Leptin, a recently discovered hormone produced in adipocytes, regulates satiety and body weight in animals. Human obesity is associated with increased leptin levels and thought to be a leptin resistant state. FCH, a form of dyslipidemia characterised by hypertriglyceridemia and premature atherosclerosis, is strongly associated with adult onset obesity whereas another common dyslipidemia, FH is not. We therefore hypothesized that leptin levels would be higher in adolescents with FCH compared with those with FH. Methods: Eight females with FCH were compared with 18 females with FH. Fasting lipid profiles and anthropometric data (height, weight were collected at entry). Leptin level was measured by commercial RIA kit (Lindco Research Inc., St Charles, MO.) Table Results: Leptin level, corrected for BMI percentile, was two fold higher in FCH than in FH subjects (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Leptin is increased in females with FCH and may be a marker for risk of adult onset obesity. This suggests a need to alter treatment approach in this common dyslipidemia, emphasizing energy balance and exercise more than fat intake.

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