The associations between peak O2 consumption and leptin in 10- to 12-year-old boys

The aim of this study was to assess the associations of circulating levels of leptin with the peak O(2) consumption (VO(2)peak ) in 10- to 12-year-old boys of different BMI selected by Cole et al. (BMJ, 320,2000,1-6): total group (n = 248), normal (n = 190), overweight (n = 34) and obese (n = 24). We hypothesized that there is a close relationship in overweight and obese subgroups of boys with relative VO(2)peak kg (-1) (ml min(-1) kg(-1)) and leptin. Most of the subjects were Tanner stage 2. Peak O(2) consumption was measured directly using an increasing incremental protocol until volitional exhaustion on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. The expired gas was sampled continuously breadth-by-breadth mode for the measurement of oxygen consumption (MetaMax, Germany). Blood samples were obtained after an overnight fast from an antecubital vein for leptin measurements. Peak O(2) consumption (l min(-1)) was higher or lower (ml min(-1) kg(-1)) in overweight and obese groups, compared with normal BMI group. Leptin was higher in overweight and obese groups, compared with normal BMI group. Peak O(2) consumption (l min(-1)) correlated significantly with leptin only in total group (n = 248, r = 0·196). Contrary, relative VO(2)peak kg (-1) correlated significantly and negatively with leptin. The relationship was highest on the total group (r = -0·674). We can conclude that leptin first of all correlated negatively with relative peak O(2) consumption. Absolute VO(2)peak correlated with leptin only in total group.