Plasma ghrelin levels in children with cystic fibrosis and healthy children.

INTRODUCTION: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common genetic disorder as a result of mutation in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene. Weight loss in CF patients seems to be multifactorial and metabolic factors, inflammation, recurrent infections and poor appetite are possible candidates. Ghrelin affects energy hemostasis by stimulating growth hormone secretion, glucose and lipid metabolism alteration and inhibition of the inflammatory system. Data on the role of ghrelin in energy deficiency in CF patients are sparse and controversial. The study was done to compare the plasma levels of the acylated form of ghrelin in CF patients with healthy participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty cystic fibrosis patients (aged 1-168 months) and thirty healthy matched participants were enrolled in the study. Plasma ghrelin and albumin levels were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as well. RESULTS: Plasma levels of acylated ghrelin in CF patients were significantly higher than the control group (mean 25-75%: 14.5 vs. 2.7, p = 0.032). Body mass index measurements in CF patients were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). Using regression analysis there was no statistically significant correlation between plasma ghrelin levels and serum albumin, weight, height or BMI values in CF patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The acylated ghrelin levels are increased in CF. So plasma levels of acylated ghrelin could be used as an indicator of food uptake and energy balance in them. Further studies should be established to find out the exact role of factors affecting energy metabolism.

Variation in plasma leptin levels in young Iranian children with cystic fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION: Poor weight gain is one of the most important mortality hazards in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The mechanisms that may hinder body weight regulation are not completely understood. Leptin and its role in fat mass could be related to control of weight gain in CF patients. As the previous data are conflicting, we aimed to investigate serum leptin level in Iranian CF children compared to a control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-three CF patients aged from 3 to 120 months and 43 age-matched controls were enrolled. Patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Children's Medical Center Hospital. Controls were visited in the general outpatient clinic for an annual check-up. Both groups were divided into three subgroups based on age: 3 to 12 months, 13 to 48 months, and 49 to 120 months. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all the participants. Serum leptin levels were measured applying a solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Leptin levels and BMI values were significantly different between patients and controls (p = 0.02, p < 0.001, respectively) but only patients aged 13-48 months had significantly higher levels of leptin than age-matched controls (p = 0.016). Overall male patients' mean leptin level was significantly higher than in female patients (p = 0.032) and male controls (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Leptin level in our patients was significantly higher than controls. It seems that leptin levels during infancy are higher than in adult patients. Further studies are required on specific genotypes, gender and age to reveal the probable correlation with BMI and leptin levels in CF patients from different ethnic groups.