Insulin Resistance as a Key Factor in the Development of Metabolic and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Obese Children

Introduction: Pediatric obesity is a major health problem. Insulin resistance (IR), is one of the early complications related to obesity but its role along that process has not been well investigated in children.Aim: To investigate the role of insulin resistance in the development of obesity related complications (dyslipidemia, inflammatory markers, adipocyte hormones). Method: Children who attended the gastroenterology clinic were prospectively recruited. Exclusion criteria included diseases that may affect obesity and metabolic complications. Fasting blood levels for glucose, liver enzymes, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, IL-6, and TNF were measured. Children were divided into groups: obese children with IR (A), obese children without IR (B), and normal weight children without IR (C). The indices were compared among the groups. Results: A total of 69 children were recruited. 26 were in group A, 15 in group B, and 28 in group C. Group A was significantly different in lipid profiles (TG, HDL), liver enzyme (ALT), leptin, adiponectin, and IL-6 compared to the control groups (C). No significant difference was found between groups B and C but for HDL and adipocyte hormones (leptin, adiponectin). Conclusion: Insulin resistance is crucial in the development of obesity related complications. We suggest that in order to detect early signs of obesity related complications insulin resistance should be measured in every obese child seen by the primary care physician.