Leptin levels are associated with immune response in malnourished infants.
Circulating leptin levels, proinflammatory and T helper cells type 1 (Th1), Th2 cytokine production, and lymphoproliferative response were measured in 15 infants with primary moderate protein calorie malnutrition on admission and after recovery of 10% of weight. Sixteen healthy, well nourished infants of comparable age served as controls. A significant deficit in the z-score of weight for age, weight for height, body mass index, and circulating leptin and growth factors were detected in malnourished infants on admission compared with controls (P < 0.05). These deficits were associated with a significant suppression of the lymphoproliferative response, Th1, and proinflammatory cytokine production (P < 0.05). After a 10% weight gain, a significant increase in circulating leptin levels was produced in parallel with a significant increase in Th1 activity, as revealed by an enhancement in interferon-gamma and a suppression in IL-4 production. Concomitantly, the lymphoproliferative response became similar to that detected in control infants. Furthermore, a significant increase in IL-1 and TNFalpha production compared with that at admission was shown. These findings suggest an association between the increase in leptin and the immunological recovery observed following refeeding of malnourished infants.
Palacio
Ana
A
Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Casilla, 138-11 Santiago, Chile.
Lopez
Marcelo
M
Perez-Bravo
Francisco
F
Monkeberg
Fernando
F
Schlesinger
Liana
L
D000886:Anthropometry; D000917:Antibody Formation; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D009000:Monocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D020738:Leptin; D008934:Mitogens