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Leptin in African-American children
K Danadian1, C Suprasongsin, J E Janosky
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes Mellitus Children's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2583, USA.
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|March 7, 2000
Summary
Leptin levels in African-American children are comparable to White children and strongly correlate with body fat percentage. Adiposity, not race or gender, is the main factor influencing leptin in these youth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Obesity Research
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Leptin, a hormone from adipose tissue, regulates body weight and energy expenditure.
- Elevated leptin levels in obesity suggest leptin resistance.
- Obesity is more prevalent in African-Americans, necessitating research into leptin in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess plasma leptin levels in African-American children.
- To examine the relationship between leptin and adiposity in African-American children.
- To compare leptin levels between African-American and White children.
Main Methods:
- Measured plasma leptin levels via RIA in 42 African-American children and 30 White children.
- Assessed body composition using bioelectrical impedance.
- Compared data based on race, gender, and puberty status.
Main Results:
- No significant racial differences in plasma leptin levels were observed (Blacks: 9.8 ng/ml, Whites: 9.8 ng/ml).
- Leptin strongly correlated with body fat percentage (%BF) in both Black (r=0.75) and White (r=0.79) children.
- No gender or puberty-related differences in leptin levels were found in African-American children.
Conclusions:
- Leptin levels are comparable between African-American and White children with similar body composition.
- Adiposity is the primary determinant of serum leptin levels in children studied.
- Further longitudinal studies are required to understand leptin's role during puberty in both genders.