Journal article

Publication year: 2011

Pages: E891-E898

Journal: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

Volume number: 96

Issue number: 6

ISSN: 0021-972X

eISSN: 1945-7197

Open access status: Bronze

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-2935

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract: 

Context: Whether prepubertal glucocorticoid status impacts on the timing of puberty is not clear.

Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between prepubertal glucocorticoid status and early or late pubertal markers, independent of adrenarchal and nutritional status.

Design and Participants: Prospective cohort study of healthy Caucasian children (n = 111, 56 boys) who provided both 24-h urine samples and weighed dietary records 1 and 2 yr before the start of pubertal growth spurt [age at take-off (ATO)].

Measurements: Major urinary glucocorticoid and androgen metabolites determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis were summed to assess daily overall cortisol (Sigma C21) and adrenal androgen secretion; urinary free cortisol and cortisone measured by RIA were summed (UFF + UFE) as an indicator of potentially bioactive free glucocorticoids.

Main Outcomes: The main outcomes included ATO, age at peak height velocity, age at menarche/voice break, ages at Tanner stage 2 for breast (girls) and genital (boys) development, and pubic hair.

Results: In girls Sigma C21, but not UFF + UFE, was associated with pubertal markers after adjusting for overall adrenal androgen, urinary nitrogen, and body fat. Girls with higher Sigma C21 (fourth quartile) reached ATO 0.7 yr (P = 0.01) and menarche 0.9 yr later (P = 0.006) than girls with lower Sigma C21 (first quartile). The Sigma C21 tended to be also positively associated with age at Tanner stage 2 for breast (P = 0.1), Tanner stage 2 for pubic hair (P = 0.1), and age at peak height velocity (P = 0.06). In boys, neither the Sigma C21 nor UFF + UFE was related to pubertal timing.

Conclusion: An individually higher prepubertal glucocorticoid secretion level, even in physiological range, appears to delay early and late pubertal timing of healthy girls, particularly their onset of pubertal growth spurt and menarche. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 96: E891-E898, 2011)

Harvard Citation style: Shi, L., Wudy, S., Buyken, A., Maser-Gluth, C., Hartmann, M. and Remer, T. (2011) Prepubertal Glucocorticoid Status and Pubertal Timing, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 96(6), pp. E891-E898. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-2935

APA Citation style: Shi, L., Wudy, S., Buyken, A., Maser-Gluth, C., Hartmann, M., & Remer, T. (2011). Prepubertal Glucocorticoid Status and Pubertal Timing. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 96(6), E891-E898. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-2935