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Zhang J, Shi M, Zhao C, Liang G, Li C, Ge X, Pei C, Kong Y, Li D, Yang W, Cao B, Fu L, Yan Y, Wu J, Zhou J, Fang Y, Meng X, Li Y, Wang L. Role of intestinal flora in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0100623. [PMID: 38189294 PMCID: PMC10846053 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01006-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In China, 45% of adolescents with obesity develop fatty liver disease, a condition that increases the long-term risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although the factors triggering nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) vary in children, the composition of intestinal microflora has been found to play an increasingly important role. However, evidence is limited on the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in Chinese children. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the fecal microbiome of Chinese children with NAFLD and further analyze the potential of flora in regulating NAFLD-related symptoms and metabolic functions. Specifically, the study applied a 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing to the fecal samples of pediatric patients with NAFLD, NASH, and NAFL, as well as healthy controls, to explore the correlation among NAFLD-related indexes, metabolic pathways, and gut flora. The findings showed that some fecal microbiota had a negative correlation with body mass index, and various NAFLD-related bacteria, including Lachnoclostridium, Escherichia-Shigella, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, were detected. Consequently, the study concluded that the variation in gut microbiota might be more important in improving NAFLD/NASH compared with single species, providing a microbiota diagnostic profile of NAFLD/NASH.IMPORTANCEThis study aims to characterize the gut microbiota in Chinese children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing. The results highlight the association between fecal microbiota and NAFLD in Chinese children, demonstrating distinct characteristics compared to adults and children from other countries. Based on the sequencing data from our cohort's fecal samples, we propose a microbiota model with a high area under the curve for distinguishing between NAFLD and healthy individuals. Furthermore, our follow-up study reveals that changes in the relative abundance of microbial biomarkers in this model are consistent with variations in patients' body mass index. These findings suggest the potential utility of the microbiota model and microbial biomarkers for diagnosing and treating NAFLD in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengxuan Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunna Zhao
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangcai Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Scientific Research, Microvita Medical Technology Co., Beijing, China
| | - Chuan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Scientific Research, Microvita Medical Technology Co., Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Ge
- Microbial Resources and Big Data Center, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caixia Pei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yawei Kong
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongdan Li
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenli Yang
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingyan Cao
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Libing Fu
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinkun Yan
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wu
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongli Fang
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Meng
- National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Mohamad R, Cakir AD, Ada Hİ, Uçar A. Comparative analyses of surrogates of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents with metabolically healthy obesity vs. metabolically unhealthy obesity according to Damanhoury's criteria. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2023; 36:451-457. [PMID: 37017079 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2022-0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) has been reported with varying frequencies in children. The reasons of metabolically healthy phenotype in some obese subjects are unclear. Our aim was to identify the frequency of MHO in obese subjects, to assess the potential associations of demographic characteristics, serum uric acid, alanine transaminase (ALT), pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibsosis score probability (PNFS p) with MHO status and to evaluate the differences between MHO and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) with regard to metabolic syndrome surrogates. METHODS 251 consecutive obese subjects (125 females) aged 7-18 years were included. Subjects were classified as having MHO according to Damanhoury's criteria. Several metabolic variables were measured, PNFS p was calculated by using the formula: z=1.1+(0.34*sqrt(ALT))+ (0.002*ALP)-(1.1*log(platelets)-(0.02*GGT). RESULTS Median age of the subjects was 12.5 yr (range: 7.0-17.0 yr). The frequency of MHO was 41 %. Subjects with MHO were significantly younger, had lower waist circumference (WC) and waist height ratio (WHtR) and lower HOMA-IR than those without MHO(p<0.05 for all). Frequencies of hyperuricemia, hypertransaminasemia, hepatosteatosis and PNFS p values≥8 were similar betwen the groups. When putatively influential factors associated with MHO status were assessed with logistic regression analysis, only WC(β=1.03) and HOMA-IR(β=1.166) emerged as significant factors(Nagelkerke R2=0.142). None of the investigated demographic factors were associated with MHO status. CONCLUSIONS We found a remarkably high frequency of MHO status. Nevertheless, the absence of decreased frequencies of hyperuricemia, hypertransaminasemia and PNFS in subjects with MHO may suggest the need to reconsider the validity of the criteria defining MHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riham Mohamad
- Department of Pediatrics, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Aydilek Dagdeviren Cakir
