Circulating chemerin and interleukin-6 in children with obesity: possible metabolic risk predictors

Jie Zhang1,2, Cai Gu1,3, Meiling Deng1,4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China.

Translational Pediatrics
|November 11, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and chemerin in obese children correlate with metabolic risks. These biomarkers may serve as early predictors for childhood obesity and its complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Metabolic Health
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Childhood obesity incidence is rising, posing significant adult health risks.
  • Early detection and prevention strategies are crucial for managing childhood obesity.
  • Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and chemerin are investigated as potential indicators.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess serum levels of IL-6 and chemerin in children with obesity.
  • To explore the clinical significance of these biomarkers in childhood obesity.
  • To identify potential early warning predictors for obesity-related complications.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 101 children (50 obese, 51 healthy).
  • Measurement of serum chemerin and IL-6 levels.
  • Correlation analysis with metabolic parameters and multivariate regression.

Main Results:

  • Obese children showed significantly higher levels of chemerin, IL-6, BMI, and various metabolic indicators (e.g., TG, LDL, HbA1c, HOMA-IR).
  • HDL levels were lower in the obese group.
  • Serum chemerin and IL-6 positively correlated with BMI, insulin resistance markers, and liver enzymes; IL-6 was an independent determinant of chemerin.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated serum chemerin and IL-6 in obese children are linked to adverse metabolic profiles.
  • These biomarkers may play a role in the development of childhood obesity and its complications.
  • Chemerin and IL-6 show promise as early warning predictors for metabolic risks in children.
Abstract