Visfatin levels in non-obese, obese, and insulin resistant adolescents
Abstract: Adipose tissue is
not merely a site for energy storage, but is also the largest endocrine organ,
secreting various adipocytokines. Plasma visfatin, an adipocytokine
predominantly secreted from visceral adipose tissue, has insulin-mimetic effects,
and has been closely linked to insulin resistance.
Objective To compare plasma visfatin levels between obese and non-obese
adolescents, as well as between obese adolecents with and without insulin
resistance.
Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in students who attended
three senior high schools in Padang. Subjects comprised 28 obese and 28
non-obese adolescents. The age of the subjects ranged from 14-18 years. Obesity
criteria were based on body mass index (BMI) measurements. Fasting serum
glucose level was measured by glucose hexokinase photometry and serum insulin
was measured by chemiluminesence immunoassay. Plasma visfatin was measured by
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The insulin resistance index was
estimated from fasting serum insulin and glucose levels using the homeostatic
model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Differences in the variables
were tested using independent T-test and Mann-Whitney test, depending on the
distribution of the variables.
Results The mean plasma visfatin level was significantly higher in the
obese than in the control group [2.55 (SD 1.54) vs. 1.61 (SD 0.64) ng/mL,
respectively; (P=0.005)]. The insulin resistant group had significantly higher
mean plasma visfatin level than the non-resistant group [3.61 (SD 1.59) vs.
1.96 (SD 1.18) ng/mL, respectively; (P=0.004)].
Conclusion Obese adolescents with insulin resistance have signifcantly
higher plasma visfatin levels compared to those without insulin resistance.
Keywords: obese adolescents;
insulin resistance; visfatin
Author: Indra Ihsan, Eka
Agustia Rini, Rismawati Yaswir
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160208
