Sexual dimorphism of leptin and adiposity in children between 0 and 10 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Differences in adolescents and adults by sex in blood levels of leptin and adiposity have been described; however, it is not yet clear if these differences arise from the prepubertal stage in subjects with a normal-weight. Therefore, we examine whether there are differences by sex in levels of blood leptin and adiposity in children with a normal-weight between 0 and 10 years old. Methods: Search strategy: eligible studies were obtained from three electronic databases (Ovid, Embase and LILACS) and contact with experts. Selection criteria: healthy children up to 10 years of age with normal-weight according to age. Data collection and analyses: data were extracted by four independent reviewers using a predesigned data collection form. For the analysis, we stratified according to age groups (newborns, 0.25–0.5 years, 3–5.9 years, 6–7.9 years, 8–10 years). The statistical analysis was performed in the R program. Results: Of the initially identified 13,712 records, 21 were selected in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The sex was associated with the overall effect on blood leptin (pooled MD = 1.72 ng/mL, 95% CI: 1.25–2.19) and body fat percentage (pooled MD = 3.43%, 95% CI: 2.53–4.33), being both higher in girls. This finding was consistent in the majority of age groups. Conclusion: The results of our meta-analyses support the sexual dimorphism in circulating blood leptin and body fat percentage between girls and boys with normal-weight from prepuberty.