The Association between Serum Vaspin and Omentin-1 Levels in Obese Children with Metabolic Syndrome

Background and Aim: Excess visceral fat accumulation results in altered release of adipokines. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between new adipokines (omentin-1 and vaspin), insulin resistance, and serum inflammatory markers in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS). Patients and Methods: The study included a total of 121 obese children (79 females and 42 males, aged 12-17 years old). The obese subjects were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of MS criteria (MS group and non-MS group). Serum omentin-1, vaspin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in addition to the other glucose metabolism parameters. Results: MS was diagnosed in 45 obese children and 76 children did not meet the MS criteria. Serum omentin-1 (289.5 ± 51.9 ng/mL vs. 268.2 ± 60 ng/mL, P = 0.03) levels were significantly lower in the MS group compared to the non-MS group. Serum vaspin levels (1058.3 ± 118 pg/mL vs. 1178.6 ± 158 pg/mL, P = 0.02) were higher in the MS group than the non-MS group. CRP levels correlated well with both the adipokines (r = -0.236, P = 0.04 for omentin-1 and r = 0.296, P = 0.008 for vaspin), although these adipokines did not show statistically significant correlations with fasting glucose-insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and 2 hr postload glucose level. Conclusions: Higher vaspin and lower omentin-1 levels were determined in obese MS children compared to non-MS children and these adipokines were significantly correlated with high CRP values. These data support the view that adipokines in MS children contribute to increased inflammation markers before abnormal glucose metabolism.