All issues > Volume 44(10); 2001

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 2001;44(10):1103-1111. Published online October 15, 2001.

Relationship between Serum Leptin Levels and Other Predictors in Obese Children

Se Jin SJ Park¹, Ki Won KW Park¹, Young Mi YM Hong¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Ewha Womans University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Purpose
: The product of the ob gene, leptin is an adipocyte specific hormone that might be involved in the regulation of food intake by the central neuroendocrine system. Recent studies reported that serum leptin concentrations were correlated with Body mass index(BMI) and other obesity measurements. The aims of this study were to evaluate leptin concentrations according to degree of obesity and to assess the relationship between serum leptin concentrations and other obesity parameters.
Methods
: 84 children were included in this study. BMI was calculated and body compositions such as fat mass, protein, minerals, intracellular fluid and extacellular fluid were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Serum lipid and insulin were measured after 12 hours overnight fasting. Serum leptin levels were estimated using DSL-23100 leptin coated tube Immunoradiometric assay kit.
Results
: Serum leptin concentrations were 22.7?.2 ng/mL in obese group, 16.7?.4 ng/mL in high risk group. In control group, serum leptin concentrations were 3.8?.9 ng/mL. Serum leptin concentrations were significantly increased in obese group and positively correlated with degree of obesity. Serum insulin levels were significantly increased in obesity group. Serum leptin concentrations were significantly correlated with body fat percent, fat mass, BMI, subscapular skinfold thickness, triceps skinfold thickness.
Conclusion
: Serum leptin and insulin levels were significantly increased in obese group and highly correlated with fat percent, fat mass, BMI, subscapular skinfold thickness and triceps skinfold thickness. Serum leptin levels will be importent predictor in obesity.

Keywords :Leptin, Obesity, Body fat, Hyperinsulinemia