Effect of valproic acid treatment on body composition, leptin and the soluble leptin receptor in epileptic children.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of valproic acid (VPA) treatment on leptin, the soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), the sOB-R/leptin ratio, body composition and insulin resistance in epileptic children.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted at the Medical University Innsbruck, Austria. Children >6 years with idiopathic epilepsy and antiepileptic drug therapy since at least six months were eligible. Leptin concentration, the sOB-R, the sOB-R/leptin ratio, body composition and glucose homeostasis were determined.

RESULTS:

87 children (median [range] age 12.8 years [6.0-18.6]) were on treatment with VPA, 55 (12.3 years [6.4-18.3]) on other AEDs, comprising the non-VPA group. VPA-treated children had higher leptin concentrations, body-mass-index standard-deviation score (SDS), body fat (each p<0.001), serum insulin concentrations (p=0.014) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (p=0.009), as well as a lower sOB-R/leptin ratio (p<0.001) when compared to the non-VPA group. Overweight VPA-treated children showed lower sOB-R concentrations and a lower sOB-R/leptin ratio (each p<0.001) as well as higher body fat and leptin levels (each p<0.001) compared to lean VPA-treated children.

CONCLUSION:

VPA monotherapy was associated with higher body weight, body fat and serum leptin concentrations as well as impaired glucose homeostasis. Low sOB-R concentrations and a low sOB-R/leptin ratio in overweight VPA-treated patients might contribute to disturbances in glucose homeostasis and to the development of the metabolic syndrome in these children later in life.

• Authors: M Rauchenzauner, E Haberlandt, S Scholl-Bürgi, D Karall, E Schoenherr, T Tatarczyk, J Engl, M Laimer, G Luef, C F Ebenbichler
• Journal: Epilepsy research (Epilepsy Res) Vol. 80 Issue 2-3 Pg. 142-9 (Aug 2008) ISSN: 0920-1211 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 18472247 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Leptin
• Receptors, Leptin
• Valproic Acid

Topics

• Adolescent
• Anthropology, Physical (methods)
• Anticonvulsants (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Body Composition (drug effects)
• Body Mass Index
• Child
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Epilepsy (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Leptin (blood)
• Male
• Receptors, Leptin (blood)
• Sex Factors
• Valproic Acid (pharmacology, therapeutic use)