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Serum leptin as a predictor of fatty liver in 7-year-old Korean children
In Kyoung Kim1, Jihye Kim, Jae Heon Kang
1Division of Metabolic Diseases, Center for Biomedical Sciences, National Institute of Health, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Elevated serum leptin levels may help identify fatty liver disease in children. This study found higher leptin in children with fatty livers, regardless of weight, suggesting its screening potential.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern in children.
- Predictive markers for early detection of pediatric fatty liver disease are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum leptin as a potential biomarker for fatty liver disease in Korean children.
- To assess the association between serum leptin levels and fatty liver disease, considering weight status.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 124 Korean children underwent anthropometric measurements and clinical variable assessment.
- Serum leptin, lipids, and insulin levels were measured; fatty liver disease was diagnosed via hepatic sonogram.
- Dietary intake and physical activity data were collected; overweight status was determined by International Obesity Task Force standards.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of fatty liver disease was 12.1%, significantly higher in overweight children (22.5%) than normal weight children (7.1%).
- Children with fatty liver disease exhibited significantly higher serum leptin levels (6.2 ng/ml) compared to those without (2.9 ng/ml) within the normal weight group.
- Serum leptin was independently associated with fatty liver disease, irrespective of body mass index, while dietary and physical activity factors showed no significant differences.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum leptin levels show promise as a screening tool for early detection of fatty liver disease in pediatric populations.
- Leptin's association with fatty liver disease is significant even after accounting for body mass index, highlighting its potential as an independent marker.
Aim:
This study investigated the usefulness of serum leptin as a predictor of fatty liver disease in Korean children.
Methods:
One hundred and twenty-four children were recruited from urban areas in Korea. Anthropometrical parameters and clinical variables, such as the levels of serum lipids, insulin and leptin, were measured. Fatty liver disease was detected via hepatic sonogram. We also collected dietary intake data using a 24-hour dietary recall for 3 days. Overweight children were identified using the standards established by the International Obesity Task Force.
Results:
The prevalence of fatty liver disease was 12.1% among all children and was significantly higher in overweight than in normal children (22.5 vs. 7.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). Within normal weight children, children with fatty livers showed a 2-fold increase in serum leptin levels compared with children with healthy livers (6.2 vs. 2.9 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.05). Within overweight children, elevated serum leptin levels were observed in children with fatty livers. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that serum leptin was strongly associated with fatty liver disease, independent of the body mass index. Energy and fat intake, the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, and the frequency of physical activity did not differ among children with or without fatty livers.
Conclusion:
Elevated serum leptin may be a useful parameter when screening for early fatty liver disease among children.
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