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Halil İbrahim Ada
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Uçar
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
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3
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Amino Acid-Related Metabolic Signature in Obese Children and Adolescents. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071454. [PMID: 35406066 PMCID: PMC9003189 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing interest in metabolomics has spread to the search for suitable predictive biomarkers for complications related to the emerging issue of pediatric obesity and its related cardiovascular risk and metabolic alteration. Indeed, several studies have investigated the association between metabolic disorders and amino acids, in particular branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). We have performed a revision of the literature to assess the role of BCAAs in children and adolescents' metabolism, focusing on the molecular pathways involved. We searched on Pubmed/Medline, including articles published until February 2022. The results have shown that plasmatic levels of BCAAs are impaired already in obese children and adolescents. The relationship between BCAAs, obesity and the related metabolic disorders is explained on one side by the activation of the mTORC1 complex-that may promote insulin resistance-and on the other, by the accumulation of toxic metabolites, which may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, stress kinase activation and damage of pancreatic cells. These compounds may help in the precocious identification of many complications of pediatric obesity. However, further studies are still needed to better assess if BCAAs may be used to screen these conditions and if any other metabolomic compound may be useful to achieve this goal.
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Kiess W, Kirstein AS, Stein R, Vogel M. Obesity after the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2022; 35:135-138. [PMID: 35132847 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2022-2135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wieland Kiess
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Center for Pediatric Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna S Kirstein
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Center for Pediatric Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Stein
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Center for Pediatric Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mandy Vogel
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Center for Pediatric Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Eslam M, Alkhouri N, Vajro P, Baumann U, Weiss R, Socha P, Marcus C, Lee WS, Kelly D, Porta G, El-Guindi MA, Alisi A, Mann JP, Mouane N, Baur LA, Dhawan A, George J. Defining paediatric metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease: an international expert consensus statement. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 6:864-873. [PMID: 34364544 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and its definition, have limitations for both adults and children. The definition is most problematic for children, for whom alcohol consumption is usually not a concern. This problematic definition has prompted a consensus to rename and redefine adult NAFLD associated with metabolic dysregulation to metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Similarities, distinctions, and differences exist in the causes, natural history, and prognosis of fatty liver diseases in children compared with adults. In this Viewpoint we, an international panel, propose an overarching framework for paediatric fatty liver diseases and an age-appropriate MAFLD definition based on sex and age percentiles. The framework recognises the possibility of other coexisting systemic fatty liver diseases in children. The new MAFLD diagnostic criteria provide paediatricians with a conceptual scaffold for disease diagnosis, risk stratification, and improved clinical and multidisciplinary care, and they align with a definition that is valid across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Naim Alkhouri
- Department of Hepatology, Arizona Liver Health, Chandler, AZ, USA
| | - Pietro Vajro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Ulrich Baumann
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ram Weiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital, Rambam Medical Center, Technion School of Medicine, Haifa, Israel
| | - Piotr Socha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutritional Disorders and Paediatrics, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Claude Marcus
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Way Seah Lee
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Deirdre Kelly
- The Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gilda Porta
- Pediatric Hepatology, Transplant Unit, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Hospital Municipal Infantil Menino Jesus, San Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mohamed A El-Guindi
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Anna Alisi
- Research Unit of Molecular Genetics and Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Jake P Mann
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, and Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nezha Mouane
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Academic Children's Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco; Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Louise A Baur
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, and MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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6
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Christian Flemming GM, Bussler S, Körner A, Kiess W. Definition and early diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in children. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2020; 33:821-833. [PMID: 32568734 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2019-0552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
