Serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interlukin-6, and paraoxonase-1 in childhood obesity

Background / aim Obesity is becoming an epidemic health problem. Elevated cytokines and chemokines are prominent features in obesity, which play a main role in the development of other chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interlukin-6 (IL-6), and serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) in childhood obesity. Materials and methods The present study included 40 obese school-aged children (5–15 years) and 40 healthy children as controls. The patients were presented to the outpatient clinic in National Institute of Nutrition. MCP-1, IL-6, PON1, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured in all participants. Results The mean serum levels of MCP-1, IL-6, and total cholesterol were signifi cantly higher in obese participants than in controls (P < 0.0001), whereas the PON1 was signifi cantly lower in obese participants than in controls (P < 0.0001). MCP-1, IL-6, and serum cholesterol levels showed signifi cant positive correlation with BMI (P < 0.05), whereas PON1 showed a signifi cant negative correlation with BMI (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed a strong association between PON1 activity and BMI (P < 0.0001). Conclusion Childhood obesity is associated with increased serum MCP-1 and IL-6 and decreased PON1 and hypercholesterolemia suggesting an increase in adulthood disease risk. Measuring serum MCP-1, IL-6, PON1 activity in obese children may be a good predictor for future chronic disease development and complications.