Leptin Levels and Obesity in Childhood.

Chung,  So Chung; Kim,  Duk Hi

Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab > Volume 4(2); 1999 > Article

Original Article

Journal of Korean Society of Pediatric Endocrinology 1999;4(2): 211-218.

Leptin Levels and Obesity in Childhood.

Abstract

PURPOSE
Leptin is a hormone involved in the regulation of energy balance. Serum leptin levels are correlated with body fat. It provide information to hypothalamus on the amount of energy stored in the adipose tissue. Certain endocrine disease presents obesity in childhood, such as growth hormone deficiency, Prader- Willi syndrome and Turner syndrome. The purpose of this study is to evaluate leptin levels in obese children and to know whether it is a useful marker to differentiate the underlying cause of obesity. METHODS: One hundred sixty six obese children were included in this study. Height, weight, HTSDS, WTSDS, adjusted WTSDS to height age and BMI were measured. Serum leptin levels were measured. RESULTS :Leptin levels in simple obesity, growth hormone deficiency, Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome and control were 12.3+/-6.3ng/ml, 6.4+/-2.0ng/ml, 19.9+/-11.2ng/ml, 8.9+/-5.3ng/ml, 5.7+/-3.7ng/ml respectively. Leptin levels were significantly high in obese children, especially in Prader-Willi syndrome, simple obesity and Turner syndrome. Leptin concentration were correlated with BMI and WTSDS.
CONCLUSION
Leptin can be used as an indicator of obesity but, not suitable as a differential diagnostic factor for obesity.

Keywords: Leptin;Growth hormone deficiency;Prader-Willi syndrome;Turner syndrome