The Role of Molecular and Hormonal Factors in Obesity and the Effects of Physical Activity in Children

Abstract

Obesity and overweight are defined as abnormal fat accumulations. Adipose tissue consists of more than merely adipocytes; each adipocyte is closely coupled with the extracellular matrix. Adipose tissue stores excess energy through expansion. Obesity is caused by the abnormal expansion of adipose tissue as a result of adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia. The process of obesity is controlled by several molecules, such as integrins, kindlins, or matrix metalloproteinases. In children with obesity, metabolomics studies have provided insight into the existence of unique metabolic profiles. As a result of low-grade inflammation in the system, abnormalities were observed in several metabolites associated with lipid, carbohydrate, and amino acid pathways. In addition, obesity and related hormones, such as leptin, play an instrumental role in regulating food intake and contributing to childhood obesity. The World Health Organization states that physical activity benefits the heart, the body, and the mind. Several noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, can be prevented and managed through physical activity. In this work, we reviewed pediatric studies that examined the molecular and hormonal control of obesity and the influence of physical activity on children with obesity or overweight. The purpose of this review was to examine some orchestrators involved in this disease and how they are related to pediatric populations. A larger number of randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes and long-term studies could lead to the discovery of new key molecules as well as the detection of significant factors in the coming years. In order to improve the health of the pediatric population, omics analyses and machine learning techniques can be combined in order to improve treatment decisions.

Reference data for body composition parameters in normal weight Polish adolescents: results from the population- based ADOPOLNOR study

“…Underweight participants may have lower lean mass and bone mineral density, indicating potential de ciencies in muscle and bone development [36]. Overweight or obese individuals may have unique growth patterns and body composition characteristics that may be in uenced by excess adiposity and potential hormonal uctuations [37]. Using normal weight adolescents as a reference group provides insight into typical growth and body composition patterns and identi es deviations from this established norm.…”

Improving Traditional Post Mortem Healthcare—The Cross-Sectional Use of Blood-Based Biomarkers

“…Patients with AAA demonstrated elevated concentrations of circulating MMP-9 [79]. The possible use of elastases as serum biomarkers of extracellular matrix remodeling is the basis of some studies involving alpha-1 antitrypsin or p-elastase [80][81][82]. However, the short half-life of active MMP-9 implies that any active MMP-9 in the serum may have a more immediate origin, so this information could be relevant to clinical forensic scientists [83].…”

“…The interplay of vascular wall remodeling and carotid pathology was first hinted at by Makita et al, who drew a link between CRP levels with the carotid intima-media complex thickness and plaque formation [86]. Today, there is a link between obesity in children and adolescents and MMP-9 [82,87]. On the other hand, decreases in MMP-3 and MMP-9 have been reported after successful endovascular repair [88,89].…”

“…Whether as the final product or an outgrowth of the signaling pathway of degradation, markers of inflammation in vascular disease include cell adhesion molecules, cytokines, pro-atherogenic enzymes, and CRP [82,92]. Biomarkers used to identify thrombosis are unlikely to translate into a universal clinical tool; conversely, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and procalcitonin (PCT) are often used [93].…”