BODY FAT,
SERUM LEPTIN AND HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-OVARIAN AXIS DURING PUBERTY
Kulik-Rechberger B1,
Kozłowska M1,
Rechberger T2
1Department of Paediatrics, Medical University
School of Lublin,
2Dept. of Gynaecological Surgery1, Medical
University School of Lublin
Poland
Objective: Leptin is a peptide secreted in adipose tissue that acts on the central nervous system neurons, regulate
eating behavior, energy balance, and reproductive physiology. The aim of
the study was to investigate the leptin serum concentration in relation to
body fat and to FSH, LH and estradiol concentrations during puberty.
Methods: 197 healthy girls aged
from 8,8 to 15,4 years were divided into five groups according to pubertal
stage (by Tanner). 59 girls were in prepubertal stage (M1), 43 in the
second stage (M2), 32 in the third stage (M3), 45 in the forth stage (M4)
and 18 in fifth stage (M5) of breast development. Anthropometric
measurements of height, weight, arm circumference, and skin-folds at the
triceps, subscapular sites and on abdomen were taken. Body mass index (BMI)
was calculated. Leptin, FSH, LH and estradiol concentrations were estimated
by the RIA methods.
Results: BMI, arm circumference, subcutaneous fat tissue and leptin levels
increase during the progress through the stages of puberty. We have noticed
a strong positive correlation between leptin and anthropometric
measurements. In girls in stage M1 the mean leptin serum concentration was
2,83±2,03
ng/ml in stage M2- 4,05±3,36ng/ml
in stage M3- 4,36 ±2,9ng/ml,
in stage M4 – 6,73±5,72ng/ml
and in stage M5- 9,84±6,01ng/ml.
FSH, LH and estradiol levels also increase during the progress through the
stages of puberty.
Conclusion: On the basis of this observation we postulate that body fat and
leptin, can be involved in sexual maturation of girls.