Adrenarchal status as a moderator of a depression–inflammation relation in children

Abstract

Despite findings of an association between depression and inflammation in adult and adolescent populations, this has not yet been conclusively demonstrated in children. Furthermore, studies that have included children have used differing methodologies, yielded mixed results, and have not accurately controlled for puberty. Adrenarche, the first phase of puberty occurring during late childhood, is a plausible moderator due to its effects on the immune system and psychological well-being. Using data from a cross-sectional study, it was hypothesized that (1) high levels of inflammation and low levels of immune function would be associated with depression, and (2) early adrenarche (higher levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone and Testosterone) would moderate this relationship. Sample size was 115 (65 females, mean age = 9.5, age range: 8.67–10.32 years). Participants completed the Childhood Depression Inventory-2 (CDI-2) and saliva samples (measuring hormonal data and immune markers C-reactive protein and secretory immunoglobulin A). Using hierarchical regression, inflammation was positively associated with the Emotional Problems scale (p = 0.029) and Negative Mood/Physical Symptoms subscale (p = 0.012) of the CDI-2. Contrary to expectations, lower levels of adrenarchal hormones (late adrenarche) moderated this relationship (p = 0.006), which may be partially explained by the immunosuppressive effect of testosterone. This was the first study to investigate an adrenarchal population, using biological samples for hormonal data, and to examine both functional and emotional aspects of depression.