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Leptin Levels Are Associated with Immune Response in Malnourished Infants

Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, and University Iberoamericana, Santiago, Chile

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Liana Schlesinger, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Casilla, 138-11 Santiago, Chile. E-mail: . lschlesi{at}uec.inta.uchile.cl

Abstract

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- 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 TNF 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.

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