Correlation between Asprosin and Spexin levels in Iraqi children with growth hormone deficiency

Abstract

Introduction: Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is an endocrine disorder that causes a reduction in the synthesis of growth hormone (GH) in children, leading to short stature and delayed puberty. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) plays a critical role in the growth-promoting effect of GH. IGF-1 levels provide information about the body’s natural release of GH. Asprosin (ASP) is a modernly recognized adipokine produced from adipose tissue linked to metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. Spexin (SPX) is a newly discovered adipokine implicated in various homeostatic functions, including metabolism, endocrine processes, and GH production. This study suggests a special relationship between GH, ASP, and SPX in GHD children. Methods: investigates the potential correlation between ASP and SPX in 90 children, 40 with GHD, and 50 healthy controls. Levels of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and vitamin D3 were measured in both groups. SPX and ASP levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: biochemical parameters between the patient and control group showed significant differences in Hb, Vit.D3, ASP, SPX, and GH p< 0.050, In the correlation study, GH showed a significant negative correlation with ASP, SPX, and Hb (p=0.015, p=0.000 and p=0.024 respectively), but show a positive correlation with D3. Conclusion: ASP could be one of the underlying factors contributing to GHD through influencing metabolic processes linked to GH regulation. Also, differences in SPX levels may play a role in the etiology of GHD, as SPX is proven to be expressed in all endocrine glands.