Biochemical and molecular study on pigment epithelium derived factor and aquaporin channel protein 7 gene expression in obese children

Background and aim: Genetic variables have a crucial function in the onset of pediatric obesity. PEDF was implicated in the development of obesity, also the transmembrane channel aquaporin 7 (AQP7), has been demonstrated to be involved in obesity and its complications. We aimed to study the association of the expression level of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and aquaporin channel protein 7 (AQP7) genes with the obesity risk in Egyptian children and to correlate it with clinicopathological features in patients.Subjects and methods: This study was conducted in the period between December 2020 to June 2021. A total of 150 individuals were divided into two groups: Group 1 enrolled 75 children with obesity and 75 healthy controls were involved in this study. PEDF (SERPINF1) and AQP7 gens mRNA expressions were analyzed by the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique.Results: The expression level of PEDF was increased while that for AQP7 was decreased in obese group when compared with the control group. Also, there was a positive correlation between PEDF and serum triglyceride level while AQP7 showed a positive correlation with serum HDL (mg/dl) and a negative correlation with age.Conclusion: Elevated expression of PEDF and reduced expression of AQP7 in obese children have a key role in the progression of obesity and the pathogenesis of insulin resistance.