Serum adiponectin, leptin, and interleukin 6 levels as adipocytokines in children with febrile seizures: The role of adipose tissue in febrile seizures

Proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines have an important role in the pathogenesis of febrile seizures (FS). Adipocytokines like interleukin 6 (IL-6), leptin, and adiponectin released from adipose tissue play a role in inflammation. This study aimed to assess the probable role of adipose tissue in children with FS. We measured serum IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin levels and evaluated clinical and laboratory findings in children with FS (n = 32) and compared the results with the values of children of the same age with febrile illness without seizures (febrile control, FC; n = 26) and healthy control group (HC; n = 29). The serum levels of white blood cells, C-reactive protein, IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin were found to be significantly higher, while serum hemoglobin (Hb) levels were found to be significantly lower in FS and FC groups than in the HC group (p < 0.001). When we compared the FS with the FC group, the serum Hb levels were significantly lower in the FS group than those in the FC group (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the FS and FC group with regard to the serum levels of these adipocytokines (p > 0.05). Our data showed that elevated levels of these adipocytokines as acute phase reactants in FS and FC groups did not contribute to the development of FS.