With this review, we aim to focus the attention on some established as well as new concepts for the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents spanning from definition to recommendations for the diagnostic approach. Even though there is no international commonly used definition of the metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents, all definitions include obesity as precondition for the development of MetS even in children. Obesity is one of the major cardiometabolic risk factors and it is strongly linked to other metabolic diseases like hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia as well as hypertension. The metabolic syndrome is commonly known as a constellation of the mentioned morbidities. Pediatricians and researchers agree that early diagnosis and early interventions of the MetS are important to improve the prevention of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in adulthood. However, this requires appropriate screening tools for children and adolescents at risk for the MetS and its comorbidities. Due to controversies regarding the definition of MetS and the lack of consensus thresholds for the single components in children and adolescents, there is no internationally accepted diagnostic pathway for MetS available. However, several consensus statements and national guidelines for the assessment of obesity and its comorbidities in children and adolescents are available. Obesity seems to be the driving factor for the development of the other risk factors of MetS. In order to avoid conflicts concerning the definition of overweight and obesity, we recommend using the WHO definition of overweight (one standard deviation body mass index for age and sex and obesity; two standard deviations body mass index for age and sex) in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Bussler
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Körner
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,LIFE-Child-Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Centre of Pediatric Research (CPL), Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,LIFE-Child-Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Centre of Pediatric Research (CPL), Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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7
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Stanik J, Kratzsch J, Landgraf K, Vogel M, Thiery J, Kiess W, Körner A. The Bone Markers Sclerostin, Osteoprotegerin, and Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase Are Related to Insulin Resistance in Children and Adolescents, Independent of Their Association with Growth and Obesity. Horm Res Paediatr 2019; 91:1-8. [PMID: 30904905 DOI: 10.1159/000497113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Sclerostin, osteoprotegerin, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), which are primarily related to bone metabolism, have been linked with insulin resistance in adults. We aimed to evaluate the association of these markers with growth, obesity, and parameters of insulin resistance in lean and obese children and adolescents. METHODS We measured sclerostin, osteoprotegerin, and B-ALP in fasting and oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) serum samples from 1,325 children and adolescents, and during 24-h profiles and after exercise and glucose exposure in young adults. RESULTS In addition to the positive relationship with height standard deviation scores (SDS), sclerostin (r = 0.035, p < 0.001) and B-ALP (r = 0.06, p = 0.028) increased, whereas osteoprotegerin (r = -0.098, p < 0.001) decreased with BMI SDS. Furthermore, B-ALP correlated with fasting- and oGTT-derived markers of glucose and insulin metabolism suggestive of insulin resistance. To evaluate potential confounding diurnal variation of bone markers, we performed 24-h profiles. B-ALP and osteoprotegerin had lower night-time levels. Exercise acutely and transiently increased B-ALP and osteoprotegerin levels, but glucose ingestion had no effect. CONCLUSIONS Besides their association with growth, sclerostin and osteoprotegerin levels are altered in childhood obesity. Particularly B-ALP was related to insulin resistance indices. Our findings accent the link between bone, growth, and insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juraj Stanik
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty at the Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.,DIABGENE Laboratory, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jürgen Kratzsch
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kathrin Landgraf
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mandy Vogel
- LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joachim Thiery
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Körner
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, .,Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, .,LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany,
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8
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Vukovic R, Dos Santos TJ, Ybarra M, Atar M. Children With Metabolically Healthy Obesity: A Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:865. [PMID: 31920976 PMCID: PMC6914809 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with "metabolically healthy obesity" (MHO) are a distinct subgroup of youth with obesity, who are less prone to the clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors. Although this phenotype, frequently defined by the absence of metabolic syndrome components or insulin resistance, was first described during the early 1980s, a consensus-based definition of pediatric MHO was introduced only recently, in 2018. The purpose of this review was to concisely summarize current knowledge regarding the MHO phenomenon in youth. The prevalence of MHO in children varies from 3 to 87%, depending on the definition used and the parameters evaluated, as well as the ethnicity and the pubertal status of the sample. The most consistent predictors of MHO in youth include younger age, lower body mass index, lower waist circumference, and lower body fat measurements. Various hypotheses have been proposed to elucidate the underlying factors maintaining the favorable MHO