Leptin Levels In Children Research Articles

The PTK2B gene is associated with obesity, adiposity, and leptin levels in children and adolescents

The PTK2B gene is associated with obesity, adiposity, and leptin levels in children and adolescents

Altered leptin level in autism spectrum disorder and meta-analysis of adipokines

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that leptin is involved in the pathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, our objective was to investigate the levels of leptin in the blood of children with ASD and to examine the overall profile of adipokine markers in ASD through meta-analysis.MethodsLeptin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, while adipokine profiling, including leptin, was performed via meta-analysis. Original reports that included measurements of peripheral adipokines in ASD patients and healthy controls (HCs) were collected from databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. These studies were collected from September 2022 to September 2023 and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Standardized mean differences were calculated using a random effects model for the meta-analysis. Additionally, we performed meta-regression and explored heterogeneity among studies.ResultsOur findings revealed a significant increase in leptin levels in children with ASD compared to HCs (p = 0.0319). This result was consistent with the findings obtained from the meta-analysis (p < 0.001). Furthermore, progranulin concentrations were significantly reduced in children with ASD. However, for the other five adipokines analyzed, there were no significant differences observed between the children with ASD and HCs children. Heterogeneity was found among the studies, and the meta-regression analysis indicated that publication year and latitude might influence the results of the meta-analysis.ConclusionsThese findings provide compelling evidence that leptin levels are increased in children with ASD compared to healthy controls, suggesting a potential mechanism involving adipokines, particularly leptin, in the pathogenesis of ASD. These results contribute to a better understanding of the pathology of ASD and provide new insights for future investigations.

Leptin levels in childhood tuberculosis and its correlation with body mass index, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in an Indonesian population

BackgroundLeptin plays a key role in the regulation of energy and inflammation in tuberculosis (TB). However, its correlation in children with TB remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the correlations between body mass index, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and leptin levels in children with TB. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of children aged 2–14 years with TB. Sputum examination, chest radiography, and tuberculin skin test findings and clinical symptoms were considered for TB diagnosis. Data on body weight; height; mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC); body mass index (BMI); food intake; and IFN-γ, TNF-α, and leptin levels were collected and analyzed. ResultsOf the 64 diagnosed TB subjects, 2 subjects had positive bacteriological results. The median age was 6 (2–14) years, body weight was 17.7 (9.45–55) kg, height was 114 ± 21.46 cm, and Z score BMI was −0.85 ± 1.14 kg/m2. Malnourished was observed in 17.2% of the subjects. The median calorie intake was 1448.5 (676–4674) kcal, carbohydrate intake was 182.5 (63–558) g, protein intake was 57.9 (15.8–191.0) g, and fat intake was 81.6 (23.6–594.1) g. The median leptin level was 1.2 (0.2–59) ng/mL, IFN-γ was 2.5 (0.9–161) pg/mL, and TNF-α was 13.0 (5.7–356) pg/mL. Correlations were observed between leptin and MUAC (r = 0.251, p = 0.02), Z score (r = 0.453, p = 0.00), and IFN-γ (r = 0.295, p = 0.018). ConclusionThere were positive correlations between BMI and leptin levels, whereas IFN-γ and MUAC showed weak correlations.

Salivary Leptin Levels in Children with Early Childhood Caries – An Interventional Study

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a pathologic condition of multifactorial nature. The diagnosis of the same has been limited to clinical and radiographic aids with very little significance to assess its inflammatory component. objectives: The present study aims to evaluate the role of leptin, an adipocytokine as a non-invasive inflammatory biomarker in ECC. Materials and Method: A total of 60 children between the age of (3-5) years were selected for the study. The study subjects were divided into three groups of 20 each including Group 1 as control, Group 2 with mild to moderate ECC and Group 3 with severe ECC. Saliva samples were taken from all subjects and collected again after 2 months following rehabilitative intervention. Levels of salivary leptin were determined using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: Levels of salivary leptin were significantly associated with severity of dental caries. The intragroup comparisons of pre and post treatment levels of salivary leptin showed significant reductions in both mild to moderate ECC and severe ECC groups following caries control. Inter group evaluation between mild to moderate ECC and severe ECC post treatment showed statistically significant decline of leptin levels in comparison to baseline values. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant decline in salivary leptin levels between the mild moderate and severe ECC group, after 2 months following caries control. Thus, leptin holds a potential to be recognized as a reliable future prognostic and diagnostic inflammatory marker in early childhood caries.

