Circulating adipokine levels primarily attributable to ponderal index in obese children

Polysomnographic evaluation and plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, glucose, insulin, and CRP were studied in 130 children (39% obese) in order to examine the associations between measures of sleep disordered breathing (SDB), insulin resistance and circulating levels of adipokines. Log adiponectin levels were lower in obese than in nonobese children (P<0.0001) and inversely correlated with BMI Z scores (P<0.0001) but not with log Apnoea/Hypopnoea Index (AHI). Log leptin concentrations were higher in obese than in nonobese children (P<0.0001), correlating with BMI Z scores (P<0.0001). Even after controlling for BMI, log leptin concentrations were significantly lower in children with AHI ≤1/hr than in children with AHI >1/hr (P=0.006), and in children with SpO2nadir ≥90% than in children with SpO2nadir <90% (P<0.03). Significant correlations between log adiponectin levels and log insulin/glucose (I/G) ratios (P=0.006) and between log leptin levels and log I/G ratios (P<0.0001) were found. According to the authors, circulating adipokines are primarily attributable to the ponderal index whereas SDB and associated hypoxemia may contribute to the elevation of leptin level.

Abstract

Keywords:
Adipokine – Adiponectin – BMI – CRP – Insulin resistance – Leptin – Obesity – Resistin – Sleep apnoea syndrome