Abstract
SummaryObjectivesS100A4 has been recently identified as an adipokine associated with insulin resistance (IR) in adult subjects with obesity. However, no data about its levels in children with obesity and only a few approaches regarding its potential mechanism of action have been reported. To obtain a deeper understanding of the role of S100A4 in obesity, (a) S100A4 levels were measured in prepubertal children and adult subjects with and without obesity and studied the relationship with IR and (b) the effects of S100A4 in cultured human adipocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were determined.MethodsSixty‐five children (50 with obesity, age 9.0 ±1.1 years and 15 normal weight, age 8.4 ±0.8 years) and fifty‐nine adults (43 with severe obesity, age 46 ±11 years and 16 normal weight, age 45 ±9 years) were included. Blood from children and adults and adipose tissue samples from adults were obtained and analysed. Human adipocytes and VSMC were incubated with S100A4 to evaluate their response to this adipokine.ResultsCirculating S100A4 levels were increased in both children (P = .002) and adults (P < .001) with obesity compared with their normal‐weight controls. In subjects with obesity, S100A4 levels were associated with homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) in adults (βstd = .42, P = .008) but not in children (βstd = .12, P = .356). Human adipocytes were not sensitive to S100A4, while incubation with this adipokine significantly reduced inflammatory markers in VSMC.ConclusionsOur human data demonstrate that higher S100A4 levels are a marker of IR in adults with obesity but not in prepubertal children. Furthermore, the in vitro results suggest that S100A4 might exert an anti‐inflammatory effect. Further studies will be necessary to determine whether S100A4 can be a therapeutic target for obesity.
Highlights
According to updated World Health Organization (WHO) reports, overweight and obesity worldwide have almost tripled since 19751
It is known that white adipose tissue (WAT) has an endocrine role through the secretion of signalling molecules such as adipokines by adipocytes and other cell types present in adipose depots
Adipose tissue may be considered an immunological organ since these immune cells can secrete pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines affecting adipocyte biology, metabolism, and systemic inflammation, and being a key factor in insulin resistance development and obesity‐related pathologies.[2,5]
Summary
According to updated World Health Organization (WHO) reports, overweight and obesity worldwide have almost tripled since 19751. It is known that white adipose tissue (WAT) has an endocrine role through the secretion of signalling molecules such as adipokines by adipocytes and other cell types present in adipose depots These molecules participate in a hormonal network communicating several tissues and organs including muscle, liver, and brain.[4] adipose tissue expansion occurring during obesity leads to immune cell recruitment. Adipose tissue may be considered an immunological organ since these immune cells can secrete pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines affecting adipocyte biology, metabolism, and systemic inflammation, and being a key factor in insulin resistance development and obesity‐related pathologies.[2,5] some patients with obesity show normal glucose homeostasis,[6] and previously unrecognized molecules could be involved in this situation. A better understanding of adipose tissue endocrine, immunological and angiogenic capability, and the identification of novel potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets to prevent and treat T2D is one of the goals in obesity field
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
