Serum Leptin Levels in Children with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Down Syndrome, which is the most common chromosomal cause of mental retardation, is investigated in many studies for different biochemical paramaters but there is no study found about antiobecity hormone known as leptin and Down Syndrome. In this study we examine the relationship between leptin levels of healthy children and children with Down Syndrome from different age groups. Additionaly correlation between leptin levels, bady mass index (BMI) and fasting insulin levels are investigated. 79 children (age range=5-12 months) with Down Syndrome and 79 age matched healty children (37 girls and 42 boys) involved in this study. In DS group leptin and insulin levels are measured 5.7±2.7 ng/ml and 13.7±14.6 ?IU/ml respectively. On the other hand in control group levels of these parameters were found 5.6±3.4 ng/ml and 12.7±12.8 ?IU/ml respectively. In conclusion; no statistically significant difference was found between serum leptin and insulin levels of the children with DS and healthy children. However; there is statistically significant positive correlation between BMI and leptin levels of two groups (DS; r=0.526, p=0.00) and control group; r=0.655, p=0.00). Positive correlation between leptin and insulin levels was observed only in control group.