Plasma Melanin-Concentrating Hormone in Childhood Obesity and Its Association with Metabolic Parameters: A Clinical...

Obesity is a global public health problem associated with complex neuroendocrine dysregulation. Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), a hypothalamic regulator of energy balance, promotes appetite and positive energy balance and has been linked to metabolic disturbances in adults. However, its clinical relevance in childhood obesity, where neuroendocrine alterations may precede overt metabolic complications, remains insufficiently characterized.

This study aimed to determine whether plasma MCH levels are associated with metabolic alterations in children and adolescents with obesity.

In this clinical observational study, 283 participants were classified according to World Health Organization BMI-for-age criteria into obese and normal-weight groups. Plasma MCH concentrations were measured using a validated high-sensitivity radioimmunoassay (analytical detection limit: 0.2 fmol/mL). Anthropometric parameters, glucose-insulin homeostasis markers (glucose, insulin, C-peptide, HOMA-IR), lipid profile, thyroid hormones, and liver enzymes were assessed. Associations were analyzed using Spearman correlation after non-parametric distribution testing.

Plasma MCH exhibited limited and selective associations with metabolic parameters in obese children and adolescents. Modest correlations were observed within the glucose-insulin and thyroid-related domains, whereas associations with lipid profile measures were weak or inverse. These patterns suggest age-dependent neuroendocrine involvement in pediatric obesity.

Elevated plasma MCH levels in childhood obesity are associated with selective neuroendocrine and metabolic alterations rather than overt dyslipidemia. In view of the cross-sectional design and modest effect sizes, these findings should be considered exploratory and require confirmation in longitudinal pediatric studies.