Association of Apelin Levels in Overweight-obese Children with Pubertal Development, but Not with Insulin Sensitivity: 6.5 Years Follow up Evaluation
Background: Obesity in youth is associated with increased risk of metabolic disorders. Adipose
tissue hormones are involved in body-weight regulation. Among these, apelin is recognized as an
insulin-sensitizer adipokine. Data on apelin levels in obese children and its relation to insulinsensitivity
are limited.
Objective: We aimed to evaluate apelin levels in relation to obesity and insulin sensitivity in a large
cohort of overweight/obese children and adolescents. Furthermore, these youths were reevaluated