The relationship between FSTL-1 (Follistatin-related protein 1), FAM19A5 (family with sequence similarity 19, member A5) and CTRP-6 (C1q/TNF-related protein 6) levels and metabolic parameters in overweight children


Can F., Baş V. N., Koçak F. E., Elifoğlu İ.

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1515/jpem-2025-0169
  • Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Keywords: children, CTRP-6, FAM19A5, FSTL-1, obesity
  • Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Objectives: There has been a growing rate of obesity among children and adolescents in recent years. Understanding the molecular mechanisms is crucial for grasping the onset and progression. Adipose tissue is recognized for its role in endocrine functions, releasing adipokines that play a vital role in the metabolic disruptions linked to obesity. Given the involvement of adipokines such as FSTL-1 (Follistatin related protein 1), FAM19A5 (Family with Sequence Similarity to 19 Member A5), and CTRP-6 (C1q/Tumor Necrosis Factor Related Protein 6) in this condition, the primary goal of our study was to explore the connection between these adipokines, metabolic parameters, anthropometric data, and obesity. Methods: Seventy-nine children aged 0–10 years with exogenous obesity and 88 healthy children were included in the study. Adipokine levels were measured using ELISA. The relationship between biochemical parameters and anthropometric data was also evaluated. Results: CTRP6 was 6.11 (4.95–8.13) ng/mL in the obese group and 2.79 (1.73–4.58) ng/mL in the healthy control group (p<0.0001); FSLT1 was 157.7 (130.5–216.5) ng/mL in the obese group and 187.4 (151.8–289.6) ng/mL in the healthy control group (p=0.0003), FAM19A5 was 590.8 (476.4–703.9) ng/L in the obese group and 736.8 (491.8–1,719.0) ng/L in the healthy control group (p=0.0003). Conclusions: CTRP6 levels were found to be higher in obese children than in the healthy control group, while FSLT1 and FAM19A5 levels were found to be lower. Changes in the levels of these adipokines may play important roles in obesity and related conditions.