Serum leptin levels in children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy types 2 and 3✰

AimIt has been reported that in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), lower levels of motor function are associated with hyperleptinemia. Additionally, hyperleptinemia has been found to be more frequent in underweight SMA patients. Therefore, we aimed to analyze serum leptin levels in patients with SMA. MethodThis was a cross-sectional study of pediatric patients (2–19 years old) with SMA types 2 and 3. The investigations included anthropometric measurements, assessment of pubertal status, motor function evaluation using the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale – Expanded (HFMSE), and serum leptin levels. ResultsIn total, 37 patients (22 with type 2 and 15 with type 3 SMA) were included in the study. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.3 and 62.2% of patients were prepubertal. No statistically significant correlation was found between the HFMSE score and leptin levels, rs(35) = 0.24, p = 0.15. There was, however, a strong positive relationship between the body mass index (BMI) z-score and leptin levels, rs(35) = 0.87, p < 0.001. ConclusionSerum leptin levels do not seem to be a useful marker of disease severity in children and adolescents with types 2 and 3 SMA. As in the general pediatric population, leptin levels are strongly correlated with BMI, which is a surrogate measure of body fat.

Leptin levels in children with malnutrition

ObjectiveThis study aimed at comparing serum levels of leptin in children with malnutrition and good nutritional status. MethodThis cross-sectional study included 41 participants consisting of 31 malnutrition, 10 well-nourished children aged between 36 and 60 months. Demographic data of participants were obtained utilizing a questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by calculating the Z-score of body weight for age, height for age, and body weight for height indices using the WHO classification. Leptin levels were determined by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method. ResultsMedian serum leptin level for malnutrition children were found to be lower, i.e., 9.23 (6.02–197.2) ng/mL compared to well-nourished children 30.95 (6.02–89.36) ng/mL. ConclusionSerum leptin levels can be used as indicators to assess nutritional status.

Study of serum leptin level in children with cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease

Objective The aim of this study was to measure serum leptin levels in children with cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease and to examine its possible role in growth in these children. Background Leptin has been shown to be an integral component of energy homeostasis and regulation of body weight. Leptin regulates adipose tissue mass and correlates with the fat mass. Research on the physiological function of leptin has primarily focused on its role in the pathogenesis of obesity. Children with congenital heart disease are at increased risk for poor growth. Several factors may play a role in poor growth, including feeding difficulties, increased caloric requirements, and the effects of cardiac lesions on growth regulation. Patients and methods This study was carried out over 1 year on 35 patients with congenital heart disease [20 patients were acyanotic (12 boys, 8 girls) and 15 patients were cyanotic (9 boys, 6 girls)] in the Pediatric Cardiology Department in Menoufia University Hospital and 35 apparently healthy children of the same age (range: 3 months–12 years), sex, and socioeconomic status. All patients and controls were subjected to a complete assessment of history, a thorough clinical examination, chest radiograph, ECG, echocardiography, and measurement of serum leptin level. Results Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease had statistically significant lower weight, length, mid-arm circumference, and BMI. There was no statistically significant difference in serum leptin levels in the cyanotic, acyanotic, and control groups. Serum leptin level was correlated positively with BMI and mid-arm circumference in all groups. Conclusion Serum leptin level did not change in children with acyanotic and cyanotic congenital heart disease, suggesting that other factors may regulate nutrient intake, growth, weight, and energy input and output in these children.

