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Preferential salivary-type hypoamylasemia in obese children
1Department of Public Health, Okayama University Medical School, Japan.
Insights
Serum levels of salivary type (S-type) isoamylase are decreased in obese children and correlate with obesity index. Weight reduction therapy can increase S-type isoamylase activity, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Obesity in children is a growing concern with complex metabolic implications.
- Serum amylase levels, including pancreatic (P-type) and salivary (S-type) isoamylases, may be affected by obesity.
- Understanding these alterations can provide insights into obesity-related pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum levels of total amylase, P-type isoamylase, and S-type isoamylase in obese children.
- To determine the correlation between serum amylase isoenzymes and obesity index.
- To evaluate the effect of weight reduction therapy on serum amylase isoenzyme levels.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 153 obese children were analyzed for total amylase, P-type isoamylase, and S-type isoamylase.
- Enzyme activity was measured using p-nitrophenylmaltoheptaoside substrate.
- An antibody was used to specifically inhibit S-type isoamylase for P-type isoamylase determination.
Main Results:
- Serum levels of total amylase, P-type isoamylase, and S-type isoamylase were significantly decreased in obese children with an obesity index >50%.
- Both S-type and P-type isoamylases showed a negative correlation with the obesity index, more pronounced for S-type.
- Weight reduction therapy correlated negatively with changes in S-type isoamylase activity.
Conclusions:
- Serum S-type isoamylase activity is decreased in obese children.
- S-type isoamylase levels demonstrate a negative correlation with the obesity index.
- Weight reduction in obese children can lead to an increase in serum S-type isoamylase activity.
Abstract:
Serum levels of total amylase, pancreatic type (P-type) isoamylase, and salivary type (S-type) isoamylase were measured in obese children (153 subjects; mean age, 10.1 years old; 86 boys and 67 girls) before and after weight reduction therapy. Serum amylase activities were determined using p-nitrophenylmaltoheptaoside as a substrate, with or without an antibody added to inhibit the S-type isoamylase. Serum levels of total amylase, P-type isoamylase and S-type isoamylase activities were significantly decreased in obese children with an obesity index more than 50%. S-type and P-type isoamylases showed negative correlation with the obesity index, the correlation coefficient being slightly larger in S-type than in P-type isoamylase. Analysis of the serum amylase activities in obese children who underwent weight reduction treatments showed a negative correlation only between the differences in S-type isoamylase activity and the differences in the obesity index. It may be concluded that the S-type isoamylase activity in serum of obese children is decreased and that it can be increased by reducing their body weight.