Endothelial function as measured by peripheral arterial tonometry increases during pubertal advancement.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Sex steroids, particularly estrogens, are recognized for their role in vasodilation and influencing endothelial function.
• Understanding the interplay between pubertal development, sex steroid hormones, and endothelial health in children is crucial for long-term cardiovascular well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between pubertal maturation and endothelial function in healthy children.
• To examine the association of specific sex steroids, including estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), with endothelial function.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 89 healthy school-aged children, measuring anthropometric data, blood pressure, lipid profiles, glucose, and insulin.
• Quantified estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), DHEAS, and E1-sulfate using ultrasensitive assays.
• Assessed endothelial function via peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT), expressed as the PAT index, and categorized participants into three pubertal groups based on estrogen levels (Tanner stages I, II-III, IV-V).

Main Results:

• The PAT index, a measure of endothelial function, significantly increased with advancing pubertal Tanner stages (p < 0.001).
• Participants in later pubertal stages (II-V) exhibited higher PAT indices compared to those in Tanner stage I.
• The PAT index showed a positive correlation with estradiol (E2), DHEAS levels, and chronological age.

Conclusions:

• Pubertal development, marked by increasing Tanner stages, is associated with enhanced endothelial function in children.
• Elevated levels of estradiol (E2) and DHEAS during puberty may play a key role in improving the endothelium's response to shear stress and blood flow.