We investigated longitudinal changes in androgen levels and steroidogenic enzyme activities during early childhood.
From a prospective children\'s cohort, the Environment and Development of Children cohort, 114 boys and 86 girls with available blood samples from ages 2, 4, and 6 years were included.
Serum concentrations of adrenal androgens using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and steroidogenic enzyme activity calculated by the precursor/product ratio.
During ages 2 to 4 years, 17,20-lyase and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfotransferase activities increased (P < 0.01 for both in boys). During ages 4 to 6 years, 17,20-lyase activity persistently increased, but 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) and 17β-HSD activities decreased (P < 0.01 for all). Serum DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) levels persistently increased from 2, 4, to 6 years, and DHEA, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione levels increased during ages 4 to 6 years (P < 0.01 for all). Serum DHEA-S levels during early childhood were associated with body mass index z-scores (P = 0.001 in only boys).
This study supports in vivo human evidence of increased 17,20-lyase and DHEA sulfotransferase activities and decreased 3β-HSD activity during early childhood.