| Description |
Adipokines, including adiponectin and leptin, are secreted by adipose tissue. With an increase in fat mass, concentrations of adiponectin decrease and leptin increase, altering the adiponectin/leptin (A/L) ratio. A/L ratio is associated with metabolic dysfunction, as are multiple diet factors including breastfeeding in infancy and breakfast intake. However, it is not known whether these diet factors are related to A/L ratio, and if they will protect against metabolic dysfunction in a population at an increased risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether breastfeeding duration in infancy and current breakfast frequency are associated with A/L ratio and metabolic dysfunction in children and adolescents with obesity. The study cohort consisted of obese (body mass index ≥ 95th percentile) children and adolescents (n = 100, 46M). Fasting blood samples were taken to measure high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, glucose, adiponectin, and leptin levels. Weight, height, and blood pressure were also assessed. Breastfeeding history was obtained through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2003-2004, and breakfast frequency was reported through the Gold Medal School Parent Questionnaire administered to parents. Of the 100 participants, 82% were breastfed as infants. Among the breastfed, 66% (n = 54) were breastfed for ≥ 6 months and 62% (n = 54) were breastfed exclusively for ≥ 6 months (4 parents could not recall duration of exclusive breastfeeding). Of the breakfast responses collected (n = 46), most participants (59%, n = 27) reported consuming breakfast every day. There was no association between these diet factors and A/L ratio or the presence of metabolic dysfunction. Differences in A/L (p = 0.02) and leptin (p = 0.009) were noted between categorical breakfast frequencies when gender was controlled for, and there was a significant difference in BMI between categorical breakfast intakes (p = 0.02). There were no significant relationships in the linear model of breakfast. No association between A/L ratio and metabolic dysfunction was observed. In conclusion, breastfeeding duration and breakfast frequency do not appear to influence A/L ratio or metabolic dysfunction in this population of obese children and adolescents. |
