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