Seasonal variation in sleeping metabolic rate, thyroid activity, and leptin

G. Plasqui*, A.D.M. Kester, K.R. Westerterp

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

Seasonal variation in sleeping metabolic rate, thyroid activity, and leptin.

Plasqui G, Kester AD, Westerterp KR.

Dept. of Human Biology, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. G.Plasqui@HB.Unimaas.NL

We investigated seasonal variation in sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) and the possible relation to body composition, thyroid activity, and leptin. Twenty-five healthy volunteers were examined four times during the year: in spring (April, May), summer (July, August), autumn (October, November), and winter (January, February). Body composition was determined using a three-compartment model based on underwater weighing and the deuterium dilution method. SMR was measured during an overnight stay in a respiration chamber. A blood sample was taken for the analysis of free and total thyroxine, TSH, and leptin. SMR showed a significant seasonal variation (P < 0.01) with a maximum in winter (4.54 kJ/min) and a minimum in summer (4.34 kJ/min). The amplitude was 0.10 +/- 0.02 kJ/min, and the phase was November 5th. Season explained 17% of the intraindividual variation in SMR. The circannual rhythm in SMR could not be explained by changes in body composition, thyroid activity, or leptin. Interindividual variation in SMR was explained by fat-free mass (P < 0.001) and leptin (P < 0.001).
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E338-E343
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology : Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume285
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2003

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