-Hispanic White males are more likely to come to medical attention for short stature. Racially and ethnically diverse populations and males are underrepresented in studies of pubertal development and attainment of peak bone mass, with current norms based on European populations. Like adults, racial and ethnic minority youth suffer a higher burden of disease from obesity, T1D and T2D, and have less access to diabetes treatment technologies and bariatric surgery. LGBTQIA youth and adults also face discrimination and multiple barriers to endocrine care due to pathologizing sexual orientation and gender identity, lack of culturally competent care providers, and policies. Multilevel interventions to address these disparities are required. Inclusion of racial, ethnic, and LGBTQIA populations in longitudinal life course studies is needed to assess growth, puberty, and attainment of peak bone mass. Growth and development charts may need to be adapted to non-European populations. In addition, extension of these studies will be required to understand the clinical and physiologic consequences of interventions to address abnormal development in these populations. Health policies should be recrafted to remove barriers in care for children with obesity and/or diabetes and for LGBTQIA children and adults to facilitate comprehensive access to care, therapeutics, and technological advances. Public health interventions encompassing collection of accurate demographic and social needs data, including the intersection of social determinants of health with health outcomes, and enactment of population health level interventions will be essential tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Diaz-Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Sherita Hill Golden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dana M Dabelea
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Adda Grimberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sheela N Magge
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Joshua D Safer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10001, USA
| | - Daniel E Shumer
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Fatima Cody Stanford
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine-Division of Endocrinology-Neuroendocrine, Department of Pediatrics-Division of Endocrinology, Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard (NORCH), Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Association of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, birth size, adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors in 7-year-old children. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:1897-1905. [PMID: 34417562 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01706-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low birth size (BS) and obesity have been associated with higher dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in childhood, insulin acting as a mediator, despite contradictory findings. To further explore these issues, we studied the associations between DHEAS, BS, adiposity, maternal characteristics, and cardiometabolic risk indicators, in participants of Generation XXI, a population-based birth cohort. METHODS A sample of 700 children (mean age 7.1 yr) was randomly selected. Data on maternal characteristics, BS, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio, body fat (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), insulin, lipid profile, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were analyzed in relation to DHEAS. RESULTS DHEAS was negatively associated with BS and positively associated with all adiposity indicators, with no sex differences. DHEAS was positively associated with insulinemia independently of the child's BS or BMI. No significant association was found between DHEAS, maternal characteristics, lipid profile, or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Including insulin in the model did not affect the association between BS and DHEAS but reduced the magnitude of the BMI effect by 24% for boys and 30% for girls. CONCLUSION Higher DHEAS levels at 7 years old were associated with lower BS and higher adiposity. DHEAS levels were positively associated with insulinemia independently of BS or BMI. IMPACT Low birth weight and obesity have been associated with higher dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in prepuberty. Insulin has been suggested as a mediator, despite previous studies failing to show an association between DHEAS and insulin levels. In a randomly selected population of 700 7-year-old children from the Generation XXI birth cohort, higher DHEAS levels were associated with a lower birth size and higher adiposity, with no sex differences. DHEAS was positively related to insulinemia independently of the child's birth size or body mass index. No association was found between DHEAS and other cardiometabolic risk factors.
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Patyra K, Löf C, Jaeschke H, Undeutsch H, Zheng HS, Tyystjärvi S, Puławska K, Doroszko M, Chruściel M, Loo BM, Kurkijärvi R, Zhang FP, Huang CCJ, Ohlsson C, Kero A, Poutanen M, Toppari J, Paschke R, Rahman N, Huhtaniemi I, Jääskeläinen J, Kero J. Congenital Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Alters Adrenal Gene Expression, Development, and Function. Thyroid 2022; 32:459-471. [PMID: 35044245 PMCID: PMC9048185 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: The human adrenal cortex undergoes several rapid remodeling steps during its lifetime. In rodents, similar remodeling occurs postnatally in the "X-zone" layer through unknown mechanisms. Furthermore, little is known regarding the impact of thyroid hormone (TH) on adrenal glands in humans. Methods: To investigate the impact of TH on adrenal pathophysiology, we created two genetic murine models mimicking human nonautoimmune hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Moreover, we analyzed serum thyrotropin (TSH) and steroid hormone concentrations in patients diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism and premature adrenarche (PA). Results: We found that TH receptor beta-mediated hypertrophy of the X-zone significantly elevated the adrenal weights of hyperthyroid women. In the hypothyroid model, the X-zone was poorly developed in both sexes. Moreover, large reciprocal changes in the expression levels of genes that regulate adrenal cortical function were observed with both models. Unexpectedly, up- and downregulation of several genes involved in catecholamine synthesis were detected in the adrenal glands of the hypothyroid and hyperthyroid models, respectively. Furthermore, TSH and adrenal steroid concentrations correlated positively in pediatric patients with congenital hypothyroidism and PA. Conclusions: Our results revealed that congenital hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism functionally affect adrenal gland development and related steroidogenic activity, as well as the adrenal medulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Patyra
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics; Turku, Finland
| | - Christoffer Löf
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
- Molecular Medicine and Genetics of Cancer, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
| | - Holger Jaeschke
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
| | - Hendrik Undeutsch
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Joan & Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Huifei Sophia Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Sofia Tyystjärvi
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
- Department of Experimental Neuroimmunology, Klinikum rechst der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kamila Puławska
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
| | - Milena Doroszko
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marcin Chruściel
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
- Orion Pharma, Turku, Finland
| | | | | | - Fu-Ping Zhang
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling; University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- GM-Unit of Laboratory Animal Centre and Biomedicum Stem Cell Centre, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Chen-Che Jeff Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andreina Kero
- Department of Pediatrics; Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research; Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling; University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics; Turku, Finland
| | - Ralf Paschke
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Nafis Rahman
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine; Turku, Finland
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jukka Kero
- Department of Pediatrics; Turku, Finland
- Address correspondence to: Jukka Kero, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, Turku 20521, Finland
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Abstract
