Orexin-A levels in reproductive age group women and its association with body mass index

Abstract

Objectives: Orexins are hypothalamic neuropeptides, which are involved in feeding behaviour, sleep-wakefulness, and neuroendocrine homeostasis in the body. The study was conducted with the aim to estimate the serum orexin levels in reproductive age group (RAG) women and to determine the association of serum orexin levels with body mass index (BMI) in females of RAG. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty apparently healthy women of RAG (20–40 years) were randomly selected. Fasting serum orexin levels were measured using ELISA and BMI was calculated in women based on their height and weight. Results: Serum orexin levels were significantly higher in women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (P = 0.035) as compared to women with BMI < 25 kg/m2. Conclusion: In the present study, BMI correlated significantly with mean serum orexin levels. However, serum orexin levels did not correlate with the age of women.