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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
07:09
Isolation of Adipose Tissue Immune Cells
Published on: May 22, 2013
Ghrelin and leptin modulate immunity and liver function in overweight children.
Yuki Okamatsu1, Kentaro Matsuda, Ikue Hiramoto
1Department of Pediatrics, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan.
Summary
Obesity in children is linked to altered immune responses and liver function. Appetite hormones may influence these changes, suggesting a connection between metabolic health and immunity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Rising global obesity rates pose significant public health challenges.
- Obesity is associated with chronic conditions like asthma, liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.
- Adipocytokines and low-grade inflammation are implicated in obesity development and its comorbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate metabolic, hormonal, immunologic, and inflammatory factors in overweight children.
- Clarify potential immunomodulatory effects of obesity-related hormones and cytokines.
Main Methods:
- Compared 49 overweight children with 49 age-matched normal-weight controls.
- Measured plasma ghrelin, serum leptin, cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13), C-reactive protein, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE), and insulin.
- Conducted liver function tests.
Main Results:
- Overweight children showed higher adiposity and elevated IgG, IgA, and IgE levels, but lower IgM levels compared to controls.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed in 28.6% of overweight children.
- Serum leptin correlated with liver function index and insulin levels; ghrelin correlated with some immunoglobulin levels and liver function.
Conclusions:
- Appetite-regulating hormones may modulate humoral immunity and liver function in overweight children.
- Further research with larger cohorts is required to elucidate these mechanisms.
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