1112-P: Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 Is Directly Correlated with Body Fat, Metabolic Dysfunction, and Inflammation in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: Childhood obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease. Elevated soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) is associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in adults, and is used as a biomarker of cardiometabolic disease. Such biomarkers play an important role in the management of obesity and cardiometabolic disease. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the levels of circulating sST2 in children and adolescents, as well as its association with inflammatory and metabolic markers. Methods: A total of 85 children and adolescents (aged 5-16 years) were included. Participants' characteristics included being of normal weight (body mass index, BMI <85th percentile; n=13), overweight (BMI 85-94th percentile; n=2), or obese (BMI ≥95th percentile; n=70; a total of 8 with confirmed T2D). Clinical and biochemical markers (including plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, vitamin D, and lipid, liver, and renal profiles) were assessed using established procedures on peripheral blood samples. The levels of sST2, interleukin (IL)-33, IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, and adiponectin, were quantified using commercially available ELISA kits. Results: sST2 level was directly correlated with body fat % (r=0.3, P=0.016, n=64) and fat to muscle ratio (r=0.37, P=0.01, n=45), but inversely correlated with muscle mass % (r=-0.34, P=0.02, n=45). sST2 level was directly correlated with insulin (r=0.29, P=0.04, n=50), HbA1c (r=0.29, P=0.04, n=51), and urea (r=-0.34, P=0.01, n=54). sST2 level was directly correlated with the inflammatory markers CRP (r=0.34, P=0.008, n=59) and IL-6 (r=0.32, P=0.0045, n=77). The data were consistent after adjustment for age and sex. Conclusion: Increased circulating levels of sST2 is associated with increased body fat, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation in children and adolescents. Disclosure A.Hasan: None. S.P.Kochumon: None. I.D.Albasiri: None. F.Almulla: None. R.Ahmad: None. Funding The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (RA2011-018)