Metabolic Biomarkers Behind Stunting: The Role of Serum Leptin and Adiponectin in Early Childhood Growth

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Putriatri Krimasusini Senudin, Irwanto, Nur Aisiyah Widjaja, Sulistiawati

 
For citation: Senudin PK, Irwanto, Widjaja NA, Sulistiawati. Metabolic Biomarkers Behind Stunting: The Role of Serum Leptin and Adiponectin in Early Childhood Growth. International Journal of Biomedicine. 2026;16(1):78-82. doi:10.21103/Article16(1)_OA10
 
Originally published March 5, 2026

Abstract: 

Background: Stunting is a nutritional problem that often affects children worldwide. Leptin and adiponectin are essential in modulating bone metabolism and, consequently, skeletal growth and height. This study aims to analyse leptin and adiponectin levels in stunted children and normal children and to determine the threshold values of leptin and adiponectin as early biomarkers of stunting.
Methods and Results: A case-control study was conducted in the working area of Kota Ruteng Primary Health Center Care, in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, from September to December 2024. The subjects were randomly selected from children aged 24-60 months. A total of 80 children, including 38 boys and 42 girls, were enrolled and divided into a stunting group (40 children) and a non-stunting group (40 children).
Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age 2–3 years, premature birth, low birth weight, and height were significant determinants of stunting, while leptin and adiponectin were independently associated with increased risk. ROC analysis showed that leptin had moderate discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.630; cut-off <2.18 ng/mL), whereas adiponectin yielded an AUC of 0.266 with a cut-off <29.5 ng/mL
Conclusion: Stunted children have higher leptin levels, and their height and adiponectin levels are lower than those of non-stunted children. Leptin and adiponectin levels can be used as early biomarkers of stunting.

Keywords: 
stunting • leptin • adiponectin • child growth • early childhood
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Received December 8, 2025.
Accepted January 24, 2026.
©2026 International Medical Research and Development Corporation.