Ghrelin and leptin levels in children with anxiety disorders.

Background Anxiety disorders are common psychiatric disorders in childhood and an important health problem that is associated with the risk of serious mental, educational and economical problems. Researchers have mentioned many different mechanisms in the etiopathology of anxiety disorders. This study aimed to investigate ghrelin and leptin levels in children with anxiety disorders and thus to contribute to the clarification of anxiety in children. Methods Forty-three children aged 6-12 years with a diagnosis of the Anxiety Disorder according to DSM 5 and 21 healthy children age- and gender-matched to the study group were included. All the subjects were assessed with Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-C) scale. Blood samples were obtained in the morning and serum ghrelin and leptin levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results In the anxiety group the ghrelin levels were higher than the control group (p = 0.037) but there was no significant difference between the leptin levels (p = 0.430). Also, when the girls in the anxiety group and the girls in the control group were compared, ghrelin levels were higher in the anxiety group (p < 0.01). Conclusions These findings suggest that ghrelin may play a significant role in the etiologic mechanisms of anxiety disorders. However, more detailed studies are needed to explain the linkage between anxiety disorders and neuropeptides.

DIFFERENCES OF SALIVA LEPTIN LEVELS IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE ON HEMODIALYSIS AND HEALTHY CHILDREN (STUDY IN CHILDREN WITH GINGIVITIS)

Objectives: Analyze the difference of salivary leptin in between healthy children with gingivitis and hemodialysis (HD) children with gingivitis.Methods: A total of 20 children, ages 11–16-year-old with gingivitis, were chosen as subjects; 10 were on HD and 10 were healthy children. The level of salivary leptin was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.Results: The results showed a significant difference of salivary leptin levels between the children on HD (61,300 ± 4151 pg/ml) and the healthy children (57,200 ± 3173 pg/ml).Conclusions: There is a significant difference in the salivary leptin levels in children on HD with gingivitis and healthy children with gingivitis.

Serum leptin levels in children with diabetes type 1 and its relation with diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Concordance of bioactive vs. total immunoreactive serum leptin levels in children with severe early onset obesity.

ContextLeptin secreted from adipose tissue signals peripheral energy status to the brain. Monogenic leptin deficiency results in severe early onset obesity with hyperphagia. Recently, a similar phenotype of inactivating leptin mutations but with preserved immunoreactivity and hence normal circulating immunoreactive leptin has been reported.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the proportion of bioactive leptin serum levels (compared to immunoreactive leptin) as a biomarker for the screening of leptin gene mutations causing monogenic obesity. Furthermore, we aimed to compare the immunoreactive and bioactive leptin levels associations with parameters of insulin resistance and insulin secretion in obese children and adolescents.Patients and methodsWe measured bioactive and immunoreactive leptin levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in fasting serum samples of 70 children with severe (BMI SDS >3) non-syndromic obesity with onset <3 years of life from our Leipzig childhood obesity cohort (n = 1204). Sanger sequencing of the leptin gene was performed in probands with proportion of bioactive/immunoreactive leptin <90%.ResultsThe mean levels of bioactive and immunoreactive leptin were almost identical (41.1±25.2 vs. 41.1±25.4ng/mL). In three probands with the lowest bioactive leptin proportion (<90%) we did not identify mutations in the leptin gene. Compared to immunoreactive leptin, bioactive leptin showed similar and slightly better statistical associations with indices of insulin resistance in correlation and multivariate analyses.ConclusionIn our sample selected for severe early onset childhood obesity, we did not identify leptin gene mutations leading to decreased proportion of bioactive leptin.Nevertheless, the bioactive leptin levels were stronger associated with selected insulin secretion/resistance indices than the immunoreactive leptin levels.

Serum Insulin and Leptin Levels in Children with Epilepsy on Valproate-associated Obesity.

