Korean J Pediatr.  2012 Sep;55(9):344-349. 10.3345/kjp.2012.55.9.344.

Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level in girls and its relationship with obesity

• Lee J
• Yoon J
• Lee JA
• Lee SY
• Shin CH
• Yang SW

• KMID: 2284393
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2012.55.9.344

Abstract

PURPOSE
Short sleep duration is associated with obesity. Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-OHMS), the principal metabolite of melatonin, is closely related with sleep. We evaluated the difference in urinary 6-OHMS levels between obese girls and normal weight girls, and the relationship of urinary 6-OHMS with other hormones regulating body weight and metabolism.
METHODS
A total of 79 girls (6.3 to 12.4 years) were included in this study, of whom 34 were obese; 15, overweight; and 30, normal-weight. We examined their pubertal status and bone age. Fasting serum levels of total ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and first morning urinary 6-OHMS were measured. Homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated from the fasting insulin and glucose levels.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in the creatinine adjusted 6-OHMS levels between the obese girls and the control group. Urinary 6-OHMS did not show any correlations with body mass index (BMI), BMI percentile, total ghrelin, leptin, and HOMA-IR. Negative correlations were found between urinary 6-OHMS levels and chronological and bone ages.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that melatonin production is not reduced consistently in obese girls.

Keyword

Obesity; Melatonin; 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin; Child

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Body Weight
Child
Creatinine
Fasting
Ghrelin
Glucose
Humans
Insulin
Leptin
Melatonin
Obesity
Creatinine
Ghrelin
Glucose
Insulin
Leptin
Melatonin