title: Recently discovered adipokines and cardio-metabolic comorbidities in childhood obesity.
abstract: White adipose tissue (WAT) asset, in terms of cell number, fat storage capacity and endocrine function, is largely determined in early stages of life and is pivotal for shaping the WAT pro-inflammatory behavior. WAT derived adipokines have been shown to play a main role in several cardio-metabolic abnormalities of obesity. This review focuses on the most recently identified adipokines, namely adipocyte-fatty acid-binding protein, chemerin, fibroblast growth factor-21, lipocalin-2, omentin-1 and vaspin; their role in the pathogenesis of obesity and associated cardio-metabolic abnormalities; and on their adaptive response to body weight change. Evidence consistently suggests a pathogenic role for A-FABP, chemerin and FGF-21. Nevertheless, large population studies are needed to verify whether they can be useful to predict the risk of cardio-metabolic abnormalities in adulthood and/or monitor the clinical response to therapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: Research Unit for Multi-Factorial Diseases, Obesity and Diabetes, Scientific Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome 00146, Italy. gloria.barraco@yahoo.it.
authors.forename: Gloria Maria
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Barraco
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome 00146, Italy. rosalucia81@tin.it.
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Luciano
authors.affiliation: Research Unit for Multi-Factorial Diseases, Obesity and Diabetes, Scientific Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome 00146, Italy. semeraro.michela@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Semeraro
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Physical Activity Science, University (SEK), Santiago de Chile, Chile. pedro.prieto@usek.cl.
authors.forename: Pedro L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Prieto-Hontoria
authors.affiliation: Research Unit for Multi-Factorial Diseases, Obesity and Diabetes, Scientific Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome 00146, Italy. melania.manco@opbg.net.
authors.forename: Melania
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manco
mesh_terms: D054392:Adipokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D052436:Adipose Tissue, White / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D018925:Chemokines / Q000378:metabolism; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D050556:Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D037102:Lectins / Q000378:metabolism; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015843:Serpins / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D054392:Adipokines; D018925:Chemokines; D016207:Cytokines; D050556:Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins; C432397:ITLN1 protein, human; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D037102:Lectins; C478630:RARRES2 protein, human; C507339:SERPINA12 protein, human; D015843:Serpins; C414620:fibroblast growth factor 21; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors