SUN-093 Comparison Of Leptin, Ghrelin, And Nesfatin Levels In Growth Hormone Deficiency And Idiopathic Short Stature Before And After Growth Hormone Therapy

Abstract Disclosure: H. Cho: None. H. Jin: None. I. Hwang: None. E. Kim: None. Objective: Leptin, ghrelin, and nesfatin are hormones that play crucial roles in regulating energy balance and metabolism. The objective of this study was to compare the levels of these hormones between patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS) and healthy controls, as well as to evaluate the changes in these hormone levels before and after recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy in GHD and ISS patients. Methods: A total of 56 prepubescent children aged 5 to 12 years were included in this study, comprising controls (n=17), ISS patients (n=13), and GHD patients (n=26). Clinical parameters and serum levels of leptin, ghrelin, and nesfatin-1 were compared across the groups. Additionally, baseline and 6-month post-GH therapy values were compared in GHD and ISS patients. Results: There were no significant differences in age, BMI, or the levels of leptin, ghrelin, and nesfatin-1 among the three groups. After 6 months of GH therapy, height increased by 5.5 cm in GHD patients and by 5.3 cm in ISS patients. In GHD patients, serum leptin concentrations significantly decreased after 6 months of rhGH therapy (6929 pg/ml ± 8245 pg/ml to 3761 pg/ml ± 4340 pg/ml, p0.037), and leptin was positively correlated with BMI (r=0.672, p0.001). There were no significant changes in ghrelin levels (1367 pg/ml ± 957 pg/ml vs. 1331 pg/ml ± 1431 pg/ml) or nesfatin-1 levels (9.88 ng/ml ± 9.14 ng/ml vs. 7.28 ng/ml ± 5.71 ng/ml) in GHD patients. In ISS patients, leptin (6380 pg/ml ± 5462 pg/ml vs. 2024 pg/ml ± 742 pg/ml), ghrelin (881 pg/ml ± 1273 pg/ml vs. 1015 pg/ml ± 1285 pg/ml), and nesfatin-1 levels (3.03 ng/ml ± 2.31 ng/ml vs. 2.82 ng/ml ± 2.48 ng/ml) showed no significant differences after 6 months of rhGH therapy. Conclusion: While no significant differences in leptin, ghrelin, and nesfatin-1 levels were observed between GHD and ISS patients compared to controls, GH therapy resulted in a significant decrease in leptin levels in GHD patients, which was positively correlated with BMI. These findings provide important insights into the metabolic alterations in GHD patients and the effects of rhGH therapy on these parameters. Further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods after growth hormone therapy are necessary to evaluate the long-term effects more comprehensively. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025