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Leptin levels in children with malnutrition
Resky Devi Akib1, Aminuddin Aminuddin2, Firdaus Hamid3
1Department of Midwifery, Graduate School, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia.
Gaceta Sanitaria
|December 21, 2021
Summary
Serum leptin levels are lower in malnourished children compared to well-nourished children. This finding suggests leptin can indicate a child's nutritional status.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Malnutrition in children is a significant global health concern.
- Leptin, a hormone produced by adipocytes, plays a role in regulating energy balance and appetite.
- Understanding the relationship between leptin and nutritional status is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum leptin levels in children with malnutrition versus those with good nutritional status.
- To investigate the potential of serum leptin as a biomarker for assessing pediatric nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 41 children aged 36-60 months (31 malnourished, 10 well-nourished).
- Nutritional status was assessed using WHO Z-score classifications for weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height.
- Serum leptin levels were quantified using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method.
Main Results:
- Median serum leptin levels were significantly lower in malnourished children (9.23 ng/mL) compared to well-nourished children (30.95 ng/mL).
- The ranges for leptin levels were 6.02-197.2 ng/mL for malnourished and 6.02-89.36 ng/mL for well-nourished children.
Conclusions:
- Serum leptin levels demonstrate a clear difference between malnourished and well-nourished children.
- Leptin can serve as a valuable indicator for assessing the nutritional status in pediatric populations.
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