Leptin, mainly secreted by adipose tissue, and ghrelin, mainly produced by the stomach, are involved in the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis. Both the hormones exert an activity on neurones in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus: leptin has an anorexigenic effect, while ghrelin has an orexigenic one. Recently in rats it has been observed that leptin inhibits both the secretion of gastric ghrelin and the related feed- ing stimulation. Data on the relationship between the two hormones in infancy are scanty. Aim. The aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations in infants in the first 4 months of life exclu- sively breast-fed (BF) or formula-fed (FF). Conclusions. From om study we might speculate that in BF infants leptin and ghrelin play a fundamental role in the regulation of energy balance. In our samples, given that bias like weaning were avoided, we should hypothesize that the different hormonal correlation observed in BF and FF infants can be due to the presence in breast milk of leptin and other characteristical biological compounds. Having breast feeding a physiological influence on energy balance and food intake, further studies are needed to clarify the implications of the different hormonal balance in FF infants.
Leptin and ghrelin in the first 4 moths of life: a negative correlation.
LIGUORI, STEFANIA ALFONSINA;FISSORE, MARIA FRANCESCA;OGGERO, Roberto;SILVESTRO, Leandra
2006-01-01
Abstract
Leptin, mainly secreted by adipose tissue, and ghrelin, mainly produced by the stomach, are involved in the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis. Both the hormones exert an activity on neurones in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus: leptin has an anorexigenic effect, while ghrelin has an orexigenic one. Recently in rats it has been observed that leptin inhibits both the secretion of gastric ghrelin and the related feed- ing stimulation. Data on the relationship between the two hormones in infancy are scanty. Aim. The aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations in infants in the first 4 months of life exclu- sively breast-fed (BF) or formula-fed (FF). Conclusions. From om study we might speculate that in BF infants leptin and ghrelin play a fundamental role in the regulation of energy balance. In our samples, given that bias like weaning were avoided, we should hypothesize that the different hormonal correlation observed in BF and FF infants can be due to the presence in breast milk of leptin and other characteristical biological compounds. Having breast feeding a physiological influence on energy balance and food intake, further studies are needed to clarify the implications of the different hormonal balance in FF infants.
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