Anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal profiles of the partially admixed pygmoid group in Rampasasa (Flores, Indonesia)

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2021 Apr 13;34(5):547-557. doi: 10.1515/jpem-2020-0526. Print 2021 May 26.

Abstract

Objectives: We performed a cross-sectional study on anthropometric and laboratory characteristics of inhabitants of Rampasasa (Flores, Indonesia). Adults were categorised according to ancestry into three groups: pygmoid (P/P, offspring of pygmoid parents, n=8), mixed pygmoid (P/N, offspring of pygmoid and non-pygmoid parents, n=12) and non-pygmoid (N/N, n=10). Children (n=28) were P/N.

Methods: Measurements included height, weight, sitting height, arm span, head circumference, haematological analysis and serum albumin, calcium, vitamin D, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). Pubertal stage and bone age was assessed in children. Anthropometric data were expressed as standard deviation score (SDS) for age. IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio were expressed as SDS for age, bone age and pubertal stage.

Results: Mean height SDS showed a gradient from P/P (-4.0) via P/N (-3.2) to N/N (-2.3) (-3.4, -3.1 and -2.2 adjusted for age-associated shrinking). Sitting height and head circumference showed similar gradients. Serum IGF-I SDS was similar among groups (approximately -1 SDS). IGFBP-3 SDS tended toward a gradient from P/P (-1.9) via P/N (-1.5) to N/N (-1.1), but IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio was normal in all groups. In P/P and P/N, mean head circumference SDS was >2 SD greater than mean height SDS. Children showed a progressive growth failure and bone age delay, delayed female pubertal onset and an initial low serum IGF-I, normal IGFBP-3 and low IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio.

Conclusions: P/P showed proportionate short stature with relative macrocephaly and relatively low IGFBP-3; P/N presented an intermediate pattern. P/N children were progressively short, showed delayed skeletal maturation, delayed puberty in girls and low IGF-I and IGF-I/IGFBP-3.

Keywords: IGF-I; IGFBP-3; growth; head circumference; negritos; pygmies; short stature; vitamin D deficiency.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anthropometry
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Body Weight*
  • Bone Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Bone Diseases / metabolism
  • Bone Diseases / pathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Ethnicity / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Growth Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Growth Disorders / metabolism
  • Growth Disorders / pathology
  • Humans
  • Indonesia / epidemiology
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 / blood*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • IGFBP3 protein, human
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I