Adrenarche is the maturational increase in adrenal androgen production that normally begins in early childhood. It results from changes in the secretory response to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) that are best indexed by dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) rise. These changes are related to the development of the zona reticularis (ZR) and its unique gene/enzyme expression pattern of low 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 with high cytochrome b5A, sulfotransferase 2A1, and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5. Recently 11-ketotestosterone was identified as an important bioactive adrenarchal androgen. Birth weight, body growth, obesity, and prolactin are related to ZR development. Adrenarchal androgens normally contribute to the onset of sexual pubic hair (pubarche) and sebaceous and apocrine gland development. Premature adrenarche causes ≥90% of premature pubarche (PP). Its cause is unknown. Affected children have a significantly increased growth rate with proportionate bone age advancement that typically does not compromise growth potential. Serum DHEAS and testosterone levels increase to levels normal for early female puberty. It is associated with mildly increased risks for obesity, insulin resistance, and possibly mood disorder and polycystic ovary syndrome. Between 5% and 10% of PP is due to virilizing disorders, which are usually characterized by more rapid advancement of pubarche and compromise of adult height potential than premature adrenarche. Most cases are due to nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Algorithms are presented for the differential diagnosis of PP. This review highlights recent advances in molecular genetic and developmental biologic understanding of ZR development and insights into adrenarche emanating from mass spectrometric steroid assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Rosenfield
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Goddings AL, Viner RM, Mundy L, Romaniuk H, Molesworth C, Carlin JB, Allen NB, Patton GC. Growth and adrenarche: findings from the CATS observational study. Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:967-974. [PMID: 33931399 PMCID: PMC8461445 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-319341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that patterns of pubertal maturation are associated with different patterns of health risk. This study aimed to explore the associations between anthropometric measures and salivary androgen concentrations in pre-adolescent children. METHODS We analysed a stratified random sample (N=1151) of pupils aged 8-9 years old from 43 primary schools in Melbourne, Australia from the Childhood to Adolescence Transition Study. Saliva samples were assayed for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA-sulfate and testosterone. Anthropometric measures included height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Associations between (1) anthropometric measures and each androgen, and (2) hormone status with obesity and parental report of pubertal development were investigated using linear regression modelling with general estimating equations. RESULTS Greater height, weight, BMI and waist circumference were positively associated with higher androgen concentrations, after adjusting for sex and socioeconomic status. Being overweight or obese was associated with higher testosterone and DHEA concentrations compared with the normal BMI category. Those who were obese were more likely (OR=2.7, 95% CI 1.61 to 4.43, p<0.001) to be in the top tertile of age-adjusted androgen status in both sexes. CONCLUSION This study provides clear evidence for an association between obesity and higher androgen levels in mid-childhood. The adrenal transition may be a critical time period for weight management intervention strategies in order to manage the risk for metabolic problems in later life for high-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lise Goddings
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Russell M Viner
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Lisa Mundy
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helena Romaniuk
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charlotte Molesworth
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John B Carlin
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas B Allen
- School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - George C Patton
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Topaktaş E, Erolu E, Dursun F, Kırmızıbekmez H. Evaluation of metabolic parameters and aortic elasticity in normotensive children with premature adrenarche. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 34:1009-1015. [PMID: 34167179 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2021-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Premature adrenarche may be associated with an intrauterine programmed metabolic syndrome which should be considered as a warning sign for coronary heart disease due to accelerated atherosclerosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS Seventy-three patients with premature adrenarche were evaluated for metabolic parameters and aortic elasticity to evaluate the susceptibility to atherosclerosis and compared with a control group. The patients were examined in two groups as overweight and nonoverweight, and metabolic and cardiac parameters were also compared among these groups. Strain, distensibility, and stiffness index parameters were used to evaluate aortic elasticity. RESULTS Biochemical parameters and cardiac measurements were not statistically different between patients and controls. They also did not differ between patients with normal weight and overweight groups. Atherogenic index and insulin resistance were closely related and a positive correlation between cholesterol and triglyceride, and ascending aortic stiffness was found. CONCLUSIONS The results may suggest that cholesterol and triglyceride-related arterial involvement is more involved in the pathogenesis of arterial stiffness. It can be considered that 'being overweight' or 'having metabolic profile characterized by insulin resistance and dyslipidemia' are the major coexisting factors influencing the vascular structure, rather than increased androgens and premature adrenarche itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eylem Topaktaş
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Erolu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Health Sciences, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Dursun
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Health Sciences, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Heves Kırmızıbekmez
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Health Sciences, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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11
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Tennilä J, Jääskeläinen J, Utriainen P, Voutilainen R, Häkkinen M, Auriola S, Morin-Papunen L, Liimatta J. PCOS Features and Steroid Profiles Among Young Adult Women with a History of Premature Adrenarche. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e3335-e3345. [PMID: 34060603 PMCID: PMC8372635 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Premature adrenarche (PA) may increase the risk for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). OBJECTIVE To study features of PCOS in young adult women with a history of PA. METHODS Thirty PA and 42 control females were followed from prepuberty to young adulthood (median age 18.1 years). The main outcome measures were ovarian function, the use of contraceptives, and clinical and biochemical indicators of hyperandrogenism. RESULTS We found no differences in the use of hormonal contraceptives (50 vs 50%, PA vs controls, respectively; P > .999), indication for using contraceptives (P = .193), or in the history of oligo- (17 vs 26%, P = .392) and amenorrhea (0 vs 0%, P > .999). Among women not using hormonal contraceptives, those with a history of PA had a higher prevalence of hirsutism (27 vs 0%, P = .023) but not acne (87 vs 67%, P = .252). Steroid profiles were broadly comparable between the groups, but PA women had lower sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations (30.1 vs 62.4 nmol/L, P < .001) resulting in higher free androgen index (3.94 vs 2.14, P < .001). The difference in SHBG levels persisted through body mass index adjustment. SHBG correlated negatively with the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (r -0.498, P = .003). Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations were comparable between the groups (39.3 vs 32.1 pmol/L, P = .619). CONCLUSION PA was not associated with evident ovarian dysfunction in young adult women. However, women with a history of PA had decreased SHBG levels and thus, increased bioavailability of circulating androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Tennilä
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pauliina Utriainen
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Pediatric Research Center, Children’s Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo Voutilainen
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Merja Häkkinen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Laure Morin-Papunen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jani Liimatta
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence: Jani Liimatta, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, FI-70029 Kuopio, Finland.