Background:Weight gain is a common adverse effect of sodium valproic acid (VPA) in children with epilepsy. Several mechanisms of VPA-induced obesity have been suggested such as increased appetite, facultative thermogenesis, and elevated insulin and leptin levels. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of Insulin and Leptin in the pathogenesis of weight gain caused by VPA.Materials and Methods:Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and serum insulin and leptin levels were measured in 45 consecutive patients and 45 controls.Results:The mean BMI of the cases and control group was 22.97 kg/m2 and 19.4 kg/m2, respectively, and it was significantly higher in cases (P < 0.001). Fasting serum insulin levels were higher in VPA group (26.3 μU/ml) than in controls (15.83 μU/ml), which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Serum leptin levels were also found to be elevated significantly in VPA group (7.9 ng/ml) than in controls (1.6 ng/ml).Conclusion:Sodium VPA is associated with significant rise of BMI, hyperinsulinemia, raised insulin resistance, and increased leptin levels in children with epilepsy.

METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS TO ANALYZE THE RELATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH LEPTIN LEVELS IN CHILDREN: COMMENT ON CICCHELLA, ET AL. (2013).

A positive correlation was found between self-reported physical activity, leptin level, and Tanner stage 2 in children aged 10 to 12 years. However, several methodological considerations on the accuracy for assessing physical activity, misclassification of physical activity levels and weight status, the inclusion of possible confounds, and interpretation of the current findings should be examined to clarify the final interpretation.

Plasma Leptin Levels in Children Hospitalized with Cholera in Bangladesh.

Vibrio cholerae, the cause of cholera, induces both innate and adaptive immune responses in infected humans. Leptin is a hormone that plays a role in both metabolism and mediating immune responses. We characterized leptin levels in 11 children with cholera in Bangladesh, assessing leptin levels on days 2, 7, 30, and 180 following cholera. We found that patients at the acute stage of cholera had significantly lower plasma leptin levels than matched controls, and compared with levels in late convalescence. We then assessed immune responses to V. cholerae antigens in 74 children with cholera, correlating these responses to plasma leptin levels on day 2 of illness. In multivariate analysis, we found an association between day 2 leptin levels and development of later anti-cholera toxin B subunit (CtxB) responses. This finding appeared to be limited to children with better nutritional status. Interestingly, we found no association between leptin levels and antibody responses to V. cholerae lipopolysaccharide, a T cell–independent antigen. Our results suggest that leptin levels may be associated with cholera, including the development of immune responses to T cell–dependent antigens.

180 Evaluation of leptin and ghrelin levels in the blood serum of patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis

Objectives Leptin and ghrelin are peptide hormones which, working antagonistically, regulate the energy balance of the body. The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of leptin and ghrelin in the blood serum of patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), in relation to their nutritional status and function of liver cells. Methods The study group consisted of 34 patients, aged from 3 months to 18 years (mean age 4.5 years) who were diagnosed with CF on the basis of screening and/or diagnostic tests. The analysis included the nutritional status, CFTR gene mutation, assessment of the exocrine pancreas function, abnormal lipid metabolism, as well as liver cell function parameters. In all children, serum leptin and ghrelin levels were measured by means of an immunoenzymatic test, using reagents from DRG Instruments. The results were statistically analyzed. Results Serum ghrelin levels were significantly lower in the youngest patients ( Conclusion Ghrelin and leptin levels in children with cystic fibrosis correlate with the nutritional status and can be an early marker of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Determinación perinatal de leptina en madres y neonatos con diagnóstico de retardo de crecimiento intrauterino (RCIU)

