The lecturer at the College of Medicine at Al-Qadisiyah University, Dr. Ahmed Ghadban Thaban Al-Ziyadi, was published with the participation of researcher Karar Haider Haddawi and A.M.D. Fatima Abdul Kadhim Al-Khalidi research entitled:
The role of adipokines and ghrelin in interactions and clinical implications in childhood obesity
In a magazine:
(Journal of Education and Health Promotion), which is included in the second quarter (Q2)
The research included childhood obesity as a growing global health concern, especially prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula, and known to contribute to metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. This study aims to examine the interaction between adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), ghrelin, and insulin homeostasis in childhood obesity.
Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Babylon that included 120 children/adolescents (7-17 years). The participants were divided into two groups: 60 obese people and 60 healthy people. Anthropometric and biochemical measures were examined, applying World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards to classify weight status. Data on blood lipids, glucose, adipokines and ghrelin were collected in Babylon (Marjan Medical City), ensuring accuracy and providing insight into the metabolic and hormonal status of childhood obesity.
Results: Children’s clinical, physical and laboratory features were assessed, with them classified as normal weight or obese on the basis of BMI/Z‐score and waist circumference. The obese group showed higher triglyceride and insulin levels, as well as lower adiponectin levels (P ≥ 0.001). Leptin levels showed a positive correlation with BMI/score r = 0.352, P = 0.006. A diagnostic model demonstrated the significant diagnostic ability of leptin (AUC > 99%) and its importance in predicting obesity in children. Each unit increase in leptin increased the likelihood of obesity by a factor of 1.197 (95% CI: 1.0507-1.3632, P = 0.0068).
Conclusion: The study revealed significant differences in clinical, biochemical and biological signs of obesity between the research groups and the control group. Leptin has emerged as an important indicator of obesity, demonstrating high diagnostic accuracy. The complex interactions between these adipokines underscore the necessity of comprehensive obesity management strategies.
