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[Exocrine function of the pancreas in children]
Insights
Children with constitutional-exogenous obesity showed increased trypsin and trypsin inhibitor activity. This suggests the pancreas retains compensatory function, highlighting the importance of dietetics for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Investigating pancreatic proteolytic function in children with constitutional-exogenous obesity.
- Comparing enzyme activity in obese children versus normal controls.
- Utilizing established methods for trypsin and trypsin inhibitor assays.
Purpose:
- To assess the activity of trypsin and its inhibitor in the blood serum of children with constitutional-exogenous obesity.
- To understand the compensatory mechanisms of the pancreas in pediatric obesity.
- To inform therapeutic strategies, particularly dietetics, for managing childhood obesity.
Summary:
- Thirty-three children, including 14 girls and 7 boys with constitutional-exogenous obesity and 12 normal children, were studied.
- Trypsin activity and blood serum trypsin inhibitor levels were measured using modified Erlanger and Haverback methods.
- Increased activation of both trypsin and its inhibitor was observed in children with obesity, correlating with obesity severity.
Impact:
- Findings indicate preserved compensatory capabilities of the pancreas in children with constitutional-exogenous obesity.
- Highlights the potential role of dietetics in normalizing pancreatic function and managing childhood obesity.
- Suggests that monitoring trypsin inhibitor activity may be valuable in assessing pancreatic health in obese children.
Abstract:
Thirty-three children were followed up. There were 14 girls and 7 boys with constitutional-exogenous obesity and 12 normal children. To study proteolytic function of the pancreas, the activity of trypsin was determined by the Erlanger method modified by V.A. Shaternikov and that of its inhibitor in the blood serum by the Haverback et al. method modified by V.A. Shaternikov . Activation of trypsin and its inhibitor, depending on the degree of obesity was discovered. Activation of trypsin inhibitor points to the preservation of the compensatory possibilities of the pancreas in children with constitutional-exogenous obesity. Therefore, it is desirable that a complex of different measures should include wise dietetics promoting the normalization of disturbed processes in pathology under consideration.