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Developmental variations in plasma leptin, leptin soluble receptor and their molar ratio in healthy infants

Winston W K Koo1, Mouhanad Hammami, Elaine M Hockman

  • 1The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University and Hutzel Hospital, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA. wkoo@wayne.edu

Nutrition Journal
|June 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Plasma leptin levels decrease with age in infants, influenced by body composition. Body composition measurements are key predictors, overriding effects of race and gender on leptin and its receptor levels.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Human Physiology
  • Body Composition Analysis

Background:

  • Leptin and soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) are crucial for body composition regulation.
  • Limited data exists on developmental changes in these plasma variables and their relation to body composition in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate developmental variations in plasma leptin and sOB-R in healthy infants.
  • To examine the relationship between these plasma variables and body composition measurements throughout infancy.

Main Methods:

  • Healthy infants were studied at 2, 4, 8, and 12 months of age.
  • Measurements included weight, length, body composition (bone, fat, lean mass) via DXA, and plasma leptin and sOB-R.
  • Statistical analysis explored correlations and predictive relationships.

Main Results:

  • Plasma leptin and the sOB-R:leptin molar ratio decreased with age, predicted by weight Z score and fat mass percentage.
  • Leptin and the ratio were higher in African American infants and females, but these effects were eliminated by body composition measurements.
  • Plasma sOB-R levels did not significantly change with age and were predicted solely by body composition.

Conclusions:

  • In healthy infants, plasma leptin declines with age, while sOB-R remains stable.
  • Body composition is the primary determinant of plasma leptin, sOB-R, and their ratio, overriding race and gender influences.
  • These findings highlight the critical role of body composition in regulating leptin signaling during infant development.
Abstract

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