Serum Ghrelin and Glukagon-like Peptid 1 Levels in Children with Prader-Willi and Bardet-Biedl Syndromes

INTRODUCTION: Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) are common cause of pediatric syndromic obesity. We aim to investigate a possible role of ghrelin and glukagon-like peptid-1 (GLP-1) in pathophysiology of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS).
METHODS: We recruited 12 subjects with PWS, 12 subjects with BBS, 13 obese controls (OC) and 12 lean controls (LC). Fasting serum ghrelin and GLP-1 levels were measured by ELISA method.
RESULTS: In PWS group, no significant difference was detected for ghrelin when compared with OC and LC; 0.96 (0.69-1.15), 0.92 (0.72-1.20) and 1.13 (0.84-1.29 ng/ml), respectively. Similarly, no significant difference was detected for GLP-1 when compared with OC and LC; 1.86 (1.5- 2.94), 2.24 (1.62-2.78) and 2.06 (1.8-3.41) ng/ml, respectively. In BBS group, no significant difference was detected for ghrelin when compared with OK and SC; 1.05 (0.87-1.51), 0.92 (0.72-1.20) and 1.13 (0.84-1.29) ng/ml, respectively. Similarly, no significant difference was found for GLP-1 when compared with OC and SC; 2.46 (1.91 to 4.17), 2.24 (1.62-2.78) and 2.06 (1.8-3.41) ng/ml, respectively.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We found no definite role for ghrelin and GLP-1 in the pathogenesis of obesity in PWS and BBS. However, similar studies with larger series are needed.