Impact of Leptin and Thyroid Hormone on Obesity in Wasit Province, Iraq

The current study investigates the correlation between thyroid dysfunction, specifically thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and obesity in children and adolescents. The researchers also assessed the levels of leptin hormone and lipid profiles in obese individuals compared to non-obese individuals.". The study included 100 participants aged 7 to 15 years, divided into two groups: 50 obese individuals and 50 non-obese individuals as a control group. The body mass index (BMI) was used to determine obesity. Blood samples were collected from both groups to measure various parameters, including serum leptin, TSH, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). The statistical analysis of the data, performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), revealed significant differences between the two groups. The obese group showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in serum leptin levels compared to the non-obese group. In contrast, the non-obese group had higher levels of T4, T3, and TSH, along with lower levels of leptin and all lipid profiles. The obese group had lower levels of T3 and T4, higher levels of TSH, and lower levels of leptin, as well as significant differences in lipid profiles when compared to the non-obese group. These findings suggest that there is a relationship between thyroid dysfunction, leptin hormone levels, and lipid profiles in obese children and adolescents. However, it's important to note that the specific mechanisms underlying this relationship and the direction of causality are not discussed in the provided information. Further research would be needed to explore the implications and potential therapeutic interventions related to these findings.