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Higher free testosterone in third trimester was associated with lower abdominal circumference at birth in boys: Odense Child Cohort.
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  • Camilla Palm,
  • Anja Dreyer,
  • Henriette Boye,
  • Jan Stener Joergensen,
  • Chunsen Wu,
  • Frederik Højsager,
  • Tina Kold Jensen,
  • Dorte Glintborg,
  • Marianne Andersen
Camilla Palm
Odense University Hospital

Corresponding Author:camilla.viola.palm@rsyd.dk

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Anja Dreyer
Odense University Hospital
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Henriette Boye
Odense University Hospital
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Jan Stener Joergensen
University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences
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Chunsen Wu
University of Southern Denmark
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Frederik Højsager
Odense University Hospital
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Tina Kold Jensen
Odense University Hospital
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Dorte Glintborg
Odense University Hospital
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Marianne Andersen
Odense University Hospital
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Abstract

Objective: To investigate programming effects of maternal testosterone on offspring birth anthropometrics. Design: Population-based prospective cohort study. Setting: University Hospital. Population: 1,486 mother-child dyads from Odense Child Cohort. Methods: Maternal blood samples were collected at gestational week 27-30 and free testosterone (FT) levels were calculated using the Vermeulen equation from total testosterone (TT) analyzed by mass spectrometry and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Associations between FT or TT levels and birth anthropometrics were analyzed with multiple linear regression models according to offspring sex with adjustment for maternal age, parity, smoking and educational level. Analyses were repeated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as exposure for offspring birth anthropometrics. Main outcome measures: Offspring birth weight (BW), birth length, abdominal- and head circumferences. Results: Maternal mean (SD) age was 30.2 (4.5) years and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was 23.5 (5.3) kg/m2. In boys (n=787), higher FT was associated with lower BW (adjusted doubling constant=-65.53, p=0.010), shorter birth length (adjusted doubling constant=-0.43, p<0.001), and lower abdominal circumference (adjusted doubling constant=-0.39, p<0.001); Higher TT was associated with lower abdominal circumference (adjusted doubling constant=-0.25, p=0.028). In girls, no associations were found between maternal FT or TT and offspring anthropometrics. Conclusions: Higher maternal free testosterone exposure was linked to reduced birth weight, length and abdominal circumference in boys, whereas girls were not susceptible to maternal testosterone exposure.
07 Mar 2023Submitted to BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
09 Mar 2023Submission Checks Completed
09 Mar 2023Assigned to Editor
09 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Mar 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
07 Apr 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
12 May 20231st Revision Received
16 May 2023Submission Checks Completed
16 May 2023Assigned to Editor
16 May 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 May 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 May 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
12 Jun 20232nd Revision Received
13 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
13 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
13 Jun 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 Jun 2023Editorial Decision: Accept