Integrative multi-omics analysis reveals molecular signatures of central obesity in children

BackgroundCentral obesity is associated with an increased risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease. However, its molecular mechanisms have not yet been fully understood. This study aims to investigate lipids and proteins related to childhood central obesity, exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying this condition.MethodsA case-control study was conducted, including a total of 169 children (aged 7-16 years, 53.25% male, and 74 children in the central obesity group). Plasma lipidomics were measured in all 169 children, and plasma proteomics was measured in 112 of these children. The transcriptomics and lipidomics of the mice's liver were measured for normal feed and high-fat feed mice.ResultsForty-six key lipids significantly associated with central obesity were identified, predominantly triglycerides (TAG), with a minority being diacylglycerols (DAG). Additionally, six key proteins, namely PLIN1, PLAT, ADH1A, ADH4, LEP, and INHB, were discovered, which may positively influence the central obesity phenotype by modulating levels of lipids such as TAG, DAG, LDL-C, and HDL-C. These proteins exhibited increased expression in the plasma of children with central obesity. Validation using mouse liver samples showed some overlapping differential lipids between mice and children, albeit minimal overlap in differential genes. This discrepancy may stem from inherent differences between transcriptomics and proteomics, species variations, and differing sampling sites.ConclusionsPLIN1, PLAT, ADH1A, ADH4, LEP, and INHB are potential significant biomarkers for childhood central obesity and may influence the phenotype of childhood central obesity by modulating levels of lipids such as TAG, DAG, LDL-C, and HDL-C.ImpactPLIN1, PLAT, ADH1A, ADH4, LEP, and INHB are potentially significant biomarkers for childhood central obesity and may influence the phenotype of childhood central obesity by modulating levels of lipids such as TAG, DAG, LDL-C, and HDL-C.Research on integrating lipidomics and proteomics to elucidate the mechanisms of obesity, especially childhood central obesity, remains extremely limited. Our study filled this gap.Our findings highlight potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could pave the way for new interventions and treatments to prevent central obesity in children and its harm.