Leptin levels in obese and non-obese children with asthma

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum leptin levels in children with asthma and to compare it with healthy controls and to determine the relationship of leptin, systemic inflammation and lung function in asthmatic children. Method: The study included 62 patients with stable asthma (47 obese and 15 non-obese) and 15 healthy controls, mean age 11.20±2.85 years. All subjects were prospectively and consecutively evaluated. A skin prick test and blood sampling for assessing serum leptin levels and C reactive protein were preformed in all subjects. Body mass index was calculated using height and weight, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio measured on the same day that pulmonary function test preformed. Results: Leptin concentrations were significantly higher in obese asthmatic patients than in non-obese asthmatics and healthy controls (19.37±14.04 vs. 6.37±2.46 vs.6.50±3.51 ng/ml; p Conclusion: High level of serum leptin in obese asthmatic children probably is marker of exacerbated airway inflammation and influence the control and disease severity.