Flück, Christa E; Kuiri-Hänninen, Tanja; Silvennoinen, Sanna; Sankilampi, Ulla; Groessl, Michael (2022). The androgen metabolome of preterm infants reflects fetal adrenal gland involution. The journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 107(11), pp. 3111-3119. Oxford University Press 10.1210/clinem/dgac482
|
Text
dgac482.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (1MB) | Preview |
CONTEXT
The human adrenal cortex changes with fetal-neonatal transition from the fetal to the adult organ, accompanied by changes in the steroid metabolome.
OBJECTIVE
As it is unclear how the observed developmental changes differ between preterm and full-term neonates, we investigated whether the involution of the fetal adrenals is following a fixed time course related to postmenstrual age or whether it is triggered by birth. Furthermore, the fetal and postnatal androgen metabolome of preterm infants was characterized in comparison to term babies.
DESIGN
Prospective, longitudinal, two centre study collecting spot urines of preterm and term infants during the first 12-18 months of life.
METHODS
Steroid metabolites were measured from spot urines by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data relating were modelled according to established pre- and postnatal pathways.
RESULTS
Fetal adrenal involution occurs around term-equivalent age in preterm infants and is not triggered by premature birth. Testosterone levels are higher in preterm infants at birth and decline slower till term compared to full-term babies. Dihydrotestosterone levels and the activity of the classic androgen biosynthesis pathway are lower in premature infants as is 5α-reductase activity. No difference was found in the activity of the alternate backdoor pathway for androgen synthesis.
CONCLUSIONS
Human adrenal involution follows a strict timing that is not affected by premature birth. By contrast, prematurity is associated with an altered androgen metabolome after birth. Whether this reflects altered androgen biosynthesis in utero remains to be investigated.
Actions (login required)
 |
Edit item |