Sexual dimorphism of leptin and adiposity in children between 0 and 10 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Differences in adolescents and adults by sex in blood levels of leptin and adiposity have been described; however, it is not yet clear if these differences arise from the prepubertal stage in subjects with a normal-weight. Therefore, we examine whether there are differences by sex in levels of blood leptin and adiposity in children with a normal-weight between 0 and 10 years old. Methods Search strategy: eligible studies were obtained from three electronic databases (Ovid, Embase and LILACS) and contact with experts. Selection criteria: healthy children up to 10 years of age with normal-weight according to age. Data collection and analyses: data were extracted by four independent reviewers using a predesigned data collection form. For the analysis, we stratified according to age groups (newborns, 0.25–0.5 years, 3–5.9 years, 6–7.9 years, 8–10 years). The statistical analysis was performed in the R program. Results Of the initially identified 13,712 records, 21 were selected in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The sex was associated with the overall effect on blood leptin (pooled MD = 1.72 ng/mL, 95% CI: 1.25–2.19) and body fat percentage (pooled MD = 3.43%, 95% CI: 2.53–4.33), being both higher in girls. This finding was consistent in the majority of age groups. Conclusion The results of our meta-analyses support the sexual dimorphism in circulating blood leptin and body fat percentage between girls and boys with normal-weight from prepuberty.

Tissue-specific sex difference in mouse eye and brain metabolome under fed and fasted states

“…Sex hormones play critical roles in regulating energy metabolism by modulating substrate metabolism, the permeability of retina-and brain-blood barrier, transcriptional factor bindings and epigenetic regulation 34,40,[51][52][53] . The different signaling of sex hormones in the retina, RPE, lens and brain regions 52, 54, from sex chromosomes, sex-different sensitivity to insulin and different levels of adipokines can also contribute to tissue-specific metabolism in different metabolic states [56][57][58][59] .…”

“…The different signaling of sex hormones in the retina, RPE, lens and brain regions 52, 54, 55 may lead to differential gene expressions and nutrient availability. The differential expression of genes from sex chromosomes, sex-different sensitivity to insulin and different levels of adipokines can also contribute to tissue-specific metabolism in different metabolic states [56][57][58][59] .…”

Correction: Sexual dimorphism of leptin and adiposity in children between 0 and 10 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Following publication of the original article [ 1 ], the authors reported an error in the affiliations.…”

“…The author group above has been corrected to reflect the updated affiliations. The original article [ 1 ] has been corrected.…”

“…Author details 1 Grupo de Investigación de Ciencias Básicas y Clínicas de la Salud, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Pontifcia Universidad Javeriana, Seccional-Cali, Cali, Colombia. 2 Facultad de Salud, Grupo de Investigación Salud y Movimiento, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali, Colombia.…”