# Serum S100β and neuron-specific enolase correlate with obesity parameters in Mexican children

## TL;DR

This study found that children with obesity have higher levels of S100β and NSE in their blood, which are linked to metabolic issues and body fat measures.

## Contribution

The study is the first to report elevated S100β and NSE levels in Mexican children with obesity and their correlation with metabolic and anthropometric parameters.

## Key findings

- Children with obesity had about 50% higher serum levels of S100β and NSE compared to children with normal weight.
- S100β correlated positively with resistin, while NSE correlated positively with BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio.
- NSE levels showed a negative correlation with adiponectin in children with obesity.

## Abstract

Circulating S100 β and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) have been used to explore brain damage in adults with obesity. Nonetheless, the subtle increase of these molecules can be found in non-pathological conditions in healthy subjects, indicating possible disturbances in brain function.

We aimed to compare serum levels of S100β and NSE between children with and without obesity.

We analyzed circulating S100β and NSE and performed correlations with anthropometry and biochemical parameters from 80 children between 6 and 11 years old, divided into two groups: children with obesity (Body mass index ≥97th percentile) and children with normal body weight (between the 5th and 85th percentile).

Our results show that children with obesity have approximately 50% more circulating levels of S100β and NSE. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between S100β and circulating resistin and a positive correlation between NSE and Body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. Conversely, NSE and adiponectin showed a negative correlation.

S100β and NSE levels in blood were associated with indicators of metabolic impairment. Future studies are needed to determine if the increase of S100β and NSE in children with obesity is related to cognitive function.