ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

To read the full abstract: J Obes 2018;16:76-81

In this study, a lower level of serum omentin-1 and a higher level of vaspin were detected in pubertal obese children with MetS compared with obese children without MetS. MetS is characterized by central obesity, and increased visceral adipose tissue mass is associated with higher prevalence of insulin resistance; these pose risks for T2DM and cardiovascular diseases. Adipose tissue is not only a site of storage for excess energy but also an endocrine organ that secretes several hormones called adipocytokines, such as adiponectin, resistin, leptin, visfatin, apelin, and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP 4), which are involved in energy homeostasis and metabolism.
Vaspin (Visceral Adipose tissue-derived Serpin) is a recently identified adipocytokine that serves as an insulin sensitizer with anti-inflammatory effects.⁸ Vaspin-transgenic mice are protected against diet-induced obesity, glucose tolerance impairment, and fatty liver, whereas vaspin-deficient mice develop glucose intolerance. The administration of recombinant vaspin improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese mice and reverses the altered expression of genes related to insulin resistance. However, contrary to expectations, in this study, vaspin levels were higher in obese children with MetS than in obese non-MetS children. Furthermore, vaspin levels were not correlated with fasting glucose, HOMA-IR. As vaspin levels were correlated to CRP levels, the authors suggest that vaspin initially alters inflammation rather than insulin resistance.
Omentin-1 is expressed mainly in visceral (omental and epicardial) fat. Its expression is decreased in (pre)adipocytes by glucose and insulin and is stimulated by fibroblast growth factor-21 and dexamethasone. Omentin-1 has crucial roles in the maintenance of body metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and has anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and cardiovascular protective effects. Serum levels of omentin-1 were recently shown to increase after weight loss in obese children with MetS.⁹ An olive oil-rich diet, aerobic training, and treatment with atorvastatin and antidiabetic drugs (metformin, pioglitazone and exenatide) are effective means of increasing circulating omentin-1 levels.¹⁰

8. Feng R, Li Y, Wang C, Luo C, Liu L, Chuo F et al. Higher vaspin levels in subjects with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 2014; 106(1): 88-94.

9. Meizhen Z, Xinrui T, Chunyan Y, Li W, Yingchun T, Yanfeng X. Serum levels of omentin-1 are increased after weight loss and are particularly associated with increases in obese children with metabolic syndrome. Acta Paediatrica 2017; 106(11): 1851-1856.

10. Adipose Tissue-Derived Omentin-1 Function and Regulation. In: Comprehensive Physiology.