Sestrin-2 levels and insulin resistance in childhood obesity

Obesity is a worldwide health problem in children as well as adults. There is a relationship between oxidative stress, oxidant-antioxidant imbalance and excessive fat accumulation in visceral tissue. Oxidative stress was shown to be an important role in the development of many obesity-related metabolic disorders. Sestrin-2 is an antioxidant protein induced by oxidative stress, and protects cells against reactive oxygen radicals. Thirty obese children with insulin resistance, 29 obese children without insulin resistance between 10-18 years old and 30 healthy gender and age matched control group were included in the study. Children with a body mass index Z-score above 2, comprised the obesity group. HOMA-IR value above 3.16 was accepted as insulin resistance. Sestrin-2 levels and routine laboratory examinations were studied in these three groups. Body mass index, insulin, HOMA-IR, ALT, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, C-reactive protein, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, white blood cell count and uric acid levels were significantly higher in insulin resistance group than control. C-reactive protein, diastolic blood pressure and uric acid levels were found to be higher in both groups compared to the control group. Sestrin-2 levels were elevated in obese children with insulin resistance. Clinical trials number: NCT06779721.