Plasma amino acid profiles in pediatric obesity: potential biomarkers for the early assessment of metabolic risk.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Childhood obesity is among the most serious and rapidly growing public health issues globally. Although body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to evaluate obesity, it does not always reflect early metabolic disturbances. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of metabolomics, particularly plasma amino acid profiling, in detecting subclinical metabolic risk. In this context, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have emerged as potential early biomarkers of insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 97 participants aged 5-18 years, including 56 children with obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and 41 healthy controls. Anthropometric measurements, as well as fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and HbA1c levels, we

SUBMITTER: Oge Enver E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12512672 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature