Relationships between leptin, insulin, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in children with energy malnutrition

Objectives: Leptin has a key role in energy homeostasis and there may be a link between leptin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) system. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between long-lasting insufficient caloric intake (marasmus), leptin and IGF-1 system. Design and methods: The study group consisted of 30 marasmic children and control group included 28 healthy children. After an overnight fasting; leptin, insulin, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were measured. Results: Marasmic children had significantly lower body weight, height, mid-arm circumference (MAC), skinfold thickness, mean serum leptin, insulin, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels compared with healthy subjects (P < 0.05). Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were significantly correlated with insulin, MAC and height Z score in patients (P < 0.05). In controls, significant positive correlations were found between BMI, IGF-1 and leptin (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Energy malnutrition is characterized by the important decreases in the leptin, insulin, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels. Understanding details of these changes may lead to new therapeutic approaches in disease states associated with malnutrition.