Abstract
Abnormal adipokine levels have been observed to be independent risk factors in the etiology of asthma in certain populations, suggesting possible ethnic differences. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between adipokines in a cohort of asthmatic Saudi children. 129 Saudi children < 17 years old (58 asthma and 71 healthy) included in the study. Anthropometrics, leptin, adiponectin, resistin and aPAI-1 were measured. Asthmatic subjects had significantly higher systolic blood pressure, glucose, HDL-cholesterol, vitamin D, resistin, and, aPAI-1 than controls (P < 0.05). Resistin in particular, remained significantly higher in asthmatic children than controls even after adjusting for age and BMI. In conclusion, among adipocytokines, resistin seems to play an important role in the pro-inflammatory aspect of asthma in children.