Elevated Serum METRNL Levels in Obese Children and Its Association with Insulin Resistanc

Background : Meteorin-like protein (METRNL) has emerged as a novel adipokine involved in metabolic regulation. However, its role in pediatric obesity and its relationship with insulin resistance remain largely unexplored. Methods : In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 55 obese children and 49 age- and sex-matched normal-weight controls. Serum levels of METRNL, inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α), and adipokines (leptin, adiponectin) were measured. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated to evaluate insulin resistance. Correlations between METRNL and metabolic parameters were analyzed, and multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with insulin resistance. Results : Serum METRNL levels were significantly higher in obese children compared to controls (4.62 ± 1.24 vs 2.84 ± 0.76 ng/mL, p < 0.05). METRNL levels showed positive correlations with BMI (r = 0.624, p < 0.05), HOMA-IR (r = 0.594, p < 0.05), inflammatory markers (IL-6: r = 0.528, p < 0.05; TNF-α: r = 0.486, p < 0.05), and leptin (r = 0.546, p < 0.05), while negatively correlating with adiponectin (r = -0.482, p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that METRNL was independently associated with HOMA-IR (standardized β = 0.384, p < 0.05) after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions : Serum METRNL levels are elevated in obese children and independently associated with insulin resistance. These findings suggest that METRNL might play a significant role in the pathophysiology of pediatric obesity and its metabolic complications.