{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Changes in Adrenal Androgens and Steroidogenic Enzyme Activities From Ages 2, 4, to 6 Years: A Prospective Cohort Study.
{Author}: Kim JH;Lee YA;Lim YH;Lee K;Kim BN;Kim JI;Hong YC;Yang SW;Song J;Shin CH;
{Journal}: J Clin Endocrinol Metab
{Volume}: 105
{Issue}: 10
{Year}: 10 2020 1
{Factor}: 6.134
{DOI}: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa498
{Abstract}: The levels of adrenal androgens are increased through the action of steroidogenic enzymes with morphological changes in the adrenal zona reticularis.<BR>We investigated longitudinal changes in androgen levels and steroidogenic enzyme activities during early childhood.<BR>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.<BR>Serum concentrations of adrenal androgens using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and steroidogenic enzyme activity calculated by the precursor/product ratio.<BR>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).<BR>This study supports in vivo human evidence of increased 17,20-lyase and DHEA sulfotransferase activities and decreased 3β-HSD activity during early childhood.