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12
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Wise-Oringer BK, Burghard AC, O’Day P, Hassoun A, Sopher AB, Fennoy I, Williams KM, Vuguin PM, Nandakumar R, McMahon DJ, Auchus RJ, Oberfield SE. The Unique Role of 11-Oxygenated C19 Steroids in Both Premature Adrenarche and Premature Pubarche. Horm Res Paediatr 2020; 93:460-469. [PMID: 33530089 PMCID: PMC7965256 DOI: 10.1159/000513236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies have shown 11-oxygenated androgens (11oAs) are the dominant androgens in premature adrenarche (PA). Our objective was to compare 11oAs and conventional androgens in a well-defined cohort of children with PA or premature pubarche (PP) and correlate these androgens with metabolic markers. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital. Fasting early morning serum steroids (including 11oAs) and metabolic biomarkers were compared and their correlations determined in children ages 3-8 years (F) or 3-9 years (M) with PA or PP (5 M and 15 F) and healthy controls (3 M and 8 F). RESULTS There were no differences between PA, PP, and controls or between PA and PP subgroups for sex, BMI z-score, or criteria for childhood metabolic syndrome. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) was elevated only in the PA subgroup, as defined. 11oAs were elevated versus controls in PA and PP although no differences in 11oAs were noted between PA and PP. Within the case cohort, there was high correlation of T and A4 with 11-ketotestosterone and 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione. While lipids did not differ, median insulin and HOMA-IR were higher but not statistically different in PA and PP. CONCLUSIONS PA and PP differ only by DHEAS and not by 11oAs or insulin sensitivity, consistent with 11oAs - rather than DHEAS - mediating the phenotypic changes of pubarche. Case correlations suggest association of 11oAs with T and A4. These data are the first to report the early morning steroid profiles including 11oAs in a well-defined group of PA, PP, and healthy children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany K. Wise-Oringer
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032 USA
| | - Anne Claire Burghard
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032 USA
| | - Patrick O’Day
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 USA
| | - Abeer Hassoun
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032 USA
| | - Aviva B. Sopher
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032 USA
| | - Ilene Fennoy
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032 USA
| | - Kristen M. Williams
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032 USA
| | - Patricia M. Vuguin
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032 USA
| | - Renu Nandakumar
- Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032 USA
| | - Donald J. McMahon
- Division of Endocrinology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032 USA
| | - Richard J. Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 USA,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 USA
| | - Sharon E. Oberfield
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032 USA
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13
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Idkowiak J, Elhassan YS, Mannion P, Smith K, Webster R, Saraff V, Barrett TG, Shaw NJ, Krone N, Dias RP, Kershaw M, Kirk JM, Högler W, Krone RE, O’Reilly MW, Arlt W. Causes, patterns and severity of androgen excess in 487 consecutively recruited pre- and post-pubertal children. Eur J Endocrinol 2019; 180:213-221. [PMID: 30566905 PMCID: PMC6365673 DOI: 10.1530/eje-18-0854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective Androgen excess in childhood is a common presentation and may signify sinister underlying pathology. Data describing its patterns and severity are scarce, limiting the information available for clinical decision processes. Here, we examined the differential diagnostic value of serum DHEAS, androstenedione (A4) and testosterone in childhood androgen excess. Design Retrospective review of all children undergoing serum androgen measurement at a single center over 5 years. Methods Serum A4 and testosterone were measured by tandem mass spectrometry and DHEAS by immunoassay. Patients with at least one increased androgen underwent phenotyping by clinical notes review. Results In 487 children with simultaneous DHEAS, A4 and testosterone measurements, we identified 199 with androgen excess (140 pre- and 59 post-pubertal). Premature adrenarche (PA) was the most common pre-pubertal diagnosis (61%), characterized by DHEAS excess in 85%, while A4 and testosterone were only increased in 26 and 9% respectively. PCOS was diagnosed in 40% of post-pubertal subjects, presenting equally frequent with isolated excess of DHEAS (29%) or testosterone (25%) or increases in both A4 and testosterone (25%). CAH patients (6%) predominantly had A4 excess (86%); testosterone and DHEAS were increased in 50 and 33% respectively. Concentrations increased above the two-fold upper limit of normal were mostly observed in PA for serum DHEAS (>20-fold in the single case of adrenocortical carcinoma) and in CAH for serum androstenedione. Conclusions Patterns and severity of childhood androgen excess provide pointers to the underlying diagnosis and can be used to guide further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Idkowiak
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
- Correspondence should be addressed to J Idkowiak;
| | - Yasir S Elhassan
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
| | - Pascoe Mannion
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
| | - Karen Smith
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rachel Webster
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vrinda Saraff
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
| | - Timothy G Barrett
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
| | - Nicholas J Shaw
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
| | - Nils Krone
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
- Academic Unit of Child Health, Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Renuka P Dias
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
| | - Melanie Kershaw
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
| | - Jeremy M Kirk
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
| | - Wolfgang Högler
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Ruth E Krone
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
| | - Michael W O’Reilly
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
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14
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Macut D, Zdravković V, Bjekić-Macut J, Mastorakos G, Pignatelli D. Metabolic Perspectives for Non-classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia With Relation to the Classical Form of the Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:681. [PMID: 31632355 PMCID: PMC6783496 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH) represents mild form of CAH with the prevalence of 0. 6 to 9% in women with androgen excess. Clinical and hormonal findings in females with NC-CAH are overlapping with other hyperandrogenic entities such as polycystic ovary syndrome hence causing difficulties in diagnostic approach. Metabolic consequences in subjects with NC-CAH are relatively unknown. We are lacking longitudinal follow of these patients regarding natural course of the disease or the therapeutic effects of the different drug regiments. Patients with NC-CAH similarly to those with classical form are characterized with deteriorated cardiovascular risk factors that are probably translated into cardiometabolic diseases and events. An increased preponderance of obesity and insulin resistance in patients with NC-CAH begin at young age could result in increased rates of metabolic sequelae and cardiovascular disease later during adulthood in both sexes. On the other hand, growth disorder was not proven in patients with NC-CAH in comparison to CAH patients of both gender characterized with reduced final adult height. Similarly, decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis are not constant findings in patients with NC-CAH and could depend on the sex, and type or dose of corticosteroids applied. It could be concluded that NC-CAH represent a particular form of CAH that is characterized with specificities in clinical presentation, diagnosis, therapeutic approach and metabolic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djuro Macut
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Djuro Macut
| | - Vera Zdravković
- Division of Endocrinology, University Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelica Bjekić-Macut
- Department of Endocrinology, UMC Bežanijska kosa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrine Diseases, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- Faculty of Medicine, Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto/I3S Research Institute, Hospital S João, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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15
