The serum levels of the EGF-like homeotic protein dlk1 correlate with different metabolic parameters in two hormonally different children populations in Spain.

dlk1 serum levels appear related to the anabolic status of the children in association with changes in the levels of DHEA-S, which have been associated with hyperinsulinaemia and diabetes. Monitoring dlk1 levels may be important to evaluate the metabolic and hormonal stage of child development.