Amylin Level and Gastric Emptying in Obese Children : Before and after Weight Loss

Amylin is a neuroendocrine hormone that inhibits food intake and gastric emptying in animal studies. Its role in obese human beings is still controversial. We aimed to estimate the fasting and postprandial amylin levels in obese children before and after weight loss [through weight loss intervention program (WLIP)] and to relate these levels to the lipid profile, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and ultrasonography gastric half emptying time (t1/2). This study was conducted initially on 20 obese children, 10 of them only continued 6 months follow up strategy on WLIP. Ten lean children served as controls. All children were subjected initially and on follow up to dietetic history taking, anthropometric measurements and laboratory assessment oflipid profile, HOMA-IR, fasting and postprandial amylin levels and ultrasonography gastric half emptying time (t1/2). The results showed that IR, significantly increased in fasting and postprandial amylin levels and significant delay in gastric emptying among obese children. After WLIP completion, IR was reversible, fasting and postprandial amylin levels decreased and gastric emptying significantly improved yet still significantly delayed than controls. There was significant positive correlation between fasting amylin levels and body mass index %, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR.