Leptin in pediatrics: A hormone from adipocyte that wheels several functions in children

Abstract

The protein leptin, a pleiotropic hormone regulates appetite and energy balance of the body and plays important roles in controlling linear growth, pubertal development, cardiovascular function, and immunity. Recent findings in the understanding of the structure, functional roles, and clinical significance of conditions with increased and decreased leptin secretion are summarized. Balance between leptin and other hormones is significantly regulated by nutritional status. This balance influences many organ systems, including the brain, liver, and skeletal muscle, to mediate the essential adaptation process. The aim of this review is to summarize the possible physiological functions of leptin and its signaling pathways during childhood and adolescence including control of food intake, energy regulation, growth and puberty, and immunity. Moreover, its secretion and possible roles in the adaptation process during different disease states (obesity, malnutrition, eating disorders, delayed puberty, congenital heart diseases and hepatic disorders) are discussed. The clinical manifestations and the successful management of patients with genetic leptin deficiency and the application of leptin therapy in other diseases including lipodystrophy, states with severe insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus are discussed.

Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children: Nutritional Status and Associations with Serum Leptin, Ghrelin, and IGF‐1 Levels

“…It stimulates the width of the proliferative zone of the epiphyseal growth plate and increases the expression of chondroitin sulfate within the cartilaginous matrix. Apparently, leptin acts as a direct skeletal growth factor in children [40]. This effect of leptin is in concordance with our result revealing the higher serum leptin levels in the children with taller body height.…”

“…Apparently, leptin acts as a direct skeletal growth factor in children [40]. It stimulates the width of the proliferative zone of the epiphyseal growth plate and increases the expression of chondroitin sulfate within the cartilaginous matrix.…”

Impact of BMI on gonadorelin‐stimulated LH peak in premenarcheal girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty

“…Leptin is one of several key signals that control food intake and energy balance, with multiple functions through receptors located centrally and peripherally (26,27). Recent studies have found that the exogenous adipokines (including leptin) contribute to changes in GnRH pulse release by binding to leptin receptors in the hypothalamus (28). In subjects with increased levels of leptin, GnRH pulse release started to increase in frequency and promote the onset of puberty (29,30).…”

Tracking of weight status and body fatness in Italian children

“…A number of factors have been shown to play a role in the development of these diseases, such as eating disorders [3][4][5], chronic distress [6] and hormonal imbalances [7]. Apart from their origins, the increase in overweight and obesity is of particular concern as they are linked to numerous chronic diseases and other health disorders among both adults [8] and children [9][10][11].…”