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Liimatta J, Sintonen H, Utriainen P, Voutilainen R, Jääskeläinen J. Children with a History of Premature Adrenarche Have Good Health-Related Quality of Life at the Age of 12 Years. Horm Res Paediatr 2018; 89:184-188. [PMID: 29502117 DOI: 10.1159/000487134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Children with premature adrenarche (PA) are taller and more overweight than their healthy peers, and PA girls have a slightly accelerated pubertal development. There is some evidence that early exposure to androgens may have an influence on psychosocial development. The aim of this cross-sectional case-control study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PA children at the age of 12 years. METHODS The HRQoL was assessed for 43 PA (36 girls) and 63 control children (52 girls) at the median age of 12.0 years using the standardized 16D instrument, and the scores of the PA children were compared to those of the control children and reference population. RESULTS The mean overall HRQoL scores did not differ between PA and control girls, PA and control boys, or all PA and control children or the reference population. Independently of PA, overweight girls had a lower mean overall HRQoL score than lean girls, and both overweight girls and boys were on average worse off on the dimension of appearance than their lean peers. CONCLUSIONS PA children have as good self-rated HRQoL as their peers at the age of 12 years. Overweight is associated with a worse HRQoL profile independently of PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Liimatta
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Harri Sintonen
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pauliina Utriainen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Raimo Voutilainen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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16
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Mäntyselkä A, Lindi V, Viitasalo A, Eloranta AM, Ågren J, Väisänen S, Voutilainen R, Laitinen T, Lakka TA, Jääskeläinen J. Associations of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Prepubertal Children. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:2592-2600. [PMID: 29757399 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Premature adrenarche (PA) has been associated with overweight and insulin resistance, but the associations of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) concentration with other cardiometabolic risk factors are uncertain. OBJECTIVE To examine the associations of serum DHEAS concentration with several cardiometabolic risk factors in children. DESIGN Cross-sectional data from the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study. PARTICIPANTS Population sample of 207 girls and 225 boys aged 7.6 ± 0.4 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cardiometabolic risk factors by serum DHEAS concentration. RESULTS DHEAS correlated positively with body mass index standard deviation score, body fat percentage, lean body mass, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) when adjusted for age and sex. The associations of DHEAS with hs-CRP and ALT disappeared when adjusted also for body fat percentage. When further adjusted for birth weight SD score, DHEAS correlated negatively with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and LDL/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio. LDL cholesterol was lower in children with DHEAS ≥40 µg/dL than in those with DHEAS <40 µg/dL, adjusted for age, sex, and body fat percentage (86.5 vs 92.3 mg/dL, P = 0.029). This association strengthened after further adjustment for birth weight SD score (85.3 vs 92.3 mg/dL, P = 0.012). CONCLUSION Higher DHEAS is not associated with an increased cardiometabolic risk in prepubertal children. Instead, it may be protective, evidenced by an association with lower LDL cholesterol and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio. The increased cardiometabolic risk in PA shown in many studies may be due to low birth weight and childhood overweight associated with PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aino Mäntyselkä
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio, Finland
| | - Virpi Lindi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna Viitasalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aino-Maija Eloranta
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jyrki Ågren
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sari Väisänen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Eastern Finland and Eastern Finland Laboratory Centre, Kuopio Finland
| | - Raimo Voutilainen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tomi Laitinen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo A Lakka
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio, Finland
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17
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Soininen S, Sidoroff V, Lindi V, Mahonen A, Kröger L, Kröger H, Jääskeläinen J, Atalay M, Laaksonen DE, Laitinen T, Lakka TA. Body fat mass, lean body mass and associated biomarkers as determinants of bone mineral density in children 6-8years of age - The Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study. Bone 2018; 108:106-114. [PMID: 29307776 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Lean body mass (LM) has been positively associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents, but the relationship between body fat mass (FM) and BMD remains controversial. Several biomarkers secreted by adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, or bone may affect bone metabolism and BMD. We investigated the associations of LM, FM, and such biomarkers with BMD in children. We studied a population sample of 472 prepubertal Finnish children (227 girls, 245 boys) aged 6-8years. We assessed BMD, LM, and FM using whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and analysed several biomarkers from fasting blood samples. We studied the associations of LM, FM, and the biomarkers with BMD of the whole body excluding the head using linear regression analysis. LM (standardized regression coefficient β=0.708, p<0.001), FM (β=0.358, p<0.001), and irisin (β=0.079, p=0.048) were positive correlates for BMD adjusted for age, sex, and height in all children. These associations remained statistically significant after further adjustment for LM or FM. The positive associations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin, free leptin index, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and the negative association of leptin receptor with BMD were explained by FM. The positive associations of DHEAS and HOMA-IR with BMD were also explained by LM. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was a positive correlate for BMD adjusted for age, sex, and height and after further adjustment for FM but not for LM. LM and FM were positive correlates for BMD also in girls and boys separately. In girls, insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, and free leptin index were positively and leptin receptor was negatively associated with BMD adjusted for age, height, and LM. After adjustment for age, height, and FM, none of the biomarkers was associated with BMD. In boys, leptin and free leptin index were positively and leptin receptor was negatively associated with BMD adjusted for age, height, and LM. After adjustment for age, height and FM, 25(OH)D was positively and IGF-1 and leptin were negatively associated with BMD. FM strongly modified the association between leptin and BMD. LM but also FM were strong, independent positive correlates for BMD in all children, girls, and boys. Irisin was positively and independently associated with BMD in all children. The associations of other biomarkers with BMD were explained by LM or FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Soininen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Institute of Dentistry, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Social and Health Center, City of Varkaus, Savontie 55, 78300 Varkaus, Finland.
| | - Virpi Sidoroff
- Department of Pediatrics, North-Karelia Central Hospital, Tikkamäentie 16, 80210 Joensuu, Finland.
| | - Virpi Lindi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Anitta Mahonen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Liisa Kröger
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 100, 70029 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Heikki Kröger
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 100, 70029 Kuopio, Finland; Kuopio Musculoskeletal Research Unit (KMRU), University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 100, 70029 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mustafa Atalay
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - David E Laaksonen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Internal Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 100, 70029 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tomi Laitinen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 100, 70029 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Timo A Lakka
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 100, 70029 Kuopio, Finland; Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Haapaniementie 16, 70100 Kuopio, Finland.
