Circulating levels of interleukin-1 family cytokines in overweight adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity and related diseases are dramatically increasing problems, particularly in children and adolescents. We determined circulating levels of different interleukin (IL)-1 family members in normal weight and overweight adolescents. METHODS: Seventy male, Caucasian adolescents (13-17 years) were recruited. Thirty-five had a body-mass index (BMI) above the 90th age-specific percentile. IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and IL-18 were determined using multiplex-technology. RESULTS: IL-18 concentrations were higher in the overweight group compared to normal weight (161.6 +/- 40.7 pg/ml versus 134.7 +/- 43.4 pg/ml, P = .009). Concentrations of circulating IL-1beta levels were below the detection threshold. IL-18 (R2:0.355, P < .01) and IL-1ra (R2:0.287, P < .05) correlated with BMI, whereas IL-1alpha did not. CONCLUSIONS: Accumulating data indicate the importance of the endocrine function of adipose tissue for the pathophysiological consequences of obesity-related co-morbidities. Since IL-18 is involved in the pathogenesis of different cardiovascular diseases, we conclude that IL-18 may represent a link between obesity and related co-morbidities in children and adolescents.