Evaluación de las tendencias temporales en las variables antropométricas y lipídicas en niños de 12 a 15 años de edad. Estudio Cuatro Provincias en niños de edad puberal

Abstract

Introduction Sex-related differences in the prevalence of coronary heart disease have been associated to different lipid profiles in men and women, related to changes in sex hormones throughout life. Puberty is a period of development in which the influence of sex hormones on the lipid profile is starting to take place. Thus, we aimed to analyze the relationship between sex hormones (testosterone, oestradiol and SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin)) and changes in anthropometric variables and plasma lipid levels during puberty. Methods Our population-based sample included 370 healthy pubertal children (175 males and 195 females), ranging from 12–15 years old. Plasma lipid levels were measured by standarized methods. Testosterone and oestradiol levels were determined by RIA and SHBG levels were determined by IRMA. Results In boys, significant increases in weight and height across the period were accompanied by an increase in testosterone and a decrease in SHBG levels. HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower in 15-year-old than in younger boys and apo A-I levels steeply decreased across the studied age groups. No significant changes were observed in girls. In boys, HDL-cholesterol and apo A-I levels correlated negatively with testosterone and positively with SHBG. Apo A-I levels remained significantly (p<0.001) correlated to SHBG after adjusting for BMI. Conclusions The significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol and apo A-I levels observed during puberty in boys in our study seemed to be related to both testosterone and SHBG levels, supporting the role of SHBG on this decrease of HDL-cholesterol levels occurring during puberty in boys.