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Turcu AF, Nanba AT, Auchus RJ. The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of 11-Oxygenated Androgens in Human Physiology and Disease. Horm Res Paediatr 2018; 89:284-291. [PMID: 29742491 PMCID: PMC6031471 DOI: 10.1159/000486036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The 11-oxyandrogens, particularly 11-ketotestosterone, have been recognized as a biologically important gonadal androgen in teleost (bony) fishes for decades, and their presence in human beings has been known but poorly understood. Today, we recognize that 11-oxyandrogens derive from the human adrenal glands and are major bioactive androgens, particularly in women and children. This article will review their biosynthesis and metabolism, abundance in normal and pathologic states, and potential as biomarkers of adrenal developmental changes and disease. Specifically, 11-oxyandrogens are the dominant active androgens in many patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina F Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Aya T Nanba
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Liimatta J, Utriainen P, Voutilainen R, Jääskeläinen J. Trajectories of Growth and Serum DHEAS and IGF-1 Concentrations in Girls With a History of Premature Adrenarche: Attenuation of the Phenotype by Adulthood. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:375. [PMID: 30042733 PMCID: PMC6048846 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It has been speculated that premature adrenarche (PA) could lead to unfavorable outcome, including shorter adult stature, but longitudinal follow-up data are insufficient. Methods: This prospective case-control study included 30 PA and 42 control females who were born mostly full-term and appropriate for gestational age. They were examined first at the median age of 7.6 years and now at 18.1 years. Main outcome measures were height, body mass index (BMI), age at menarche, and serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations. Results: The PA and control females had comparable mean (standard deviation) adult height [167.2 (6.8) vs. 164.5 (5.1) cm, P = 0.059] and median (25th-75th percentiles) BMI [22.8 (21.1-28.9) vs. 21.6 (19.8-24.3) kg/m2, P = 0.068, respectively]. Adult heights were comparable with the mid-parental heights in both study groups. The PA females were taller than the controls until the age of 12 years and they lacked a distinct pubertal growth spurt. Serum DHEAS and IGF-1 concentrations did not differ between the PA and control groups at the age of 18 years. Median (range) age at menarche was significantly lower in the PA than control females [11.5 (9.5-15.0) vs. 13.0 (10.0-15.0), P = 0.001]. Conclusions: Although PA girls have advanced growth and earlier pubertal development together with a tendency to be more overweight, their height, BMI, and serum DHEAS and IGF-1 concentrations are comparable to those of their peers at the age of 18 years. Our findings indicate a benign outcome of PA in appropriate for gestational age -born females concerning adult height and adrenal androgen secretion.
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Nordman H, Voutilainen R, Antikainen L, Jääskeläinen J. Prepubertal children born large for gestational age have lower serum DHEAS concentrations than those with a lower birth weight. Pediatr Res 2017; 82:285-289. [PMID: 28419081 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2017.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundChildren born small for gestational age (SGA) have higher serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) concentrations than children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). The overall metabolic risk associated with birth weight is U-shaped, but it is not known whether children born large for gestational age (LGA) have elevated serum DHEAS levels.MethodsA cohort of 49 children born LGA, 56 children born AGA, and 23 children born SGA were studied at 5-8 years of age. Anthropometric data at birth, at the age of 2 years, and at examination were recorded. Fasting blood samples were collected for serum analyses of DHEAS, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and insulin concentrations.ResultsThe children born LGA had lower serum DHEAS levels adjusted for body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) and age than the rest of the children. Lower birth weight SDS and higher weight gain during the first 2 years of life predicted higher serum DHEAS levels. Higher serum IGF-1 levels were also associated with higher prevalence of adrenarchal DHEAS levels.ConclusionBeing born LGA was associated with lower DHEAS levels, whereas small birth size and early catch-up growth predicted higher levels. This suggests that genetic or early epigenetic factors have an impact on adrenarche. IGF-1 may be a mediator in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrikki Nordman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Raimo Voutilainen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Leena Antikainen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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21
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Marakaki C, Karapanou O, Gryparis A, Hochberg Z, Chrousos G, Papadimitriou A. Early Adiposity Rebound and Premature Adrenarche. J Pediatr 2017; 186:72-77. [PMID: 28457524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine differences in the growth pattern and the age at adiposity rebound (AR) between children with premature adrenarche (PA) and their healthy peers (controls). STUDY DESIGN In this cross-sectional study of 82 prepubertal children with PA and 63 controls, the main outcome measures were height and body mass index SDS progression, from birth to presentation at the clinic, baseline biochemical and hormonal evaluation, bone age determination, and age at AR. RESULTS Children with PA were significantly taller and more adipose than controls from the first years of life. 33% of children with PA presented the growth pattern of constitutional advancement of growth (ie, early growth acceleration) vs 19% of controls (P = .045). Children with PA had an earlier AR compared with controls; mean age at AR in girls with PA was 3.73 (1.03) years vs 4.93 (1.36) years for control girls (P = .001) and in boys with PA was 3.45 (0.73) vs 5.10 (1.50) years in control boys (P = .048). Both obese and nonobese girls with PA were taller and had earlier age at AR compared with nonobese controls. CONCLUSIONS Early AR and constitutional advancement of growth may be triggering factors for adrenal androgen production and PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrisanthi Marakaki
- Third Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Karapanou
- Third Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Gryparis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Ze'ev Hochberg
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - George Chrousos
- First Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Papadimitriou