phenotype. While preserved insulin sensitivity and lack of inflammation were previously considered to be the main etiological factors, the most recent findings have implicated adipokine levels, the number of inflammatory immune cells in the adipose tissue, and the reduction of visceral adiposity due to adipose tissue expandability. Physical activity and genetic factors also contribute to the MHO phenotype. Obesity constitutes a continuum-increased risk for cardiometabolic complications, which is less evident in children with MHO. However, some findings have highlighted the emergence of hepatic steatosis, increased carotid intima-media thickness and inflammatory biomarkers in the MHO group compared to peers without obesity. Screening should be directed at those more likely to develop clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors. Lifestyle modifications should include behavioral changes focusing on sleep duration, screen time, diet, physical activity, and tobacco smoke exposure. Weight loss has also been associated with the improvement of insulin sensitivity and inflammation. Further investigative efforts are needed in order to elucidate the mechanisms which protect against the clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors in pediatric obesity, to provide more efficient, targeted treatment approaches for children with obesity, and to identify the protective factors preserving the MHO profile, avoiding the crossover of MHO to the phenotype with metabolically unhealthy obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rade Vukovic
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Mother and Child Healthcare Institute of Serbia “Dr Vukan Cupic”, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Rade Vukovic
| | | | - Marina Ybarra
- Research Center of Sainte Justine University Hospital, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre Armand-Frappier, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Muge Atar
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
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9
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Rocha EPAA, Vogel M, Stanik J, Pietzner D, Willenberg A, Körner A, Kiess W. Serum Uric Acid Levels as an Indicator for Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity in Children and Adolescents. Horm Res Paediatr 2018; 90:19-27. [PMID: 30056455 DOI: 10.1159/000490113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) refers to those individuals who do not show cardiometabolic abnormalities. Our aim was to identify potential clinical and metabolic indicators that may help to distinguish between metabolically healthy and unhealthy individuals amongst overweight and obese children and adolescents. METHODS The study involved 246 overweight/obese and 212 normal-weight individuals enrolled in the LIFE Child study, aged between 6 and 18 years. Overweight/obese individuals without cardiovascular risk factors (fasting serum lipids, blood pressure, and glucose) were classified as MHO. Individuals meeting 1 or more criteria of cardiovascular risk factors were classified as metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). RESULTS Among the 246 overweight/obese individuals, 173 (70%) were MHO and 73 (30%) were MUO. The MHO individuals were younger, more likely to be male, and had lower BMI SDS. In the logistic regression models, uric acid (UA) SDS (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.1-2.6, p = 0.004), waist circumference SDS (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.2-6.4, p = 0.017), and C-peptide (OR 4.05, 95% CI 3.5-91, p = 0.003) were significant indicators of MUO. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that nearly one-third of overweight/obese children are already identified as MUO. Serum levels of UA can be used as an indicator of unhealthy obesity in youth, where lower levels of UA indicate a lower risk and higher levels suggest a higher risk of MUO. We note that the relevance of identifying potential indicators remains the first most important step in future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edrienny Patrícia Alves Accioly Rocha
- University of Leipzig, LIFE Child Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig, Germany.,University of Leipzig, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mandy Vogel
- University of Leipzig, LIFE Child Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig, Germany.,University of Leipzig, Centre of Paediatric Research (CPL), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Juraj Stanik
- University of Leipzig, Centre of Paediatric Research (CPL), Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, Comenius University, and Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Diana Pietzner
- University of Leipzig, LIFE Child Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig, Germany.,University of Leipzig, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Willenberg
- University of Leipzig, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics (ILM), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Körner
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Women and Child Health, University Hospitals, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- University of Leipzig, LIFE Child Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig, Germany.,University of Leipzig, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany
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10
