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Biphasic Glucocorticoid Rhythm in One-Month-Old Infants: Reflection of a Developing HPA-Axis?

Jonneke J Hollanders1, Bibian van der Voorn2, Paul de Goede3,4

  • 1Pediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 26, 2019
PubMed

Insights

One-month-old infants show a biphasic glucocorticoid (GC) rhythm, with morning and evening peaks. Breast milk GC levels may influence infant GC patterns, offering insights into early HPA axis development.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Neonatal Research

Background:

  • The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates the stress response and exhibits diurnal patterns.
  • Understanding the development of the HPA axis in early life is crucial for assessing infant health.
  • Limited data exists on HPA axis rhythmicity in the first month of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the diurnal rhythm of glucocorticoids (GCs) in 1-month-old infants.
  • To investigate potential influencing factors on infant HPA axis activity, including maternal distress and breast milk GCs.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study involving 55 mother-infant pairs.
  • Collection of infant saliva and maternal breast milk at 1 month postpartum.
  • Analysis of cortisol and cortisone concentrations using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

  • Infants exhibited a significant biphasic GC rhythm with peaks in the morning and evening.
  • No association was found between infant GC rhythm and maternal psychological distress, season, or infant sex.
  • Breast milk cortisol and cortisone levels were associated with infant GC rhythmicity and timing.

Conclusions:

  • A group-level biphasic GC rhythm is present in 1-month-old infants.
  • Breast milk GCs may play a role in establishing infant GC rhythm, potentially through signaling or enhanced mother-infant synchrony.
  • This study enhances understanding of early-life HPA axis development.
Abstract

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