Differences in Stimulated Androgen Levels in Black and White Obese Adolescent Females

Abstract

Study Objective Little is known about racial differences in androgen levels among obese children. The objective of this pilot study was to compare basal and stimulated androgen levels in a cross-sectional sample of obese black and white pubertal females. Study Design, Setting, and Participants This was cross-sectional study of obese (body mass index ≥ 95th percentile) but otherwise healthy female adolescents (10 black and 12 white; age range 8.8-13.9 y) who underwent adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing at an academic medical center as part of a protocol for the study of obesity-related conditions. Main Outcome Measures Basal and stimulated androgen levels. Results White and black participants were similar with regard to pubertal stage, body mass index, percentage body fat, and fasting glucose and insulin levels. Black girls had lower stimulated levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and the differences between basal and stimulated levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione were lower in black girls. Body mass index was negatively correlated with stimulated cortisol in blacks only ( r = -0.69, P = .03). Conclusion There appear to be race-related differences in stimulated androgen levels in obese adolescent females. These differences deserve further study, as measurements of androgen levels are commonly used in clinical practice and research.