The Adipokine Visfatin is Markedly Elevated in Obese Children

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The insulin-mimetic adipocytokine visfatin has been linked to adiposity and the metabolic syndrome. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Eighty-three nondiabetic obese children and 40 healthy controls. MEASUREMENTS: We analyzed plasma visfatin concentrations to assess whether this adipokine is associated with adiposity. RESULTS: Plasma visfatin concentrations were nearly 2-fold higher in obese children (mean, 1.1 ng/mL; 95% CI, 0.2-6.6) than in controls (0.6 ng/mL, 95% CI, 0.6 to 0.6; P < 0.001). No relationship was detectable between visfatin and other subject characteristics, hsCRP or the lipid profile. CONCLUSIONS: Visfatin may be involved in the development of metabolic derangements in obese children.