Martin-Carbonell V
University of Valencia, Spain
Title: Alteration in melatonin profile associated to metabolic impairment in childhood obesity
Biography
Biography: Martin-Carbonell V
Abstract
Introduction: Circadian rhythms are the changes in biological processes occurring on a daily base, among them, the reactions involved in the metabolic homeostasis. Melatonin is the main circadian hormone, with increased levels at night. Impairment in circadian rhythms is evidenced by altered melatonin expression, and in adult age, this condition is associated to metabolic dysregulations.
Methods: One group of obese children and a control group were constituted based on their BMI percentile for age and sex. The variations of the main circadian hormone, melatonin are assessed in saliva by immunoassay. Blood sample is collected for basal biochemistry, complemented with leptin and omentin quantification by immunoassay with Luminex technology. Life habits are assessed by self-reported questionnaires. Preliminary results on 14 patients (7 obese and 7 controls).
Results: The children from the obese group displayed poorer metabolic characteristic and increased inflammation markers: C-reactive protein, Gamma-glutamayl transferase, albumin are altered. In the control group, melatonin in saliva increased during the evening (+20.46±16.1), whereas in the obese group, the melatonin profile was altered and globally decreased (-3.05±28.4).
Conclusion: In conclusion obesity seems to be associated with circadian rhythm impairment even at a young age. The continuation of this study, in association with other studies investigating circadian rhythms and health during childhood will facilitate the development of life habits prevention campaigns, adapted to the children physiology and development.