Quantitative determination of plasma cholesteryl ester levels in Japanese preadolescents from the Hokkaido study using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

Divyavani Gowda ¹, Siddabasave Gowda B Gowda ², Atsuko Ikeda ³

⁰Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.

Steroids +

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August 15, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study measured cholesteryl esters (CEs) in Japanese children, finding total levels consistent across ages but differing in specific fatty acids between sexes. CE 18:3 may indicate childhood obesity.

Area Of Science

Biochemistry
Pediatric Endocrinology
Clinical Chemistry

Background

Cholesteryl esters (CEs) are vital sterols and potential plasma biomarkers for liver function.
Absolute plasma CE concentrations in Japanese preadolescents remain underexplored.
Understanding CE profiles is crucial for pediatric health assessment.

Purpose Of The Study

To quantify absolute plasma CE levels in Japanese preadolescents (9-12 years).
To investigate variations in CE concentrations based on sex, age, and body weight.
To explore potential CE biomarkers for childhood obesity.

Main Methods

Targeted liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed.
Analysis was conducted on non-fasting plasma samples from 339 healthy Japanese children in Hokkaido.
Participants were categorized by sex, age (9-12 years), and body mass index (BMI).

Main Results

Total CE levels were consistent between boys (871 ± 153 pmol/μL) and girls (862 ± 96 pmol/μL).
CE 18:2 was the most abundant species, followed by CE 18:1 and CE 16:0.
CE 18:3 and CE 20:5 (ω-3) were lower in girls; CE 18:3 was upregulated in overweight children, suggesting potential as an obesity marker (AUC=0.73).

Conclusions

Plasma CE levels are tightly regulated in preadolescent children.
Specific CE species, like CE 18:3, show differential distribution by sex and BMI.
This study provides foundational data on pediatric CE levels and highlights CE 18:3 as a potential biomarker for childhood obesity.

Keywords:

Cholesterol Cholesteryl esters Hokkaido study Liquid chromatography Mass spectrometry and Childhood obesity