Influence of Puberty on Ghrelin and BMD in Athletes

The aim of our study was to examine the influence of elevated energy expenditure on ghrelin and BMD in young male competitive swimmers advancing from prepubertal to pubertal maturation levels. The study included 19 healthy swimmers (pubertal stage 1) aged between 10 and 12 years. The participants were at the pubertal stages 2 and 3, and 3 and 4 at the second and third year, respectively. Ghrelin was decreased only after the first year. No changes were observed in leptin during the study period. Testosterone increased according to the pubertal development at each measurements. IGF-I was increased at the third measurement compared to the first two measurements. Total and lumbar spine BMDs increased according to the pubertal development in all boys at each measurements, while no changes in femoral neck BMD were observed. Ghrelin was not related to BMD after adjusting for pubertal status. We conclude that ghrelin was decreased at onset of puberty, while no further changes in ghrelin were seen with advancing pubertal stage. Total and lumbar spine BMD increased, while no changes in femoral neck BMD occurred. Ghrelin did not appear to have a direct influence on BMD in young male competitive swimmers.