ESPE Abstracts

Context: Turner syndrome (TS) predisposes to obesity and related disorders being a part of the metabolic syndrome. As TS population is at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases research for laboratory markers of metabolic complications is ongoing. Based on our previous observation special significance is attributed to MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), their inhibitors TIMPs and neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and GDNF (Glial Cell-line Derived Neurotrophic Factor).

Objective: The assessment of the correlation between components of metabolic syndrome and selected metabolic markers in girls with TS.

Method: In 17 girls with TS treated with recombinant growth hormone, of whom 9 started puberty (Tanner≥B2), the waist and hip circumferences were measured and the body mass composition was evaluated using the electrical bioimpedance method (BIA). The concentrations of lipid-carbohydrate parameters (T-Chol, HDL-chol and TG; glucose and insulin in OGTT) as well as the concentration of circulating MMP-1, -2, -9, TIMP-1, BDNF, GDNF and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors) were assessed.

Results: Study patients were at the mean age of 11.4±3.9 years with Z-Score BMI -0.08±0.8 and hSDS -2.6±1.0. Regression analysis revealed negative correlation between the level of HDL-chol and following metabolic markers: TIMP-1 (r= -0.6; P=0.03), MMP-9 (r= -0.7; P<0.01) and BDNF (r= -0.7; P<0.01). Total Body Water and Fat Free Mass positively correlated with MMP-9 (r=0.6, P=0.03; r=0.6, P=0.04, respectively). Correlations between other components of metabolic syndrome and metabolic markers were not significant (p>0.05). Puberty resulted in significantly higher fasting glucose and insulin (P=0.03, P<0.01, resp.), but not in differences in metabolic markers (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Our pilot study indicate that MMP-9, TIMP-1 and BDNF could be useful as a potential indicators of cardiometabolic risk complications in TS girls. As estrogens act advantageously on the HDL level, the concentration of mentioned metabolic markers need further study in which the influence of estrogens should be taken into consideration.