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Serum MOTS-C Levels are Decreased in Obese Children and Associated with Vascular Endothelial Function
Yan-Hua Luo1, Li Xie2, Jiao-Yang Li3
1Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Serum MOTS-C levels and vascular endothelial function (RHI) are reduced in obese children. MOTS-C mediates the link between obesity and vascular changes, highlighting its role as a biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Metabolic Disease Biomarkers
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern linked to cardiovascular disease.
- Novel biomarkers are needed for effective treatment strategies.
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-C is a potential factor in metabolic regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum MOTS-C levels and vascular endothelial function in obese children.
- To explore MOTS-C as a potential biomarker for obesity-related vascular changes.
Main Methods:
- Study included 225 obese children and 218 healthy controls.
- Anthropometric and biochemical assessments were performed.
- Peripheral endothelial function was assessed using reactive hyperemia index (RHI); serum MOTS-C levels were measured via ELISA.
Main Results:
- Obese children exhibited lower serum MOTS-C and RHI compared to healthy children (P < 0.01).
- RHI was independently associated with BMI, HDL cholesterol, and MOTS-C.
- MOTS-C significantly mediated the relationship between BMI and RHI, accounting for 9.12% of the effect.
Conclusions:
- MOTS-C is identified as a novel regulator in the development of obesity-induced vascular dysfunction.
- Findings suggest MOTS-C's potential as a therapeutic target for pediatric obesity and associated cardiovascular risks.
Purpose:
The increasing prevalence of obesity in children and its associated risk with cardiovascular diseases demand more discovery of the novel biomarkers for developing new treatment options for this complex disease. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum MOTS-C (a peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome) levels and vascular endothelial function in obese children.
Patients And Methods:
A total of 225 obese children (aged 8.1 ± 2.6 years) and 218 healthy children (aged 7.9 ± 2.2 years) were enrolled. Related anthropometric assessment and biochemical evaluation were done in all subjects. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI), as assessed by the peripheral arterial tonometry, was used for evaluation of peripheral endothelial function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the level of serum MOTS-C.
Results:
Levels of serum MOTS-C and RHI were lower in the obese children compared with the healthy children (P < 0.01). The RHI level was independently associated with body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and MOTS-C in linear regression analysis. Further analysis showed a significant mediating effect of MOTS-C on the correlation between body mass index and RHI in children, with the ratio of mediating effect value of 9.12%.
Conclusion:
These data identify that MOTS-C is a previously unknown regulator in the development process of obesity-induced vascular changes.
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