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Published on: April 28, 2016
Fasting ghrelin levels are not elevated in children with hypothalamic obesity
S Kanumakala1, R Greaves, C C Pedreira
1Department of Paediatrics, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Brighton, United Kingdom.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|March 17, 2005
Summary
Fasting ghrelin levels are not elevated in children with hypothalamic obesity, contrary to findings in Prader-Willi syndrome. This suggests targeting ghrelin may not effectively treat this form of obesity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Obesity
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Morbid obesity frequently results from hypothalamic damage.
- Hypothalamic dysfunction is implicated in Prader-Willi syndrome obesity.
- Elevated ghrelin levels are observed in Prader-Willi syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fasting ghrelin levels in children with hypothalamic obesity.
- To compare ghrelin levels between hypothalamic obesity, general obesity, and normal-weight controls.
Main Methods:
- Measured fasting total ghrelin levels in three groups of children (n=16 each): normal-weight controls, obese controls, and those with hypothalamic obesity.
- Statistical comparison of ghrelin levels across the groups.
Main Results:
- Obese children exhibited lower fasting ghrelin levels than normal-weight controls.
- No significant difference in fasting ghrelin levels was found between obese controls and children with hypothalamic obesity (P = 0.88).
Conclusions:
- Elevated fasting ghrelin is unlikely to be the cause of obesity following hypothalamic damage.
- Weight management strategies targeting fasting ghrelin may be ineffective for hypothalamic obesity.
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