Evaluation of Serum Levels of C-peptide, Cortisol, and Some Biochemical Parameters in Children with Obesity

Abstract

Background:-Obesity has become a leading health concern; this condition is a chronic, multifactorial complex in which a child's weight ≥ 20% of the ideal weight for a given height. 
Aim of the study:- Is to find out the liability of obese children to the diabetes mellitus.  
Objectives of the study:- To measure the serum levels of C- peptide, Cortisol, and some biochemical parameters in children with obesity and comparing them with lean or normal weight children in some primary schools in Kirkuk city. 
Methods:- This study was carried on 152 children divided into two groups :- 
1. Obese children (n 100 from both gender). 2. Lean or normal weight children (n 52 from both gender). For all of them studied serum   C-peptide,   Cortisol,   Biochemical   parameters   (serum Leptin, Adiponectin, Malondialdehyde, 
Results: This study showed that mean BMI, serum c-peptide , leptin, malondialdehyde, were significantly (P<0.05) higher in obese group than in lean or normal weight group, and serum adiponectin,  was  significantly  lower  in  obese  group  than  in normal weight group. Conclusion:-This present study identified high  prevalence  of  obesity  among  primary  school  children, increased BMI in obese children, increased circulating levels of leptin as a biological marker for obesity, increased circulating c- peptide  level  as  a  marker  of  insulinoma,  increased  oxidative stress in obese children, and finally decreased adiponectin level in obese children.