Obesity has been linked to a high frequency of autoimmune hepatitis in children and adolescents (AIH). Adipokines play a role in inflammation. The purpose of this study was to look at the link between obesity and systemic inflammation, adipokines, and ghrelin in adolescents with AIH. A total of 27 adolescents with AIH and a control group were included in this case-controlled research. A body mass index/age Z score of more than +1 standard deviation was used to indicate excess weight. Luminex technology was used to assess adipokines and ghrelin. AIH adolescents with and without excess weight had greater levels of adiponectin than normal-weight and excess-weight controls. Leptin levels were greater in obese AIH patients and controls compared to normal-weight AIH and control adolescents. IL-6 levels were greater in AIH patients with excess weight and normal weight than in controls with excess weight and normal weight. IL-10 levels were greater in AIH patients of normal weight than in excess-weight and normal-weight controls. Ferritin levels were decreased in AIH patients compared to controls.
AIH patients showed increased levels of adipokines, particularly adiponectin and IL-6, regardless of body weight. Leptin levels were related to body weight and were unaffected by AIH. In AIH, IL-10 levels were linked to lean tissue.
