Gender-specific associations of serum sex hormone-binding globulin with features of metabolic syndrome in children

BACKGROUND: Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) has been proposed as a biomarker of MetS in children and adults. We aim to determine the associations of SHBG with components of MetS in children from the Middle-East where the prevalence of MetS are on the rise. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 509 randomly selected school children (226 boys and 283 girls) aged 12–16 years were recruited. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were determined using routine laboratory procedures. Serum SHBG is measured with Cobas e411 using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The modified definition of ATP-III (NHANES III) was used for the diagnosis of MetS. RESULTS: Among 509 children, 23.4 % had metabolic syndrome. Boys had a significantly higher waist circumference and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.032, 0.024, respectively) than girls, while levels of glucose (p < 0.029), and SHBG (p < 0.003) were significantly higher in girls than in boys. In overall population, a significant inverse correlation of SHBG level with age, BMI, systolic blood pressure and triglycerides and a significant direct correlation between SHBG level and HDL-c was exhibited. Children with the lowest tertile of serum SHBG had significantly higher prevalence of MetS (p < 0.05). ROC curve shows SHBG level as more sensitive marker of MetS in boys (AUC = 0.70, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum SHBG is significantly more sensitive in identifying MetS in boys, not girls, indicating gender dimorphism. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13098-016-0134-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.