Role of circulating adipocytokines vaspin, apelin, and visfatin in the loss of appetite in underweight children: a pilot trial

Abstract

AbstractTo investigate serum concentrations of vaspin, apelin, and visfatin in underweight children and their association with anthropometric and nutritional markers of malnutrition.We recruited 44 underweight prepubertal children (youngest age=2 years) with thinness grades of 1, 2, and 3, and body weights <90% of ideal body weight due to loss of appetite and less frequent hunger episodes. Forty-one healthy age- and gender-matched controls were also included in the study. Serum fasting vaspin, apelin, and visfatin concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay technique.Mean vaspin and apelin levels were significantly lower in underweight children compared to controls (vaspin: 0.44±0.18 vs. 0.58±0.35 pg/mL, p=0.024; apelin: 483.37±333.26 vs. 711.71±616.50 pg/mL, p=0.041). Visfatin levels were lower in underweight children compared to controls, but the values were not statistically significant (177.81±158.01 vs. 221.15±212.94 pg/mL, p=0.119).: In underweight children, decreased vaspin and apelin levels should be considered in the etiology of anorexia.