Cardiorespiratory fitness and targeted proteomics involved in brain and cardiovascular health in children with overweight/obesity

Abstract

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is inversely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and brain health impairments. However, the molecular mechanisms linking CRF to health in children are poorly understood. We aimed to examine protein levels related to brain health and CVD in plasma of fit compared to unfit children with overweight/obesity (OW/OB). Eighty-seven children with OW/OB (10.08 ± 1.1 years, 59% boys) from the ActiveBrains project were included. CRF was measured by performing a treadmill test, and children were categorized into fit or unfit. Targeted proteomics in plasma was performed using Olink's proximity extension assay technology of Neurology panel in the whole sample and of Cardiovascular panel in a subsample. Sixteen proteins (PLXNB3,

Association of muscular strength and targeted proteomics involved in brain health in children with overweight/obesity

“…CLEC10A is associated with the enhancement of the adaptive and innate immune response of immune cells 30 . In previous studies with the present sample of overweight/obese children, 19,25 we found that CRF was also positively associated with circulating levels of CLEC10A 25 ; however, a 20‐week exercise intervention combining aerobic and strength training had no effects on CLEC10A levels 19 . Recent evidence has shown that, after an acute bout of bilateral arm resistance exercise with a previous program of 12 weeks unilateral arm resistance training, significant increases in M2 macrophages have been found in the skeletal muscle of the trained arm, correlating with anti‐inflammatory and protective processes 31 .…”

“…The assessment of CRF represented by VO 2 peak was described elsewhere. 25 Briefly, VO 2 peak was assessed using a metabolic cart (CPX Ultima CardiO 2 , Medical Graphics) while performing a maximal incremental treadmill test (HP-Cosmos ergometer). The slope began at 6% with a 1% degree increment every minute until voluntary exhaustion, while the speed was steady during the incremental test (i.e., 4.8 km/h).…”

“…Sex, peak height velocity (PHV), parental education level, body mass index (BMI) and CRF (i.e., VO 2 peak) were used as potential confounders in the analyses, according to our previous study. 25 PHV was calculated to obtain the maturational status of the children using validated algorithms. Parental educational level was evaluated using a selfreport questionnaire filled by the parents, and responses from both parents were pooled, as neither parent had a university degree; one parent had a university degree; and both parents had a university degree.…”

“…23,24 In this regard, it was disclosed that higher CRF levels were associated with circulating levels of several proteins involved in the inflammatory response, cardiovascular disease, and brain health disorders in children with overweight/obesity. 25 However, to the best of our knowledge, the application of these technologies in the context of muscular strength and in relation to neurological-related circulating proteins in children is unexplored. Moreover, the potential confounder role of the main physical fitness component (CRF) in the association between muscular strength and the neurological-related circulating proteins remains unknown.…”

“…In recent years, high‐throughput technologies let researchers simultaneously analyze hundreds/thousands of molecules in each biological sample 23,24 . In this regard, it was disclosed that higher CRF levels were associated with circulating levels of several proteins involved in the inflammatory response, cardiovascular disease, and brain health disorders in children with overweight/obesity 25 . However, to the best of our knowledge, the application of these technologies in the context of muscular strength and in relation to neurological‐related circulating proteins in children is unexplored.…”