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Prolactin is a Key Factor for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children
Jianwei Zhang1, Jieqiong Guan1, Xiaoli Tang1
1Paediatric Department, Shaoxing Women and Children's Hospital, Shaoxing, China.
Insights
Low serum prolactin levels are linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese children. Lower prolactin increases NAFLD risk, suggesting a potential compensatory role in pediatric obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern in obese children.
- The role of hormones, such as prolactin (PRL), in pediatric NAFLD pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum prolactin levels and the presence of NAFLD in obese children.
- To determine if serum prolactin is an independent predictor of NAFLD in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 691 obese children was divided into NAFLD (n=366) and simple obesity (SOB) (n=325) groups.
- Serum prolactin levels were measured after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
- Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of NAFLD, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- Serum prolactin levels were significantly lower in children with NAFLD compared to those with SOB (p<0.001).
- Lower prolactin levels were strongly associated with an increased risk of NAFLD (adjusted OR=1.741).
- NAFLD was significantly correlated with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and serum prolactin levels.
Conclusions:
- Low serum prolactin is associated with NAFLD in obese children.
- Decreased prolactin levels may increase the risk of developing NAFLD.
- Elevated circulating prolactin might represent a compensatory mechanism in pediatric obesity.
Abstract:
This study investigates whether serum prolactin (PRL) is a key factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children. A total of 691 obese childred participated in this study and were divided into a NAFLD group (n=366) and simple obesity (SOB) group (n=325) according to the hepatic ultrasound results. The two groups were matched for gender, age, pubertal development, and body mass index (BMI). All patients underwent an OGTT test, and fasting blood samples were collected to measure prolactin. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify significant predictors of NAFLD. Serum prolactin levels were significantly lower in NAFLD subjects than in the SOB subjects [82.4 (56.36, 118.70) vs. 99.78 (63.89, 153.82), p<0.001] (mIU/l). NAFLD was strongly associated with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and prolactin, with lower levels of prolactin increasing the risk of NAFLD (adjusted ORs=1.741; 95% CI: 1.059-2.860) across the prolactin concentration tertiles after adjustment for confounders. Low serum prolactin levels are associated with the presence of NAFLD; thus, increased circulating prolactin might be a compensatory response for obesity in children.
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