Serum Milk Fat Globule Epidermal Growth Factor 8 Concentrations in Children with Obesity

INTRODUCTION: Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFGE8) represents a recently characterized secreted integrin ligand involved in modulating systemic metabolic processes through impacts on nutrient absorption, gastrointestinal motility, and lipid homeostasis. Current literature supports its relevance in obesity pathogenesis. However, the exploration of MFGE8's function specifically within pediatric obesity contexts remains insufficient. This investigation aimed to delineate relationships between circulating MFGE8 concentrations and diverse obesity-associated parameters in children. METHODS: Our study included 104 participants (32 females, 72 males), consisting of 64 children diagnosed with obesity and 40 normal-weight controls. We measured serum MFGE8 levels employing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methodology. Multiple clinical and biochemical measures were evaluated, encompassing body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure, hepatic enzyme patterns, cholesterol parameters, and fasting insulin (FINS). RESULTS: Obese participants exhibited substantially increased serum MFGE8 concentrations relative to non-obese controls (p < 0.05). MFGE8 levels correlated positively with numerous anthropometric measures: systolic blood pressure, heart rate (BPM), bone age, height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio. Additionally, MFGE8 demonstrated significant positive relationships with multiple metabolic and inflammatory indicators: alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, FINS, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), basal metabolic rate, body fat percentage, uric acid, glutamyl transpeptidase, tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin, and leptin. Inverse correlations were identified with albumin and direct bilirubin. Multivariable linear regression modeling identified BMI, HOMA-IR, and male gender as independent positive predictors of MFGE8 concentrations. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that elevated MFGE8 levels are linked to pediatric obesity, implying its potential contribution to the development of this condition and associated metabolic complications.