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Bussler S, Penke M, Flemming G, Elhassan YS, Kratzsch J, Sergeyev E, Lipek T, Vogel M, Spielau U, Körner A, de Giorgis T, Kiess W. Novel Insights in the Metabolic Syndrome in Childhood and Adolescence. Horm Res Paediatr 2018; 88:181-193. [PMID: 28848168 DOI: 10.1159/000479510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is recognized as an escalating major health risk in adults as well as in children and adolescents. Its prevalence ranges from 6 to 39% depending on the applied definition criteria. To date, there is no consensus on a MetS definition for children and adolescents. However, most authors agree on essential components such as glucose intolerance, central obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia; each representing a risk for cardiovascular disease. Recently, associations between MetS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperuricemia, and sleep disturbances have emerged. Biomarkers like adipocytokines are a subject of current research as they are implicated in the pathogenesis of the MetS. Epigenetics and gestational programming, especially the role of microRNA, comprise a novel, rapidly developing and promising research focus on the topic of MetS. MicroRNAs are increasingly valued for potential roles in the diagnosis, stratification, and therapeutics of MetS. Early detection of risk factors, screening for metabolic disturbances, and the identification of new therapies are major aims to reduce morbidity and mortality related to MetS. Dietary modification and physical activity are currently the only adopted treatment approaches. Pharmacological therapies and bariatric surgery are still contradictory and, therefore, are only recommended in selected high-risk cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bussler
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Pediatric Research, Department Woman and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,LIFE Child Research Centre, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Melanie Penke
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Pediatric Research, Department Woman and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gunter Flemming
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Pediatric Research, Department Woman and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yasir S Elhassan
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jürgen Kratzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elena Sergeyev
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Pediatric Research, Department Woman and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Lipek
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Pediatric Research, Department Woman and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mandy Vogel
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Pediatric Research, Department Woman and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,LIFE Child Research Centre, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Spielau
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Pediatric Research, Department Woman and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) AdiposityDiseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Körner
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Pediatric Research, Department Woman and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,LIFE Child Research Centre, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) AdiposityDiseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tommaso de Giorgis
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Pediatric Research, Department Woman and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Pediatric Research, Department Woman and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,LIFE Child Research Centre, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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11
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Warchoł M, Wojciechowska M, Kupsz J, Sot-Szewczyk MH, Michalak M, Kołodziejski P, Pruszyńska-Oszmałek E, Krauss H. Association of cord blood ghrelin, leptin and insulin concentrations in term newborns with anthropometric parameters at birth. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2018; 31:151-157. [PMID: 29320365 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2017-0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ghrelin, leptin and insulin, generally considered as regulators of energy homeostasis of the organism may be related to fetal and early postnatal growth. Numerous studies have confirmed the presence of these hormones in the cells of the fetus indicating their importance in development at early stages of life. METHODS This study analyzed active and total ghrelin by radioimmunoassay (RIA), leptin and insulin concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 65 cord blood samples, from term newborns, and measured the birth anthropometric parameters [birth weight (BW), head circumference, chest, stomach, thigh and arm circumference]. RESULTS Active ghrelin (AG) concentrations correlated negatively with BW, head circumference, stomach and thigh circumference. When divided by gender, AG correlated negatively with males' BW, stomach and thigh circumference. Females' head circumference correlated negatively with AG. Cord leptin correlated positively with arm circumference. When divided by gender, cord leptin was positively associated with BW and stomach circumference in male newborns and with thigh and arm circumference in female newborns. Insulin concentrations tended to correlate positively with BW in male newborns. CONCLUSIONS In summary, it was confirmed that cord blood ghrelin, leptin and insulin correlate with anthropometric parameters at birth. This study showed a negative correlation of AG with anthropometric parameters, which may emphasize that this hormone is an indicator of growth restriction. This is in contrast to cord leptin and insulin, which are more connected with overgrowth. Taking all the results into consideration, the metabolic status of the fetus and newborn is an essential component in understanding the regulation of perinatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Warchoł
- Department of Physiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland, Phone: +48 61 8546520, Fax: +48 61 8546540
| | | | - Justyna Kupsz
- Department of Physiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Michał Michalak
- Department of Informatics and Statistics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paweł Kołodziejski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Life Sciences in Poznan, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewa Pruszyńska-Oszmałek
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Life Sciences in Poznan, Poznan, Poland
| | - Hanna Krauss
- Department of Physiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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