Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Leibel N, Shen W, Mao X, Punyanitya M, Gallagher D, Horlick M, Shungu D, Oberfield S
Journal J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab
Volume 22
Issue 4
Pagination 301-7
Date Published 04/01/2009
ISSN 0334-018X
Keywords Adrenarche, Body Composition, Puberty, Precocious
Abstract BACKGROUND: Premature adrenarche (PA) is recognized to be a possible precursor of polycystic ovarian syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Visceral adiposity and increased intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) are associated with insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. AIM: To determine whether prepubertal girls with PA have altered visceral adiposity and/or increased muscle lipid content compared to prepubertal girls without PA using proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (1H MRS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed total body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, MRI of the trunk, and MRS of the tibialis anterior muscle in the right calf on six girls with PA and eight prepubertal controls. RESULTS: Amount of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and VAT to SAT ratio did not differ significantly between the PA and control girls. Those with PA, however, had significantly greater IMCL than controls (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This study adds further evidence that PA is not a benign condition, and future studies investigating early intervention with dietary and exercise counseling may help diminish potential risk for diabetes mellitus and/or cardiovascular disease.
DOI 10.1515/jpem.2009.22.4.301
PubMed ID 19554803
PubMed Central ID PMC2873039
Back to Top