Serum levels of omentin-1 are increased after weight loss and are particularly associated with increases in obese children with metabolic syndrome.

AIM: There have been very few paediatric studies on omentin-1, an anti-inflammatory adipokine that provides a link between adiposity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. This Chinese study evaluated the association between omentin-1 and metabolic syndrome and analysed the effect of a six-month lifestyle intervention on the levels in obese children.

METHODS: We recruited 119 obese outpatients (75% boys) aged 7-18 years from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, who underwent a six- month lifestyle intervention. Our controls were 55 matched children with normal weight. Anthropometric parameters, biochemical data and circulating omentin-1 levels were measured at baseline and after six months.

RESULTS: Of the 119 obese children, 32 (27%) had metabolic syndrome. The obese children, particularly those with metabolic syndrome, had significantly lower serum omentin-1 levels at baseline than the controls. We also found that the omentin-1 levels were negatively associated with their body mass index, waist circumference and homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. After the six-month lifestyle intervention, the obese children showed significant weight loss and their omentin-1 levels increased.

CONCLUSION: Serum omentin-1 was regulated by weight and seemed to be associated with children's metabolic disorders. A six-month lifestyle intervention significantly increased serum omentin-1 levels.