Ghrelin and resistin levels in children with epilepsy on valproic acid

Abstract

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the weight gain associated with Valproic acid (VPA) use but it is still not clear. We aimed to investigate the effect of VPA on the level of two of the peptides involved in the regulation of the energy balance (ghrelin and resistin) in children with epilepsy and their relation to growth parameters, VPA level and characteristics of their epileptic disorder. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 34 children with epilepsy on VPA monotherapy. Growth parameters (weight, height and body mass index) were evaluated and trough serum VPA, serum ghrelin and resistin levels were measured and results were compared to the matched controls. Ghrelin levels were significantly higher in the patients than the control group (mean 110.2 ± 41.23 pg/mL and 55.73 ± 24.9 pg/mL, respectively), while resistin levels were not different in both groups (mean 1.68 ± 1.82 ng/mL and 1.0 ± 0.22 ng/mL). Levels of resistin were high in patients with idiopathic epilepsy compared to the control group. Ghrelin and resistin levels did not show a significant correlation to growth parameters. The degree of seizure control and the VPA levels did not seem to affect the results of either hormone. In conclusion, ghrelin levels are increased in children with epilepsy in comparison to healthy controls, which may be a part of hormonal dysfunction secondary to seizures. Our results did not demonstrate a role of VPA use in the observed changes.