Changes in stress axis and metabolic energy patterns from pre- to post-menarche in a group of Mayan girls– A preliminary analysis

ROWLANDS, A.; TRUJILLO JIMÉNEZ, M. A.; SALVANTE, KG.; NEPOMNASCHY, PA.

Los Angeles, CA

Congreso; 49th Annual Meeting of the Human Biology Association; 2024

Human Biology Association

Adolescence is a critical transition in which girls face energetic trade-offs between growth and reproductive development. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) is a key modulator of metabolic energy trade-offs across the lifespan, yet few studies have examined its role during girls’ reproductive maturation. Hypothesis: Preparation and initiation of the adolescent transition requires the accumulation of metabolic energy as well as an increase in HPAA activity, promoting energy circulation to allow for reproductive maturation, including the development of secondary sexualtraits and the onset of ovarian function. Methods: To test our hypothesis, we evaluated biomarkers of energy storage (adiponectin), HPAA activity (cortisol) and circulating energy (c-peptide) quantified in urinary specimens from 23 Mayan adolescent girls from Guatemala collected in 2013 (pre-menarche) and then from the same girls in 2017 (post- menarche). Results: As girls transitioned from pre- to post-menarche, mean adiponectin decreased from 8.9 to 1.2 ng/ml; mean cortisol among girls decreased from 56.12 to 48.3 ng/ml; and mean c-peptide decreased from 55.3 to 29.1 ng/ml. We interpret the decrease in adiponectin from pre- to post-menarche to reflect an increase in visceral fat (storage),which may suggest that more energy is being stored for investment into reproductive efforts. Higher levels of cortisol and c-peptide pre-menarche reflect an increase in HPAA activity and an increase in energy circulation levels as girls prepare to enter their transition. Next, we will explore possible mediators or interactions among variables to better understand the role of stress and metabolic energy on the pace of the adolescent transition.