Relationship of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate with Overweight and Insulin Sensitivity in 12–16-Year-old Spanish Children

Abstract

DHEA-S is the most abundant steroid hormone in human circulation. Although a relationship of DHEA-S with obesity-related diseases has been reported, the metabolic role of this hormone remains unclear, particularly in children. In our study, we have investigated the relationship of DHEA-S levels with anthropometric variables, insulin, HOMA, and free fatty acids in adolescents. The study sample included 812 healthy 12–16-year-old children (383 boys and 429 girls). Plasma DHEA-S was determined by RIA, insulin concentrations by IRMA, and free fatty acids by using a commercial kit. Insulin resistance was estimated using the HOMA index. No significant differences in plasma DHEA-S levels were found between sexes. DHEA-S levels in overweight children were significantly higher than in normal-weight children. DHEA-S levels were significantly correlated with weight and BMI after adjusting for age. Significant positive correlations between DHEA-S and free fatty acids levels were found after adjusting for age and BMI, particularly in boys, but not between DHEA-S levels and insulin or HOMA in either gender. DHEA-S levels in 12–16-year-old children are correlated with weight and BMI independently of age. We failed to find any association between DHEA-S and insulin levels, but we did find a ­significant correlation between DHEA-S and free fatty acids levels, suggesting that its association with free fatty acids may be related to the onset of the association of DHEA-S with insulin resi­stance