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Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein in obese children before and after weight loss

Thomas Reinehr1, Birgit Stoffel-Wagner, Christian L Roth

  • 1Vestische Hospital for Children and Adolescents Datteln, University of Witten/Herdecke, 45711, Datteln, Germany. t.reinehr@kinderklinik-datteln.de

Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|November 14, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) is higher in obese children and linked to body fat and leptin levels. Weight loss significantly decreased A-FABP, suggesting its role in pediatric obesity management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Obesity Research
  • Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

  • Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) is elevated in obese adults and associated with metabolic syndrome.
  • Limited research exists on A-FABP in pediatric weight loss and obese children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate A-FABP levels in obese children before and after a 1-year weight loss intervention.
  • To examine the relationship between A-FABP, body composition, and metabolic syndrome markers in pediatric obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Measured serum A-FABP, leptin, and metabolic syndrome markers in 30 obese children and 10 nonobese controls.
  • Assessed weight status (BMI, body fat percentage) before and after a 1-year intervention.
  • Utilized multivariate regression analysis to identify correlations.

Main Results:

  • Obese children exhibited significantly higher A-FABP concentrations than nonobese children.
  • A-FABP levels correlated with percentage body fat and leptin, not metabolic syndrome markers.
  • Significant weight loss in a subset of children led to a decrease in A-FABP levels.

Conclusions:

  • A-FABP levels are associated with adiposity and leptin in obese children.
  • Weight loss interventions may reduce A-FABP in pediatric obesity.
  • Further research is needed to clarify A-FABP's role in the metabolic syndrome in children.

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