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Evaluation of vitamin D status and its correlation with gonadal function in children at mini-puberty
Suna Kılınç1, Enver Atay2, Ömer Ceran3
1Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Saglık Bilimleri University Istanbul Bagcılar Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Vitamin D deficiency in infant girls was linked to higher testosterone and lower inhibin B levels during mini-puberty. This suggests vitamin D may influence early gonadal function, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activation during mini-puberty is crucial for future reproductive health.
- Limited data exist on the relationship between vitamin D status and gonadal hormones during this critical early-life period.
- Understanding these associations can inform future research on vitamin D's role in early gonadal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and key gonadal hormones in infants during mini-puberty.
- To explore potential correlations between vitamin D status and reproductive hormone profiles in neonates.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional cohort study included 180 healthy neonates (94 boys, 86 girls).
- Measurements of 25(OH)D, LH, FSH, total testosterone, estradiol, AMH, and inhibin B were performed between 30-45 days postnatal.
- Infants were categorized into vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency groups based on 25(OH)D levels.
Main Results:
- In infant girls, 25(OH)D deficiency was associated with significantly higher total testosterone levels compared to sufficiency.
- Infant girls with vitamin D deficiency exhibited significantly lower inhibin B levels than those with sufficient vitamin D status.
- No significant associations were found in boys.
Conclusions:
- A modest effect of 25(OH)D on total testosterone and inhibin B was observed in girls during mini-puberty.
- These findings suggest that 25(OH)D may play a role in modulating gonadal function in early life.
- Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to elucidate the precise impact of vitamin D on gonadal hormones during mini-puberty.
Context:
The effects of Vitamin D on reproductive function in adults have gained interest. Studies have demonstrated some associations. Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is activated during the first 6 months of life, called as mini-puberty. This HPG activation is important for future gonadal function. There are no data regarding the association of gonadal hormones and 25(OH)D levels at mini-puberty. Demonstration of any association would form the basis for studies that will search for the effects of 25(OH)D on gonadal hormones at mini-puberty.
Objective:
To characterize the associations between 25(OH)D levels and gonadal hormones at mini-puberty.
Design:
Cross-sectional cohort analysis.
Patient(S) Or Other Participant(S):
A total of 180 (94 boys and 86 girls) healthy appropriate-for-gestational-age neonates were included.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
25(OH)D, LH, FSH, total testosterone, oestradiol, AMH and inhibin B levels were measured at postnatal 30-45 days. All infants were divided into three groups including vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL), vitamin D insufficiency (10-20 ng/mL) and vitamin D sufficiency (>20 ng/mL). Correlations between vitamin D status and reproductive hormones were analysed.
Result(S):
Total testosterone level was higher (mean: 0.52 ± 0.32 vs 0.26 ± 0.2 ng/mL; P: 0.008) and inhibin B was lower in 25(OH)D deficient than sufficient girls (mean: 21.2 ± 15.71 vs 53.25 ± 47.25 pg/mL; P: 0.021).
Conclusion(S):
A modest effect of 25(OH)D was identified on total testosterone and inhibin B in girls at mini-puberty. The 25(OH)D may have an effect on gonadal function during early life. Randomized controlled trials could clarify the importance of vitamin D on gonadal hormones at mini-puberty.
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