Adrenal disease

Similarities and Differences in Diurnal Salivary Adrenal Hormones in Monozygotic Twins with Discordant Birthweight

Horm Res PaediatrPublished Cross-sectional study

Authors' conclusion

The significant correlations within monozygotic twin pairs in all measured hormones at nearly all time points suggest a strong genetic influence on the adrenal axis. Among the discordant twin pairs, we found significant variations in progesterone, suggesting additional long-lasting influence from intrauterine conditions on adrenal hormones with possible metabolic consequences.

Study context

Population
Monozygotic pre-pubertal twin pairs, mean age 6.9 years; diurnal saliva samples (7:00 a.m./waking, 1:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.)
Participants
46 twin pairs
Exposure
Smaller vs larger co-twin in monozygotic twin pairs with concordant or discordant birthweight
  • Concordantn = 29reference
  • Discordantn = 17
Outcome
Intra-twin correlations of diurnal salivary adrenal hormones
Methodological detailsmonozygotic twin pairs, LC-MS/MS
  • Monozygotic twin pairs
  • LC-MS/MS

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Significant intra-twin correlations in all twin pairs for nearly all time points; progesterone and androstenedione

4/4 time points

Significant intra-twin correlations: 17-hydroxyprogesterone

2 of 4

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

Mean progesterone, smaller vs larger twin, discordant pairs · 7:00 a.m.

P = 0.018

Mean progesterone, smaller vs larger twin, discordant pairs — Intra-twin differences in progesterone in discordant pairs
3/4 time points

Regression of smaller twin's progesterone, discordant pairs · 6:00 p.m.

Explained by bw: Β −1.102; SE 0.563
P = 0.05
Explained by actual weight: Β 0.799; SE 0.327
P = 0.019
Hormonal parameters explained mainly by co-twin parameter

Original publication

Similarities and Differences in Diurnal Salivary Adrenal Hormones in Monozygotic Twins with Discordant Birthweight. Horm Res Paediatr. Published 27 November 2024. doi:10.1159/000542549

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