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Sex and Iron Modify Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Concentration in 1-Year-Old Children

Elisa Holmlund-Suila1, Maria Enlund-Cerullo1,2, Saara Valkama1

  • 1Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels in 1-year-olds differed by sex, with girls having higher intact FGF23. Iron status significantly influenced FGF23 concentrations in early childhood.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Mineral Metabolism
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is crucial for phosphate homeostasis, but its regulatory mechanisms, particularly in early childhood, remain incompletely understood.
  • Investigating factors like sex and iron status is essential for a comprehensive understanding of FGF23 regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of sex and iron status on fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels in 1-year-old children.
  • To characterize the relationship between iron status and both intact and C-terminal FGF23 concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted with 721 healthy 1-year-old children.
  • Serum samples were analyzed for intact and C-terminal FGF23, iron status (including ferritin), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, ionized calcium, and parathyroid hormone.
  • Statistical analyses, including regression modeling, were used to assess associations and modifications.

Main Results:

  • Intact FGF23 concentrations were significantly higher in girls compared to boys (P < 0.001).
  • Iron concentration showed a strong positive association with intact FGF23 (P < 0.001) and a significant inverse association with C-terminal FGF23 (P < 0.001).
  • Iron status emerged as the most potent modifier of intact FGF23 levels, followed by ferritin, season, ionized calcium, 25OHD, and sex.

Conclusions:

  • In 1-year-old children, sex influences FGF23 levels, with girls exhibiting higher intact FGF23.
  • Iron status significantly modifies FGF23 concentrations, impacting both intact and C-terminal forms, highlighting its role in early childhood mineral metabolism.
Abstract

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