Recientemente se ha descrito que la leptina presenta actividad hormonal actuando sobre receptores y se ha involucrado con la regulación de la eficiencia metabólica, gasto energético e ingesta alimenticia. Se ha encontrado que es sintetizada en los sincitiotrofoblastos y es secretada dentro de la circulación materna. La leptina ha sido también relacionada con el depósito de grasa. Dado que en el último trimestre del embarazo humano, de manera característica, existe un depósito relativamente aumentado de grasa, y que éste se ve evidentemente depletado en los casos de RCIU, resulta entonces probable que la leptina guarde relación con la entidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar si existen diferencias entre las mediciones de leptina obtenidas en un grupo de pacientes sanas y con RCIU. El estudio fue realizado en 12 pacientes con RCIU (casos) y 9 pacientes sin RCIU (controles). Se tomaron muestras de sangre materna, sangre de cordón y de líquido amniótico (LA). En el estudio pareado (n=9), los niveles de leptina en niños nacidos con RCIU presentaron concentraciones más bajas que los niños control (p = 0.05). Las concentraciones de leptina en sangre de cordón se correlacionaron significativamente con el peso del neonato (p = 0.0002) y peso placentario (p=0.048). No se encontró una correlación estadísticamente significativa de los niveles de leptina en sangre materna con el peso del neonato y el peso placentario. Las concentraciones de líquido amniótico mostraron una correlación inversa y estadísticamente significativa con el peso neonatal (p=0.035), pero no con el peso placentario (p = 0.071). Se observaron correlaciones inversas y estadísticamente significativas entre: concentraciones de leptina materna y leptina en sangre de cordón (p=0.034); leptina de cordón con leptina en líquido amniótico (p = 0.011) y correlación positiva entre leptina materna y leptina de líquido amniótico (p = 0.01).

Concentrations of Ghrelin and Leptin in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Ghrelin and leptin are peptide hormones which, working antagonistically, regulate the energy balance of the body. Abnormal concentrations of these hormones are observed in the course of gastrointestinal diseases, where the clinical picture is characterized by nutritional disorders. Approximately 70% of patients with cystic fibrosis have body weight deficiency due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, respiratory failure, and secondary circulatory disorders as well as eating disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of ghrelin and leptin in the blood serum of patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, in relation to their nutritional status and function of liver cells. Patients and methods: The study group consisted of 34 patients, 17 girls (50%) and 17 boys (50%), aged from 3 months to 18 years (mean age 4.5 years) who were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis on the basis of screening and/ or diagnostic tests. The analysis included the nutritional status (body weight and height, BMI), CFTR gene mutation, assessment of the exocrine pancreas function (albumin and glucose concentration in the blood serum, acid steatocrit in stool), abnormal lipid metabolism (cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood serum), as well as liver cell function parameters and cholestasis (serum activity amino-transpherase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, concentration of bile acids, coagulation parameters). In all children, serum ghrelin and leptin levels were measured by means of an immunoenzymatic test, using reagents from DRG Instruments. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: Serum ghrelin levels were significantly lower in the youngest patients (<1 year of age) compared with older age groups. Ghrelin concentration was significantly lower in patients with salt wasting syndrome (p<0.05). The statistically lower serum leptin levels were observed in patients with growth deficiency and increased parameters of cholestasis, particularly in the youngest age group. Conclusion: Ghrelin and leptin levels in children with cystic fibrosis correlate with the nutritional status and can be an early marker of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

