IntroductionSleep problems are prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a role has been attributed to melatonin in this multifactorial comorbidity.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 41 autistic children and adolescents (9.9 ± 3.02) and 24 children and adolescents with a normal intellectual function (8.42 ± 2.43) were used as controls. Subjects were matched for sex, body mass index, and pubertal stage, and all were drug-naive. Circadian and sleep parameters were studied using an ambulatory circadian monitoring (ACM) device, and saliva samples were collected around the onset of sleep to determine dim light melatonin onset (DLMO).ResultsPrepubertal individuals with ASD presented later DLMO and an earlier decline in melatonin during adolescence. A relationship was found between melatonin and both sleep and circadian parameters. Participants and controls with later DLMOs were more likely to have delayed sleep onset times. In the ASD group, subjects with the later daytime midpoint of temperature had a later DLMO. Later melatonin peak time and DLMO time were related to lower general motor activity and lower stability of its rhythms.ConclusionThe melatonin secretion pattern was different in individuals with ASD, and it showed a relationship with sleep and circadian parameters. Alterations in DLMO have not been previously reported in ASD with the exception of more variable DLMO timing; however, high variability in the study design and sample characteristics prevents direct comparison. The ACM device enabled the measurement of circadian rhythm, a scarcely described parameter in autistic children. When studied in combination with other measures such as melatonin, ACM can offer further knowledge on sleep problems in ASD.

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IntroductionOur objective was to compare high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in children with type 1 diabetes, healthy controls, and children with obesity. Additionally, we aimed to analyze the association between hsCRP levels and glycemic control measured by glycohemoglobin A (HbA1c) and anthropometric and biochemical variables.Research design and methodsWe conducted a non-randomized descriptive study of children with type 1 diabetes matched for sex and age with a control group and group with obesity. We recorded anthropometric parameters and studied variables related to diabetes, blood pressure, lipid profile, and HbA1c. hsCRP was measured by ELISA.ResultsWe included 49 children with type 1 diabetes, 46 controls, and 40 children with obesity. hsCRP levels were significantly higher in the group with type 1 diabetes compared with controls and nearly significantly lower than in the group comprising children with obesity. We found no correlation between hsCRP and HbA1c and characteristics of type 1 diabetes with the exception of albumin to creatinine ratio. Statistically significant association was found between hsCRP and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference Z-score.ConclusionsThe higher hsCRP levels observed in children with type 1 diabetes compared with a control group with a similar BMI suggest a basal inflammatory state that could increase cardiovascular risk. The main factors related to hsCRP are BMI and waist circumference, so obesity prevention should be a priority when performing follow-up in children with type 1 diabetes.

Background The association of sex hormones with C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels has been reported. However, this association remains unexplored in children in whom important anthropometric and hormonal changes are taking place. Objectives To analyze the association between high‐sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP) and testosterone, estradiol and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) levels in a population‐based sample of adolescents, and to evaluate the influence of leptin levels on this association. Materials and Methods The sample population of this cross‐sectional study was comprised of 338 male and 385 female adolescents, aged 12–16 years. Information on anthropometric variables, hormone, leptin, and hs‐CRP levels was available. Results In male adolescents in our study, higher age is significantly associated with higher testosterone levels and with lower leptin and SHBG concentrations across the range of age studied. No significant changes in leptin and SHBG levels by age are observed in females. In males, leptin correlates negatively with testosterone levels (−0.263, p < 0.001), showing a stronger correlation after adjusting by body mass index (BMI) (−0.424, p < 0.001). A significant correlation between hs‐CRP and testosterone levels is observed in males after adjusting by BMI, but the correlation disappears after adjusting by leptin. No association between testosterone and hs‐CRP was observed in females. The negative association between hs‐CRP levels and SHBG remains significant after adjusting by leptin in both sexes but disappears in males after adjusting by BMI. Conclusion The negative association between hs‐CRP and testosterone concentrations observed in 12‐ to 16‐year‐old males seems to be related to leptin levels which are closely negatively related to testosterone levels in males independently of BMI.