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Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma concentrations in childhood obesity

Nesibe Akyürek1, Zehra Aycan2, Semra Çetinkaya2

  • 1a Department of Pediatrics.

Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|April 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is linked to lower concentrations of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ). Lower PPAR-γ levels correlated with increased waist circumference in obese children, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear proteins regulating transcriptional responses.
  • Limited research exists on PPAR expression in childhood obesity.
  • This study investigates PPAR-gamma (PPAR-γ) in obese children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Evaluate PPAR-γ concentrations in obese children and adolescents.
  • Examine the relationship between PPAR-γ and BMI, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 44 obese and 25 healthy children (aged 8-16).
  • Measurements included blood pressure, waist-hip circumference, blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, liver function tests, and PPAR-γ concentrations.
  • All samples were analyzed after a 12-hour overnight fast.

Main Results:

  • PPAR-γ concentrations were significantly lower in obese children (0.226 ± 0.128) compared to controls (0.547 ± 0.546).
  • Obese children had 2.42-fold lower PPAR-γ levels than controls (p = 0.008).
  • Negative correlation found between PPAR-γ and waist circumference; positive correlation with birth weight in obese children.

Conclusions:

  • PPAR-γ concentrations are reduced in obese children.
  • Findings suggest potential for PPAR-targeting therapies in pediatric obesity, similar to adult treatments.
  • This could offer hope for managing obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
ObesityPPAR-γchildreninsulin resistancewaist circumference

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