Serum Leptin Concentrations in Korean Children

Choe, Yon Ho; Kim, Soon Ki; Hyun, In Young

Abstract

PURPOSE: Leptin is the product of the ob gene secreted by adipocyte. This study investigated whether leptin concentrations were elevated in obese children and the relationship between leptin concentrations and gender, and age in Korean children.
METHODS
We measured serum concentrations of leptin in 124 subjects (10 to 18 years, 62 girls and 62 boys). Height, weight, obesity index, and body mass index were measured in 124 subjects. Radioimmunoassay for serum leptin was performed using Human Leptin RIA Kit. Data analysis was done according to the gender, age and obesity.
RESULTS
The mean serum concentration of leptin was 5.3 +/- 4.9 ng/ml. The mean leptin level in girls was 7.6 +/- 5.2ng/ml compared with 2.9 +/- 3.3ng/ml in boys (P<0.001). Leptin concentrations were highly increased during the period of 14 to 17 years in girls. The mean serum concentration of leptin in obese group (obesity index>120%) was 8.7 +/- 6.0 ng/ml compared with 4.8 +/- 4.6ng/ml in non-obese group (P<0.01). Serum leptin concentrations were correlated with the body mass index (Pearsons coefficient r=0.42, P<0.001). When boys and girls with equivalent values of body mass index were compared, there was significant difference between the sexes (P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
Serum leptin concentrations were significantly higher in girls and obese children. Increased adipose tissue in children was associated directly with serum leptin concentration. Because leptin concentrations were highly increased during the period of 14 to 17 years in girls, it was speculated that central leptin resistance in developing girls may be necessary for the accumulation of the adipose tissue stores.