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Infections in children with simple obesity: The relation to phagocytic function and serum leptin

Nadin N Toaima1, Rasha H El-Owaidy2, Dina L Zaki3

  • 1Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

Journal of Infection and Public Health
|September 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Obese children face increased infection risks and higher leptin levels, which may impair phagocytic functions. This study explored these connections in pediatric obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Obesity is linked to an increased susceptibility to infections.
  • Leptin, a hormone associated with obesity, may play a role in immune function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate phagocytic functions in obese children.
  • To examine the relationship between serum leptin levels and immune function in pediatric obesity.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 40 obese children and controls.
  • Assessed caloric intake, infection history, BMI z-score, complete blood count, serum leptin (ELISA), and Dihydrorhodamine (DHR) flow cytometry.

Main Results:

  • Obese children had a higher frequency of infections (p<0.001) and elevated serum leptin (p<0.001).
  • Phagocytic function (DHR) was comparable between obese children and controls (p=0.067).
  • Leptin levels correlated positively with infection frequency (p=0.019) and negatively with absolute lymphocytic count (p=0.043).

Conclusions:

  • Obese children exhibit an increased risk of infections.
  • Elevated serum leptin in obese children may negatively impact phagocytic functions, contributing to higher infection rates.
Abstract

Keywords:
CaloriesInfectionsLeptinObesityPhagocytic function

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