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Prolactin and Adrenal Androgens During Adrenarche
German Iñiguez1, Esteban Barnafi2, Enzo Lalli3,4,5
1Institute of Maternal and Child Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Clinical Endocrinology
|March 6, 2025
Summary
Premature adrenarche (PremA) in girls is linked to higher levels of adrenal androgens, specifically 11-oxygenated C19 steroids. Prolactin concentrations correlate with these androgens, suggesting a potential role in PremA development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Adrenal Steroidogenesis
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Premature adrenarche (PremA) is associated with increased adiposity, earlier puberty, and adverse metabolic profiles in girls.
- Recent studies highlight the role of 11-oxygenated C19 steroids, potent androgens produced by the adrenal gland.
- Mechanisms regulating adrenal 11-oxygenated C19 steroids production remain unclear, with prolactin receptor variants implicated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and 11-oxygenated C19 steroid concentrations and prolactin levels in pre-pubertal girls.
- To explore the relationship between these androgens and potential indicators of premature adrenarche.
Main Methods:
- LC-MS/MS analysis of DHEAS and 11-oxygenated C19 steroids in 244 pre-pubertal girls.
- Categorization of girls into normal DHEAS (ND) and high DHEAS (HD) groups based on the 75th percentile.
- Assessment of anthropometric data, prolactin, and insulin levels.
Main Results:
- Girls with HD exhibited significantly higher weight, height, and BMI compared to ND girls.
- All measured 11-oxygenated C19 steroids (11KA, 11OHA, 11KT, 11OHT) were significantly higher in the HD group.
- Prolactin levels were not associated with DHEAS but showed a significant positive correlation with 11KA and a borderline association with 11OHA.
Conclusions:
- 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) is confirmed as the dominant bioactive androgen during childhood adrenarche and PremA.
- Prolactin levels are directly correlated with adrenal bioactive androgen concentrations.
- Elevated prolactin during childhood may play a role in the development of premature adrenarche.
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