- Third Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Liimatta J, Utriainen P, Voutilainen R, Jääskeläinen J. Girls with a History of Premature Adrenarche Have Advanced Growth and Pubertal Development at the Age of 12 Years. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:291. [PMID: 29163361 PMCID: PMC5671637 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature adrenarche (PA) has been linked to early thelarche and menarche, but longitudinal data on growth and pubertal development after PA are insufficient. METHODS Growth and pubertal development of mostly full-term and appropriate for gestational age-born 43 PA (36 girls) and 63 control children (52 girls) were analyzed prospectively. Children examined first at the mean age of 7.6 years were reexamined at the mean age of 12.0 years. RESULTS The PA girls but not the boys were taller and had higher body mass index (BMI) than the controls. A higher proportion of the PA than control girls had reached menarche, while the same percentage of the PA and control boys were at Tanner genital stage ≥2. The PA girls with premature pubarche (PP) were taller but not heavier and had more often reached menarche by the age of 12 years than the PA girls without PP. The PA girls with menarche had lower birth length (BL) and higher prepubertal insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations compared with non-menarcheal PA girls. In logistic regression analyses for all girls, lower BL standard deviation score, earlier maternal menarche, and higher prepubertal IGF-1 were independently associated with menarche. CONCLUSION At 12 years of age, the PA girls had higher BMI, advanced linear growth, and accelerated pubertal development with earlier menarche than the control girls. The PA girls with PP were taller and had earlier menarche than the PA girls without PP. Lower BL and higher prepubertal IGF-1 concentration were predictive factors for menarche by the age of 12 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Liimatta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- *Correspondence: Jani Liimatta,
| | - Pauliina Utriainen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Raimo Voutilainen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Li H, Ji C, Yang L, Zhuang C. Heritability of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels and pubertal development in 6∼18-year-old girls: a twin study. Ann Hum Biol 2016; 44:325-331. [PMID: 27658887 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2016.1240232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), the most plentiful circulating adrenal hormone, may be considered as a marker of the onset of adrenarche and is involved in pubertal development and metabolic disorders. AIM The objective of this study is to determine the genetic and environmental influences on the variation of basal DHEAS levels and pubertal development in pubertal girls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Three hundred and sixty twin girls aged 6-18-years were enrolled, consisting of 132 monozygotic pairs and 48 dizygotic pairs. Anthropometric and sexual characteristics were examined. Serum DHEAS was measured by RIA. Estimates of genetic and environmental components of variance were based on the theory of normal maximum likelihood in Mx package. RESULTS Serum DHEAS concentrations of PH-II and PH-III were significantly higher than Tanner stage PH-I (p < .05) and maintained higher levels in PH-IV ∼ V. Heritability of serum DHEAS estimated by model-fitting on data from 180-pairs of twins is 0.61 (0.52-0.70), the rest of the variance in DHEAS levels could be explained by unique environmental influences and age. The heritabilities of DHEAS in two pubertal sub-groups (PH-I and PH-II-V) are 0.82 (0.71-0.90) and 0.63 (0.52-0.74), respectively. The heritability index of menarche, breast development and pube development are 0.71, 0.35 and 0.45, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Serum DHEAS concentrations of pubertal girls are mainly influenced by genetic factors, especially during the period of adrenarche. The results stress the importance of research into the genetic regulation of the endocrine regulators involved in adrenarche and related metabolic disorders in girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan Li
- a School of Sport Science , Beijing Sport University , Beijing , PR China
| | - Chengye Ji
- b Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , PR China
| | - Liu Yang
- a School of Sport Science , Beijing Sport University , Beijing , PR China
| | - Cheng Zhuang
- a School of Sport Science , Beijing Sport University , Beijing , PR China
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Utriainen P, Laakso S, Liimatta J, Jääskeläinen J, Voutilainen R. Premature adrenarche--a common condition with variable presentation. Horm Res Paediatr 2016; 83:221-31. [PMID: 25676474 DOI: 10.1159/000369458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenarche refers to a maturational increase in the secretion of adrenal androgen precursors, mainly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAS). In premature adrenarche (PA), clinical signs of androgen action appear before the age of 8/9 years in girls/boys, concurrently with the circulating DHEA(S) concentrations above the usually low prepubertal level. The most pronounced sign of PA is the appearance of pubic/axillary hair, but also other signs of androgen effect (adult type body odor, acne/comedones, greasy hair, accelerated statural growth) are important to recognize. PA children are often overweight and taller than their peers, and the higher prevalence of PA in girls than in boys is probably explained by higher female adiposity and peripheral DHEA(S) conversion to active androgens. PA diagnosis requires exclusion of other causes of androgen excess: congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-producing tumors, precocious puberty, and exogenous source of androgens. PA has been linked with unfavorable metabolic features including hyperinsulinism, dyslipidemia, and later-appearing ovarian hyperandrogenism. Although this common condition is usually benign, PA children with additional risk factors including obesity should be followed up, with the focus on weight and lifestyle. Long-term follow-up studies are warranted to clarify if the metabolic changes detected in PA children persist until adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauliina Utriainen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Voutilainen R, Jääskeläinen J. Premature adrenarche: etiology, clinical findings, and consequences. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 145:226-36. [PMID: 24923732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Adrenarche means the morphological and functional change of the adrenal cortex leading to increasing production of adrenal androgen precursors (AAPs) in mid childhood, typically at around 5-8 years of age in humans. The AAPs dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate conjugate (DHEAS) are the best serum markers of adrenal androgen (AA) secretion and adrenarche. Normal ACTH secretion and action are needed for adrenarche, but additional inherent and exogenous factors regulate AA secretion. Inter-individual variation in the timing of adrenarche and serum concentrations of DHEA(S) in adolescence and adulthood are remarkable. Premature adrenarche (PA) is defined as the appearance of clinical signs of androgen action (pubic/axillary hair, adult type body odor, oily skin or hair, comedones, acne, accelerated statural growth) before the age of 8 years in girls or 9 years in boys associated with AAP concentrations high for the prepubertal chronological age. To accept the diagnosis of PA, central puberty, adrenocortical and gonadal sex hormone secreting tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and exogenous source of androgens need to be excluded. The individually variable peripheral conversion of circulating AAPs to biologically more active androgens (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone) and the androgen receptor activity in the target tissues are as important as the circulating AAP concentrations as determinants of androgen action. PA has gained much attention during the last decades, as it has been associated with small birth size, the metabolic and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and thus with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in later life. The aim of this review is to describe the known hormonal changes and their possible regulators in on-time and premature adrenarche, and the clinical features and possible later health problems associating with PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimo Voutilainen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 100, Kuopio FI-70029, Finland.