The Relationship between Prenatal Phthalate Exposure and Childhood Adipokine

The Relationship between Prenatal Phthalate Exposure and Childhood AdipokineAbstract Number:1977 Hui-Ju Wen*, Hsiu-Ying Ku, Chien-Wen Sun, Chien-Jen Wang, Hsiao-Yen Chen, Pen-Hua Su, and Shu-Li Wang Hui-Ju Wen* Division of Environmental Health & Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Hsiu-Ying Ku Division of Environmental Health & Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Chien-Wen Sun Division of Environmental Health & Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Chien-Jen Wang Division of Environmental Health & Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Hsiao-Yen Chen Division of Environmental Health & Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Pen-Hua Su School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , and Shu-Li Wang Division of Environmental Health & Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author AbstractIn Taiwan, the prevalence of obesity in children is increased 1.5 folds in the last decade. Exposure to endocrine disruptor, such as phthalates, could affect endocrine system and adipokine secretion. We aimed to investigate the association between prenatal phthalate exposure and childhood adipokine levels using a birth cohort study established in central Taiwan, 2001. A total of 430 pregnant women were originally recruited. Their children had been followed at the age of 2, 5, 8, and 11 years old. Urine and blood samples were collected in the third trimester of pregnancy women and children. Maternal urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations adjusted by urinary creatinine levels were considered as prenatal phthalate ester exposure levels in children. Plasma levels of leptin and adiponectin were evaluated in each follow-up for children’s adipokine markers. We used linear regression analysis and generalized estimating equation (GEE) model to evaluate the relationship between prenatal phthalate exposure and adipokine levels in children. After excluding multiple births and children lost to follow up, a total of 245 pairs with children followed at least once during study period were included in subsequent analysis. An association was found between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and weight gain in pregnant women. By GEE model, maternal urinary 5oxoMEHP concentration was found positively associated with children’s body mass index (BMI) values, and negatively associated with adiponectin levels in children. A negative association was also found between MnBP and 5OHMEHP concentration and leptin levels. Prenatal phthalate exposure was found associated with weight gain in pregnant women and BMI, adiponectin, and leptin levels in children. Among them, the effect of DEHP metabolites, including 5oxoMEHP and 5OHMEHP, were more obvious than others. The results suggested that phthalate exposure was related to adipokine levels.

Correlates of Leptin in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease

To investigate the relative associations of renal function, obesity, and inflammation with serum leptin levels in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This was a cross-sectional analysis of 317 children from the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children study, a large cohort of pediatric patients with stage II-IV CKD. Linear regression modeling was used to evaluate the association of serum leptin level with glomerular filtration rate calculated using the plasma iohexol disappearance curve, demographics, body mass index (BMI), and cardiovascular risk factors, including inflammatory cytokines, insulin resistance, and serum lipid levels. In univariate analyses, elevated serum leptin level was significantly associated with increased BMI, older age, and female sex (P<.001 for all). Leptin level also correlated positively with serum triglycerides and insulin resistance (P<.001) and negatively with serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=.002). Leptin level was not associated with glomerular filtration rate calculated using the plasma iohexol disappearance curve or inflammatory cytokines. In multivariate analysis, BMI, age, female sex, and serum triglyceride levels were significantly associated with serum leptin level. Increased leptin production was associated with female sex, older age, and adiposity in children with mild to moderate CKD. Renal function was not associated with serum leptin level, indicating that decreased clearance does not contribute to elevated leptin levels.

Peer problems are associated with elevated serum leptin levels in children

Leptin is thought to act as an important mediator in stress reactions. To date, no study has examined the association between psychological stress and leptin levels in children. This study aimed to assess the association between emotional symptoms and peer problems and serum leptin levels in children aged 10 years of the two population-based GINI-plus and LISA-plus birth cohorts. Cross-sectional data from 2827 children aged 10 years were assessed with regard to leptin concentrations in serum and behavioral problems using the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Linear regression modeling was applied to determine the likelihood of elevated leptin levels in children with emotional symptoms and peer problems, controlling for socio-economic status (SES), body mass index (BMI), fasting serum leptin levels, pubertal development and sex hormones. We found that increases in emotional symptoms (exp β adj = 1.03, s.e. = 0.02, p < 0.04) and peer problems (exp β adj = 1.05, s.e. = 0.01, p = 0.0001) were significantly associated with higher serum leptin levels controlled for BMI and sociodemographic factors. Similar results were found when the fasting serum leptin sample was examined (exp β adj = 1.08, s.e. = 0.04, p = 0.0294). Gender-stratified analyses showed a significant relationship between serum leptin and peer problems in girls (exp β adj = 1.05, s.e. = 0.02, p = 0.03), and a borderline significant association in boys (exp β adj = 1.04, s.e. = 0.02, p = 0.05). Children with peer problems have higher stress and eat more, acquire a higher body fat mass and thus, through increased leptin resistance, exhibit higher leptin levels.