Insulin resistance and adipokines in obese adolescents with acanthosis nigricans

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics,insulin resistance,and levels of adipokines in obese adolescents with acanthosis nigricans.Methods One hundred and thirty-five obese adolescents and 20 healthy participants were selected.All participants were divided into 3 groups with regard to the acanthosis nigricans:the acanthosis nigricans (AN)group,the simple obesity (Ob)group,and the control group.The clinical characteristics,results of OGTT test and levels of serum adipokines in the participants were recorded.Results The incidence of AN in obese adolescents was 44.4％.Body weight,body mass index,waist circumference,hip circumference,and waist-to-hip ratio were higher in the AN group.Insulin action index (IAI) in the AN group was lower than that in the OB group and control group.However,the level of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR was higher.The level of leptin was higher in the AN group than that in OB group and control group.However,the level of chemerin between the AN group and OB group was similar.Conclusions s AN was a biomarker of severe obesity and insulin resistance in obese adolescents.Higher levels of insulin and leptin might play an important role in the process of AN. Key words: Obesity; Acanthosis nigricans; Adipokines; Insulin resistance