Correlation between ceramide and its metabolites and central precocious puberty: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that ceramide (Cer) is implicated in obesity-associated central precocious puberty (CPP), potentially serving as a key mediator within hypothalamic pathways. This study investigated alterations in circulating Cer and its metabolites in CPP patients and explored their potential roles in CPP pathogenesis.

METHODS

In this prospective cross-sectional study, 143 CPP patients and 140 healthy controls were enrolled. Clinical parameters, including gonadotropins, sex hormones, and Tanner stage, were assessed. Serum concentrations of total Cer, ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) were quantified in a subset of 45 CPP patients and 30 controls.

RESULTS

Circulating S1P levels were significantly elevated in children with CPP (P = 0.011). This association remained robust after adjustment for age and BMI (Model III). S1P was negatively correlated with total Cer (r = -0.321, P = 0.01) and mediated the association between Cer and CPP. Moreover, S1P showed significant interactions with BMI and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], revealing a potential link between sphingolipid metabolism and pubertal regulation.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral S1P levels were markedly increased in CPP patients. S1P, rather than Cer, may represent a more sensitive biomarker for CPP and participate in the complex metabolic interplay involving BMI, vitamin D status, and pubertal initiation.