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[Leptin levels in school age children associated with anthropometric measurements and lipid profiles].

INTRODUCTION
Leptins are proteins that regulate body weight. Their concentrations are modified depending on several factors including metabolic status, diabetes mellitus type 2 and cardiovascular diseases.


OBJECTIVE
The leptin concentrations were measured in Colombian children and related to age, sex, body mass index, triceps skinfold and lipid profile.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
School age children from 5 provinces of central-eastern Colombia were examined. Measurements included body mass index, body fat reserves, leptin concentrations and lipid profile.


RESULTS
The overall leptin concentrations were 8.3+/-8.9 ng/ml. The concentrations varied by differences in the age and sex, but were equal in children with higher body weight and greater fat deposition. A positive relationship was observed between high leptin levels and high total cholesterol in males, and in females, an association of high leptin levels with high levels of triglycerides.


CONCLUSION
The leptin concentrations followed a trend similar to those of other population groups with differences according to the age, sex and deposits of fat mass. However, the values seem to be influenced by hormonal differences and food habits. In addition, overweight or obese school children probably have hyperleptinemia, correlated to metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2 and cardiovascular diseases. The sex specific association between total cholesterol, triglycerides and leptin suggests a complex relationship that depends on biological and hormonal differences, as well as environmental and life style differences. Each of these associations requires additional focused study for verification.