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Prepubertal children born large for gestational age have lower serum DHEAS concentrations than those with a lower
Henrikki Nordman1, Raimo Voutilainen1, Leena Antikainen1
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
Insights
Children born large for gestational age (LGA) have lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels. Small birth size and early growth predict higher DHEAS, suggesting early factors influence adrenarche.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
- Growth and Development
Background:
- Children born small for gestational age (SGA) exhibit higher dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels.
- The metabolic risk associated with birth weight follows a U-shaped curve.
- Limited data exists on DHEAS levels in children born large for gestational age (LGA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum DHEAS levels in children born LGA compared to appropriate (AGA) and small (SGA) for gestational age.
- To explore associations between birth weight, early growth, and DHEAS levels.
- To examine the role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in relation to DHEAS.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 49 LGA, 56 AGA, and 23 SGA children aged 5-8 years.
- Collection of anthropometric data at birth, 2 years, and examination.
- Fasting blood samples analyzed for DHEAS, IGF-1, and insulin concentrations.
Main Results:
- Children born LGA demonstrated lower serum DHEAS levels, adjusted for BMI SDS and age.
- Lower birth weight SDS and accelerated weight gain in the first two years predicted higher DHEAS levels.
- Elevated serum IGF-1 levels correlated with a higher prevalence of adrenarchal DHEAS levels.
Conclusions:
- Being born LGA is linked to reduced DHEAS levels.
- Small birth size and early catch-up growth are predictors of higher DHEAS levels.
- These findings suggest a significant impact of genetic or early epigenetic factors on adrenarche, potentially mediated by IGF-1.
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.