Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) varies with body composition and insulin resistance in healthy young people
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Updated: May 19, 2026
Electroporation-Based Genetic Modification of Primary Human Pigment Epithelial Cells Using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System
Published on: February 4, 2021
Kyle L Sunderland1, Jeanie B Tryggestad, Joshua J Wang
1Metabolic Research Program, 1200 Children's Avenue, Suite 4500, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA.
Insights
Plasma Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) is higher in overweight youth and linked to insulin resistance. This suggests PEDF may impact cardiometabolic health in children and young adults.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Health
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) is recognized as a metabolic regulator in adults.
- Elevated plasma PEDF levels are observed in obese and insulin-resistant adults.
- Circulating PEDF levels in children have not been previously reported, yet it may predict metabolic health in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate variations in PEDF levels based on age, sex, and body composition in normal-weight (NW) and overweight/obese (OW) children and young adults.
- To determine the association between PEDF and clinical markers of metabolic disease in youth.
- To explore PEDF's potential role in pediatric metabolic health.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 91 NW and 105 OW participants aged 8-35 years.
- Measurements included body composition, blood pressure, arterial compliance, and fasting plasma levels of PEDF, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein.
- Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated.
Main Results:
- Plasma PEDF was 60% higher in OW compared to NW participants, with no sex differences.
- PEDF positively correlated with body mass, BMI, fat mass, lean mass, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR in both groups.
- Fat and lean mass were significant independent predictors of PEDF levels, irrespective of age, sex, or BMI category.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma PEDF in overweight youth is associated with increased insulin resistance.
- These findings indicate a potential role for PEDF in the development of cardiometabolic dysfunction among children and adolescents.
- PEDF may serve as a biomarker for metabolic disturbances in pediatric populations.
Context:
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) was recently implicated as a metabolic regulatory protein because plasma concentration was increased in obese or insulin resistant adults. To our knowledge, circulating PEDF values in children have not been reported. Because PEDF is a predictor of metabolic health in adults, it may have a similar impact on metabolic profiles in children.
Objective:
The objective of the study was to determine whether PEDF in normal-weight (NW) and overweight/obese (OW) children and young adults varies with age, sex, or body composition or is associated with clinical markers of metabolic disease.
Setting:
Volunteers were tested at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Participants:
Ninety-one NW (8-30 yr old) and 105 OW (8-35 yr old) males and females participated in the study.
Main Outcome Measures:
Body composition, blood pressure, arterial compliance, fasting plasma PEDF, glucose, insulin, (used for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance), triglycerides, cholesterol (total, low density lipoprotein, and high density lipoprotein), and C-reactive protein.
Results:
PEDF was 60% higher in the OW vs. NW participants but did not differ between males and females. PEDF was positively correlated with body mass, body mass index, fat and lean mass, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in both the NW and OW groups. Multiple regression models revealed that fat and lean mass were significant predictors of circulating PEDF levels independent of age, sex, and body mass index category.
Conclusions:
Plasma PEDF is elevated in OW youth and is positively associated with insulin resistance. These findings suggest that PEDF may play a role in the development of cardiometabolic dysfunction in youth.
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