leptin and Intestinal-Diseases--Parasitic

The aim of the present study was to evaluate associations between intestinal parasitic infection with intestinal and systemic inflammatory markers in school-aged children with high rates of obesity. Plasma concentrations of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), leptin, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were measured as systemic inflammation markers and count of stool leukocytes as marker of intestinal inflammation in 291 children (6-10 years). Intestinal parasitic infection was measured by stool examination. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the odds of having high inflammatory markers for each parasite or group of parasites as compared to parasite-free children while adjusting for sex, age, mother's educational level and percentage of body fat. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa infections was 12% and 36%, respectively. Parasitic infection was not associated with CRP, IL-6, IL-10 or TNF-α. Children infected with Ascaris lumbricoides (aOR: 5.91, 95% CI: 1.97-17.70) and Entamoeba coli (aOR: 8.46, 95% CI: 2.85-25.14) were more likely to have higher stool leucocytes than parasite-free children. Children with multiple infections (aOR: 10.60, 95% CI: 2.85-25.14) were more likely to have higher leptin concentrations than parasite-free children. Intestinal parasitic infection was not associated with systemic inflammation, but was associated with intestinal inflammation. Having multiple infections were associated with higher leptin concentrations.

Topics: Animals; Ascaris lumbricoides; C-Reactive Protein; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Entamoeba histolytica; Feces; Female; Helminthiasis; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-6; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Intestines; Leptin; Male; Obesity; Prevalence; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Leptin is a protein hormone controlling food intake and energy expenditure. In all infections including parasitic infections there is loss of appetite and anorexia. The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between intestinal parasites and serum leptin concentrations in children and adults. Forty patients with intestinal parasites and 34 healthy subjects took part in this study. Body weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were measured for all patients and controls. Patients were grouped according to age and parasitic infections (Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis hominis, Enterobius vermicularis, Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba coli). Serum leptin concentrations were detected by immunoenzymometric assay using the Biosource Leptin EASIA kit. Statistical analysis was made by Mann-Whitney-U test using SPSS version 10.0. In children, the serum leptin levels were not statistically significant (patient: 1.49+/-1.97 ng/ml, control: 3.48+/-4.97; p=0.854) But for adults, although the BMI of patients were similar to that of the control group; the leptin levels of patients were low. These levels were not significant (patients: 9.06+/-10.34; controls: 4.7+/-9.02 ng/ml; p=0.271). There was no statistical difference for leptin levels in patient groups, children and adults due to intestinal parasitic infections. Further investigations are needed.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Blastocystis Infections; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Child; Child, Preschool; Dysentery, Amebic; Enterobiasis; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Giardiasis; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Leptin; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult

Gastrointestinal parasites have evolved with humans and colonize many asymptomatic subjects. We investigated the influence of microbial gastrointestinal colonization on the nutritional status of rural Amerindians (40 males and 61 females). Helicobacter pylori was detected by 13C-breath test, and intestinal parasites were detected in fecal specimens. Body morphometry and bioelectrical impedance measurements were measured. Although Amerindians showed low height and weight for age, they had an adequate body mass index, morphometric parameters, and cell mass. Intestinal parasites were detected in 99% of the subjects, with no detrimental effect on nutritional parameters. Helicobacter pylori was present in 82% of adults and half the children, and was positively correlated with improved nutritional status. Despite the high prevalence of gastrointestinal microbes often associated with disease, the studied population of Amerindians had a body morphometry and composition indicative of good nutritional status, and improved in children positive for gastric H. pylori.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Leptin; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status