Inflammatory Cytokine IFNγ, IL-6, and IL-10 Association with Childhood Obesity

Abstract

Childhood obesity carries a high risk of serious life-threatening cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood, which are associated with low-grade inflammation. The aim of the present study was to measure serum cytokine concentrations in obese children recruited during endocrinology consultations and compared to lean control the results. Blood serum concentrations of interferon gamma (IFNγ), IL-1β, Interleukin 6 IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were analysed applying Luminex xMap technology with Millipore reagent kits. Statistical analyses were performed using t-test comparisons and Spearman correlations. Obese children had highly significant increased levels of circulating IFNγ (p < 0.0001), IL-6 (p < 0.0001), and IL-10 (p < 0.0001), compared to lean controls. IL-1β and TNFα levels, however, were not elevated. Significant correlation of serum cytokines to per cent excess body mass was only observed with IL-6 (rs = 0.21, p < 0.03), although IL-1β (rs = 0.18, p < 0.08) results were suggestive of a trend. A significant association of obesity in childhood with serum concentrations of IFNγ, IL-6, and IL-10 is consistent with a role for low-grade inflammatory processes early in the aetiology of this disease. IL-6 further appears to be a candidate cytokine for assessment of degree of sub-acute inflammation associated with excess weight in the young.

Utility of Adipokines and IL-10 in Association with Anthropometry in Prediction of Insulin Resistance in Obese Children

“…25 No significant correlation was observed for IL-10 with the anthropometry in the present work. Similar finding was observed by Kupèa et al 22 Abdelhamid et al 7 stated that low serum level of IL-10 had a significant association with high BMI in diabetic obese children.…”

“…Lauridsen et al 20 stated that down regulation of mRNA expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 occurred with a gradual increase in BMI. Abnormal low IL-10 concentrations associated with autoimmune and inflammatory disorders were reported by Yao et al 21 Another study by Kupèa et al 22 reported that high level of IL-10 was observed in obese children and adolescents. These discrepancies may be explained as IL-10 may play a dual role in inflammations.…”