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 100, Kuopio FI-70029, Finland
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Liimatta J, Laakso S, Utriainen P, Voutilainen R, Palvimo JJ, Jääskeläinen T, Jääskeläinen J. Serum androgen bioactivity is low in children with premature adrenarche. Pediatr Res 2014; 75:645-50. [PMID: 24522103 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2014.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical findings in children with premature adrenarche (PA) correlate only partly with circulating levels of adrenal androgens. It is not known whether the prepubertal low circulating concentrations of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone, together with those of adrenal androgens, are capable of activating the androgen receptor. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed at a university hospital. Circulating androgen bioactivity was measured in 67 prepubertal children with clinical signs of PA and 94 control children using a novel androgen bioassay. RESULTS Circulating androgen bioactivity was low in the PA and control children. In the subgroup of children (n = 28) with serum T concentration over the assay sensitivity (0.35 nmol/l) and a signal in the androgen bioassay, we found a positive correlation between androgen bioactivity and serum T (r = 0.50; P < 0.01) and the free androgen index (r = 0.61; P < 0.01) and a negative correlation with serum sex hormone-binding globulin concentration (r = -0.41; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Peripheral metabolism of adrenal androgen precursors may be required for any androgenic effects in PA. However, the limitations in the sensitivity of the bioassay developed herein may hide some differences between the PA and control children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Liimatta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Saila Laakso
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pauliina Utriainen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Raimo Voutilainen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jorma J Palvimo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tiina Jääskeläinen
- 1] Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland [2] Institute of Dentistry, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Utriainen P, Laakso S, Jääskeläinen J, Voutilainen R. Polymorphisms of POR, SULT2A1 and HSD11B1 in children with premature adrenarche. Metabolism 2012; 61:1215-9. [PMID: 22445027 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2012.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Premature adrenarche (PA) refers to an earlier than normal increase in adrenocortical androgen production. The pathogenesis of PA remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that common polymorphisms at P450 oxidoreductase (POR), steroid sulfotransferase (SULT2A1), or 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1) genes could contribute to the polygenic pathogenesis of PA. We performed a case-control study on the polymorphisms rs1057868 at POR, rs182420 at SULT2A1, and rs12086634 at HSD11B1. The study cohort comprised 73 prepubertal children with PA (defined by clinical signs) and 97 age- and gender-matched healthy controls from a Finnish Caucasian population. Genotype distributions and clinical and metabolic phenotypes were determined. The genotype distributions of the polymorphisms were similar between the study groups. No variant was associated with alterations in serum adrenal steroid concentrations. The minor C variant at SULT2A1 was associated with higher serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations (T/T, n=64 vs T/C&C/C, n=33; mean 94 vs 116 nmol/L; P=.001) and a trend for lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate/dehydroepiandrosterone ratios in the controls (P=.06), and with higher plasma total cholesterol concentrations in the PA subjects (T/T, n=42 vs T/C&C/C, n=31; 4.0 vs 4.6 mmol/L; P<.001). The minor G variant at HSD11B1 was associated with lower plasma triglyceride concentration in the controls (T/T, n=65 vs T/G&G/G, n=32; 0.61 vs 0.49 mmol/L; P=.013). Common polymorphisms at POR, SULT2A1 or HSD11B1 were not associated with PA in a Finnish Caucasian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauliina Utriainen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland P.O. Box 1777, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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Adrenarche and middle childhood. HUMAN NATURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BIOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2012; 22:327-49. [PMID: 22388879 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-011-9120-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Middle childhood, the period from 6 to 12 years of age, is defined socially by increasing autonomy and emotional regulation, somatically by the development of anatomical structures for subsistence, and endocrinologically by adrenarche, the adrenal production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Here I suggest that DHEA plays a key role in the coordinated development of the brain and body beginning with middle childhood, via energetic allocation. I argue that with adrenarche, increasing levels of circulating DHEA act to down-regulate the release of glucose into circulation and hence limit the supply of glucose which is needed by the brain for synaptogenesis. Furthermore, I suggest the antioxidant properties of DHEA may be important in maintaining synaptic plasticity throughout middle childhood within slow-developing areas of the cortex, including the insula, thamalus, and anterior cingulate cortex. In addition, DHEA may play a role in the development of body odor as a reliable social signal of behavioral changes associated with middle childhood.
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Impact of childhood obesity treatment on body composition and metabolic profile. World J Pediatr 2012; 8:31-7. [PMID: 22105574 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-011-0324-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood obesity is associated with adverse changes in cardiometabolic risk factors. A family-oriented group program stressing a health-promoting lifestyle has been more effective than routine counselling in the treatment of obesity in school children. The aim of the present study was to compare the impact of group program and routine councelling on body composition and metabolic profile, and to evaluate the associations of changes in adiposity with levels of cardiometabolic risk factors. METHODS Seventy obese prepubertal children were randomized into family-oriented group program (15 sessions for parents and children) and routine counselling (2 appointments for children). Body mass index (BMI), body composition and different metabolic risk factors were assessed before and after the 6-month intervention. RESULTS Waist/height decreased more in the children attending the group treatment, but there were no significant differences between treatment arms in the changes of metabolic risk factors. When the arms were analyzed as combined, serum triglycerides decreased significantly if BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) decreased ≥ 0.5. Serum fasting insulin decreased if BMISDS decreased ≥ 0.25. CONCLUSIONS Obesity-related metabolic risk factors reduced in prepubertal children if BMI-SDS decreased substantially. This result was not dependent on which intervention, family-oriented group program or routine counselling, was used.
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Idkowiak J, Lavery GG, Dhir V, Barrett TG, Stewart PM, Krone N, Arlt W. Premature adrenarche: novel lessons from early onset androgen excess. Eur J Endocrinol 2011; 165:189-207. [PMID: 21622478 DOI: 10.1530/eje-11-0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Adrenarche reflects the maturation of the adrenal zona reticularis resulting in increased secretion of the adrenal androgen precursor DHEA and its sulphate ester DHEAS. Premature adrenarche (PA) is defined by increased levels of DHEA and DHEAS before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys and the concurrent presence of signs of androgen action including adult-type body odour, oily skin and hair and pubic hair growth. PA is distinct from precocious puberty, which manifests with the development of secondary sexual characteristics including testicular growth and breast development. Idiopathic PA (IPA) has long been considered an extreme of normal variation, but emerging evidence links IPA to an increased risk of developing the metabolic syndrome (MS) and thus ultimately cardiovascular morbidity. Areas of controversy include the question whether IPA in girls is associated with a higher rate of progression to the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and whether low birth weight increases the risk of developing IPA. The recent discoveries of two novel monogenic causes of early onset androgen excess, apparent cortisone reductase deficiency and apparent DHEA sulphotransferase deficiency, support the notion that PA may represent a forerunner condition for PCOS. Future research including carefully designed longitudinal studies is required to address the apparent link between early onset androgen excess and the development of insulin resistance and the MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Idkowiak
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Remer T, Shi L, Buyken AE, Maser-Gluth C, Hartmann MF, Wudy SA. Prepubertal adrenarchal androgens and animal protein intake independently and differentially influence pubertal timing. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 95:3002-9. [PMID: 20371661 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2009-2583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Whether adrenarche impacts on pubertal development is controversial. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to examine the associations of adrenal androgen (AA) secretion with early and late pubertal markers, independent of potential influences of dietary animal protein intake. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS This was a prospective cohort study of healthy free-living Caucasian children (n = 109) who provided both 24-h urine samples and 3-d weighed dietary records 1 and 2 yr before the biological age at take-off of the pubertal growth spurt (ATO). MEASUREMENTS Twenty-four-hour excretion rates of androgen (C19) metabolites quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were measured. MAIN OUTCOMES ATO, age at peak height velocity (APHV), age at menarche/voice break, duration of pubertal growth acceleration, and ages at Tanner stage 2 for breast (girls) and genital (boys) development (B2-G2) and pubic hair (PH2). RESULTS Higher adrenarchal C19 steroids predicted earlier ages at Tanner stage 2 for pubic hair (P < 0.0001) and B2-G2 (P = 0.009) as well as a shorter pubertal growth acceleration period (P = 0.001), independently of animal protein intake. Children with a higher AA secretion had a 1.5-yr earlier beginning of pubarche and a 0.8-yr earlier beginning of B2-G2 than those with a lower AA excretion. Furthermore, animal protein intake was independently negatively associated with ATO and APHV (P < 0.05 each) and tended to be negatively associated with age at menarche/voice break (P = 0.07). CONCLUSION A higher animal protein intake may be involved in an earlier attainment of ATO and APHV, whereas a more intensive adrenarchal process may precipitate a shorter pubertal growth spurt and a notably earlier onset of breast and genital development in girls and boys, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Remer
- Research Institute of Child Nutrition, Department of Nutrition and Health, Heinstueck 11, 44225 Dortmund, Germany.
