Elevated serum METRNL levels in children with obesity and its association with insulin resistance

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. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 55 children with obesity (34 boys, 21 girls) and 49 normal-weight controls (31 boys, 18 girls). 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. Serum METRNL levels were significantly higher in children with obesity 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. Serum METRNL levels are elevated in children with obesity 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. • Meteorin-like protein (METRNL) has emerged as a novel adipokine involved in metabolic regulation. • Serum METRNL concentrations were significantly elevated in children with obesity. • METRNL levels showed positive correlations with BMI, HOMA-IR.