Ghrelin Levels in Children with Constitutional Delay of Growth and Puberty

OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to show the role of ghrelin in growth delay in children with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP). METHODS Thirty male children with CDGP constituted the study group and fifteen healthy children with normal growth of similar ages-the control group. In both groups, fasting and postprandial plasma ghrelin levels, serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels were determined. RESULTS There were no differences in fasting and postprandial ghrelin levels (824.23±523.46 pg/mL and 447.26±259.92 pg/mL, respectively) in children with CDGP compared to the levels in the control group (687.38±481.43 pg/mL and 365.59±260.43 pg/mL, respectively; p>0.05). Differences in fasting and postprandial ghrelin levels were also similar in the two groups (394.44±369.10 pg/mL and 346.55±338.67 pg/mL, respectively; p>0.05). Serum IGF-1 levels were significantly depressed in children with CDGP compared to those in the control group (239.5±83.95 ng/mL and 339.20±63.08 ng/mL, respectively; p<0.05). CONCLUSION Decreased appetite and feeding problems in children with CDGP were not related to depressed ghrelin levels. In addition, ghrelin levels did not increase to compensate for the decreased appetite and feeding problems in CDGP.