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Paterson WF, Ahmed SF, Bath L, Donaldson MDC, Fleming R, Greene SA, Hunter I, Kelnar CJH, Mayo A, Schulga JS, Shapiro D, Smail PJ, Wallace AM. Exaggerated adrenarche in a cohort of Scottish children: clinical features and biochemistry. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2010; 72:496-501. [PMID: 19863577 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2009.03739.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the reported association between exaggerated adrenarche (EA) and reduced foetal growth and to identify possible risk factors for future morbidity in Scottish children with clinical features of EA. DESIGN Three-year prospective study. MEASUREMENTS Auxology, blood pressure (BP), biochemical analysis of blood and urine, pelvic ultrasound in girls. RESULTS Fifty-two patients were recruited of whom one girl had nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (17-OHP 17 nmol/l) and one had insufficient blood for analysis. The final cohort comprised 42 girls of mean (SD) age 7.7 (0.99) and eight boys of 8.8 (0.67) years. Mean (SD) birth weight was 3.27 (0.49) and 3.10 (0.76) kg in girls and boys respectively. Height/weight SDS were 1.13/1.69 in girls and 1.69/1.88 in boys. Mean systolic/diastolic BP was 107.8/60.4 (50th-75th centile) in girls and 115.5/63.9 (75th-91st centile) in boys. Uterine and ovarian development was prepubertal. Median serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) was 2.1 and 4.1 mumol/l, androstenedione 3.1 and 3.8 nmol/l in girls and boys respectively, with DHEAS within the reference range/undetectable in 18/2 and androstenedione in 12/6 patients. Fasting insulin was 9.0 and 15.0 mU/l in girls and boys respectively, with concomitant low normal SHBG. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was 15.7 pmol/l in 27 girls, compared with 5.0 pmol/l in normal girls aged 5-8 years. CONCLUSIONS Our Scottish EA cohort showed female predominance, no evidence of reduced foetal growth, a tendency to overweight with commensurate mild hyperinsulinaemia and modest elevation of serum androgens in some patients. We have found raised AMH levels in the girls, indicating advanced ovarian follicular development.
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Utriainen P, Jääskeläinen J, Gröhn O, Kuusisto J, Pulkki K, Voutilainen R. Circulating TNF-Alpha and IL-6 Concentrations and TNF-Alpha -308 G > A Polymorphism in Children with Premature Adrenarche. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2010; 1:6. [PMID: 22654787 PMCID: PMC3356042 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2010.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Premature adrenarche (PA), the early rise in adrenal androgen production leading to prepubertal signs of androgen action, has been connected with adverse metabolic features. The metabolic syndrome is characterized by low-grade inflammation which in turn is associated with increases in circulating proinflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). We tested the hypothesis that serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 are increased in PA by studying 73 children with PA and 98 age- and gender-matched controls. Serum TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were measured using a multiplex bead array. The subjects were genotyped for the TNF-α gene -308 G > A polymorphism (known to affect TNF-α gene transcription), and genotype-phenotype associations were studied. The mean serum TNF-α concentration was higher in the PA than control children (20.4 vs. 18.4 pg/ml, P = 0.048), whereas there was no significant difference in the mean serum IL-6 concentrations between the study groups. The difference in TNF-α was not explained by excess body weight in the PA subjects as the difference remained significant after BMI-adjustment (P = 0.038). In the PA group, TNF-α concentration was not associated with metabolic-endocrine features, but high IL-6 was associated with lower birth weight. There was no difference in the genotype distribution of the TNF-α gene -308 G > A polymorphism between the PA and control groups. In conclusion, PA was associated with increased serum TNF-α concentrations which, unexpectedly, were not connected with BMI or insulin resistance. The TNF-α gene -308 G > A polymorphism does not seem to be associated with the development of PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauliina Utriainen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
| | - Oskari Gröhn
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Eastern Finland Laboratory Centre, University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna Kuusisto
- Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
| | - Kari Pulkki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Eastern Finland Laboratory Centre, University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
| | - Raimo Voutilainen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
- *Correspondence: Raimo Voutilainen, Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1777, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland. e-mail:
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Utriainen P, Jääskeläinen J, Saarinen A, Vanninen E, Mäkitie O, Voutilainen R. Body composition and bone mineral density in children with premature adrenarche and the association of LRP5 gene polymorphisms with bone mineral density. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009; 94:4144-51. [PMID: 19789208 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2009-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Precocious increase in adrenal androgen production is the hallmark of premature adrenarche (PA). Adrenal androgens have anabolic properties. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to test whether body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) are altered in PA and study whether genetic variation in low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) affects BMD in PA. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study. SETTING The study was conducted at a university hospital. SUBJECTS AND MEASURES The study included 126 prepubertal children (64 with PA, 10 boys; 62 non-PA controls, 10 boys). Femoral neck and lumbar spine areal and calculated volumetric BMD (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), body composition (bioimpedance), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and markers of bone turnover and calcium homeostasis were compared between the PA and control groups. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of LRP5 were determined and associated with BMD. RESULTS Children with PA had higher femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD(areal) than the controls (Z-score 0.56 vs. -0.09, P < 0.001, and 0.20 vs. -0.31, P = 0.009, respectively). However, the mean BMDs did not differ significantly between the groups when adjusted for height or bone size. BMD(areal) correlated strongly with height sd score in both groups. Among the PA children, LRP5 single-nucleotide polymorphism E644E minor variant was associated with lower and F549F minor variant with higher BMD. Total body fat mass, fat percent, serum PTH, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were higher and 25-hydroxyvitamin D lower in the PA group. CONCLUSIONS Prepubertal children with PA had higher BMD(areal) compared with healthy controls. This was mainly explained by their increased height. LRP5 polymorphisms may contribute to bone mass accrual in prepubertal PA children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauliina Utriainen
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Kuopio and Kuopio University Hospital, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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