The Effect of Serum Oxytocin Levels on Vitamin D, Body Mass Index, Lipid Profile, Metabolic and Biochemical Parameters in Children: A Prospective Study

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Objective: Oxytocin plays a significant role in the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and has been suggested to be associated with obesity and components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This prospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum oxytocin levels and vitamin D status, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, and various metabolic and biochemical parameters in the pediatric population. Methods: A total of 87 children, who presented for routine follow-up, were enrolled in this prospective study. Anthropometric measurements, serum oxytocin levels and comprehensive laboratory parameters were evaluated. Results: No statistically significant correlations were observed between oxytocin level and patient age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), or their respective percentiles. Furthermore, oxytocin showed no significant associations with the evaluated laboratory parameters. Notably, a significant inverse correlation was detected between oxytocin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations, whereby oxytocin levels decreased as 25OHD levels increased (p = 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that, unlike findings reported in adult populations, oxytocin levels were not significantly associated with BMI, lipid profile, or other metabolic parameters in healthy children. Moreover, this is the first study to report that oxytocin levels are significantly elevated in children with vitamin D deficiency.