Biomarkers and Mechanisms in the Early Assessment of Childhood Obesity from a Multidisciplinary Perspective-A...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Metabolic disorders
• Preventive medicine

Background:

• Rising obesity incidence and prevalence necessitate novel assessment strategies.
• Existing biomarkers aid in early diagnosis of obesity complications, with ongoing research into new markers.
• Intestinal microbiota are increasingly recognized for their role in obesity prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current markers and mechanisms for evaluating obesity and its systemic complications.
• To emphasize the utility of salivary markers for cost-effective obesity assessment.
• To explore the involvement of the renin-angiotensin and kallikrein-kinin systems in obesity-related issues.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological studies and biomarker research.
• Analysis of the role of specific physiological systems (renin-angiotensin, kallikrein-kinin) in obesity.
• Investigation of the gut microbiota's impact on adiposity and its potential as a biomarker.

Main Results:

• Salivary markers offer a practical approach to obesity evaluation.
• The renin-angiotensin and kallikrein-kinin systems are implicated in obesity and hypertension.
• The gut microbiota, particularly the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, shows promise as a biomarker for adiposity.

Conclusions:

• Understanding diverse markers and mechanisms is crucial for effective obesity assessment and complication management.
• Salivary diagnostics, hormonal systems, and gut microbiome analysis represent significant avenues for future research.
• Integrating these findings can lead to improved preventive policies and therapeutic strategies for obesity.