Leptin, ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and orexin-A plasma levels in girls with premature thelarche

Purpose Reducing the mean age of puberty onset in recent years has crucial public health, clinical, and social implications. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of appetite-related peptides (leptin, ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and orexin-A) and anthropometric data in girls with premature thelarche (PT). Methods We enrolled 44 girls aged 4–8 years diagnosed with PT and 33 age-matched healthy girls as controls. The demographic data of the girls were obtained using a questionnaire. Anthropometric data were measured and fasting blood samples were collected. Results Body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), body fat mass, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were higher in the PT group than in the control group ( p