Specific features of leptin secretion in children and adolescents with obesity

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine baseline leptin secretion and its association with insulin secretion in children and adolescents with obesity and in those having normal body weight. Sixty- six children and adolescents aged 11-16years, including 48 individuals with obesity, were examined. Anthropometric indices, fasting serum leptin concentrations, and the time course of changes during a three-hour oral glucose test were assessed. In obese children and adolescents, the baseline level of leptin was significantly higher than in normally weighing children and adolescents of the same age. Abdominovisceral obesity showed a higher level of leptin than gluteofemoral obesity. Age- and gender-specific features of leptin production were revealed in obese children and adolescents. There was an association of leptin production with anthropometric indices. Children and adolescents with obesity showed a positive correlation of the baseline level of leptin with overall insulin secretion during the oral test and a negative correlation of the baseline level of leptin with the insulin sensitivity index.