Serum kisspeptin, neurokinin B and inhibin B levels can be used as alternative parameters to distinguish idiopathic CPP from premature thelarche in the early stages of puberty.

OBJECTIVE: There is controversial results about serum kisspeptin, neurokinin-B (NKB), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin B (INHB) levels in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). Aim of this study is to evaluate serum levels of these four peptides in patients presented with early pubertal signs, and to evaluate their diagnostic validity in the diagnosis of CPP.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study PATIENTS: Study included 99 girls (51 CPP, 48 premature thelarche [PT]) whose breast development started before 8 years and 42 age-matched healthy prepubertal girls. Clinical findings, antropometric measurements, laboratory and radiological findings were recorded. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test was performed in all cases with early breast development.

MEASUREMENTS: Kisspeptin, NKB, INHB and AMH levels were measured in fasting serum samples using ELISA method.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between mean ages of girls with CPP (7.1±1.2 years), PT (7.2±1.3 years), and prepubertal controls (7.0±1.0 years). Serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB levels were higher in CPP group compared to PT and control groups, while serum AMH level was lower in CPP group. Serum kisspeptin, NKB, and INHB were all positively correlated with bone age (BA) advancement, and peak luteinizing hormone (LH) in GnRH test. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that the most important factors used to differentiate CPP from PT were advanced BA, serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB levels (AUC: 0.819, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: We, firstly showed in the same patients' group that serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB were higher in patients with CPP and can be used as alternative parameters to distinguish CPP from PT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.