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Leptin levels are associated with immune response in malnourished infants
Ana Palacio1, Marcelo Lopez, Francisco Perez-Bravo
1Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Casilla, 138-11 Santiago, Chile.
Insights
Refeeding malnourished infants improved immune function and leptin levels. Increased leptin correlated with enhanced T helper 1 (Th1) cell activity and overall immune recovery in children.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Protein-calorie malnutrition impairs immune function in infants.
- Leptin, a key adipokine, plays a role in immune regulation.
- Understanding immune recovery post-malnutrition is crucial for child health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between leptin levels and immune recovery in malnourished infants.
- To assess changes in T helper cell (Th1, Th2) cytokine production and lymphoproliferative responses during refeeding.
Main Methods:
- Measured circulating leptin, proinflammatory cytokines, Th1/Th2 cytokines, and lymphoproliferative responses in malnourished infants before and after weight gain.
- Compared measurements with those of healthy, well-nourished control infants.
Main Results:
- Malnourished infants showed deficits in weight, leptin, and immune responses (Th1, lymphoproliferation).
- Refeeding led to increased leptin levels, enhanced Th1 activity (interferon-gamma up, IL-4 down), and normalized lymphoproliferative responses.
- Proinflammatory cytokine production (IL-1, TNF-alpha) also increased post-refeeding.
Conclusions:
- Increased leptin levels are associated with immunological recovery in refeeding malnourished infants.
- Leptin may play a significant role in restoring immune function following nutritional rehabilitation.
- This study highlights the interplay between nutrition, leptin, and the immune system in infant recovery.
Abstract:
Circulating leptin levels, proinflammatory and T helper cells type 1 (Th1), Th2 cytokine production, and lymphoproliferative response were measured in 15 infants with primary moderate protein calorie malnutrition on admission and after recovery of 10% of weight. Sixteen healthy, well nourished infants of comparable age served as controls. A significant deficit in the z-score of weight for age, weight for height, body mass index, and circulating leptin and growth factors were detected in malnourished infants on admission compared with controls (P < 0.05). These deficits were associated with a significant suppression of the lymphoproliferative response, Th1, and proinflammatory cytokine production (P < 0.05). After a 10% weight gain, a significant increase in circulating leptin levels was produced in parallel with a significant increase in Th1 activity, as revealed by an enhancement in interferon-gamma and a suppression in IL-4 production. Concomitantly, the lymphoproliferative response became similar to that detected in control infants. Furthermore, a significant increase in IL-1 and TNFalpha production compared with that at admission was shown. These findings suggest an association between the increase in leptin and the immunological recovery observed following refeeding of malnourished infants.