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-1α, IL-1β, 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-1β levels were below the detection threshold. IL-18 (R (2):0.355, P < .01) and IL-1ra (R (2):0.287, P < .05) correlated with BMI, whereas IL-1α 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.