Leptin and Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Pediatric Population: A CrosssectionalStudy

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity represents the most relevant nutritional disorder in our environment. This study examines the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in an obese pediatric population and its relation to serum Leptin concentrations. Subjects/Methods: A cross-sectional clinical and metabolic study was accomplished in a group of 106 obese children (47 males and 59 females). Patients were classified in prepubertal group (Tanner stage I) and pubertal group (Tanner stages II–V). Results: Prevalence of insulin resistance (HOMA), hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and arterial hypertension (HTA) was 38.7, 45.3, 28.3 and 33.8% respectively. Metabolic syndrome prevalence (38%) was significantly higher in the pubertal group (38%) in relation to the prepubertal group (23.2%). There was a positive correlation between leptin and BMI (r=0.529), leptin and HOMA indexes (r=562) and Leptin and triglycerides (r=0,314). In addition, there was a positive correlation between HOMA indexes and triglycerides (r=596). Conclusions: Clinical and metabolic disorders associated to obesity and related to the so-called metabolic syndrome are already present in pediatric population. Leptin could play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome.