Relationship between Kisspeptin and metabolic changes in the onset of puberty and its impact on behavior

Abstract

The mechanisms involved in the onset of sexual maturation or puberty are still unknown. Alterations in metabolism and kisspeptin signaling have been pointed out as possible factors in triggering this process. The present study aims to investigate if there are differences in kisspeptin and metabolic profile between youngsters who present constitutional delay of puberty (CDP) compare to others of the same age who are post-pubertal. The sample will be composed of 60 13 to 15 year-olds half of whom will have CDP. They will be compared to age- and sex-matched controls in Tanner stage 5. We will assess the reciprocal relations between kisspeptin concentrations in urine, metabolic makers (lipid profile, glicade hemoglobin and anthropometrics measures and blood pressure) and pubertal development assessed by many variables: sex hormones (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and estrogenic action) in saliva/urine, clinical Tanner stages (golden standard), and self-report pubertal staging using the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS). As puberty is also associated with cerebral alterations, with consequent behavioral changes, we will additionally investigate if pubertal delay impairs performance in tasks used to assess intelligence (estimated intelligence quotient) and autonomy in carrying out household chores, which involve behavioral self-regulation (ecological scale - Children Helping Out: Responsibilities, Expectations, and Supports). (AU)