Abstract
Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the influence of the glucose tolerance status on plasma leptin in obese children, separately girls and boys.
Material and methods: The study group consisted of 67 obese subjects (28 boys and 39 girls), aged 7–17 years. Among them 61 were glucose intolerant (IGT) and 6 had diabetes mellitus type 2, according to ADA criteria. The control group comprised 64 obese children (30 boys and 34 girls). Both groups were well matched for age, % overweight, and body mass index (BMI). Measurements of weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were performed with the using of standardized techniques. Fat mass was measured by bioimpedance method. Plasma insulin was measured using a commercialised enzyme immunoassay kit. Fasting plasma leptin was determined by RIA (Linco Research).
Results: Mean plasma leptin level was significantly lower in entire study group than in control group (17.0±7.5 ìg/L vs. 21.0±7.4 ìg/L; p <0.05). Leptin levels were, on average, 36% lower in girls with diabetes or IGT versus control girl (17.7±6.5 ìg/L vs. 23.1±7.7 ìg/L; p<0.001). No such between-group difference was observed in boys. In a multiple regression model adjusting for age and BMI in the female subgroup, plasma insulin and glucose concentrations 2-h after glucose load were the best predictors of fasting plasma leptin (r=0.38; p<0.05 and r=0.60; p<0.001, respectively).
Conclusion: Leptin synthesis by adipose tissue is more susceptible to regulation by insulin and glucose in girls than in boys. Lower plasma leptin levels in obese girls with IGT or type 2 diabetes than in control girls suggest that hyperglycemia may interfere with the stimulatory effect of insulin on leptin synthesis.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Plasma leptin has been shown to correlate positively with many indices of obesity, as well as insulin resistance. Previous studies have reported that leptin levels are similar in diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. However, these studies were not performed in newly diagnosed diabetics, and other variables (such as gender) could have confounded the results.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Garanty-Bogacka, B., Dawid, G., Horodnicka-Jozwa, A. et al. 62 Gender-Related Differences in Plasma Leptin Levels Among Obese Children with Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Type 2 Diabetes. Pediatr Res 56, 474 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200409000-00085
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200409000-00085
