Plasma irisin associations with executive function among children in a prospective cohort

To examine the longitudinal associations between irisin and executive function among children, as well as the sex difference in this correlation. The study involving 330 children aged 6–10 years conducted in Guangzhou, China. Baseline surveys and fasting blood samples were collected in 2017. Plasma irisin concentration was measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Executive function was assessed by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) scale in 2017 and followed up after 2 years. Multivariable linear regression was used for association analysis. The plasma irisin concentration was 9.04±2.18 ng/mL. There was no statistical difference in plasma irisin and change values of BRIEF T-scores between boys and girls. No significant associations were found between plasma irisin and change values of BRIEF T-scores (P > 0.05) in the overall sample. Further subgroup analyses according to sex revealed that plasma irisin was negatively associated with change values of behavior regulation index (BRI, β=-0.521, 95 %CI: −1.036 ∼ −0.006), emotional control (β=-0.649, 95 %CI: −1.249 ∼ −0.049), working memory T-scores (β=-0.774, 95 %CI: −1.350 ∼ −0.199) in girls. Moreover, we firstly identified a sex effect modification in the association of plasma irisin with change values of working memory T-score (Pinterference=0.012). Higher irisin concentration was associated with better executive function performance in girls. Further studies that included populations in other regions or countries are needed to confirm these findings. •Exploring the association between irisin and executive function in healthy children.•Plasma irisin associated with working memory among children differently by sex.•New directions for early childhood executive function development interventions.