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Objective: To compare expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) coding for the cortisol regenerating enzyme 11-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11-HSD1), and the adipocytokines leptin and resistin in paired biopsies of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SC) and omental adipose tissue (OM) from children.

Design: Paired biopsies (SC and OM) were obtained from 54 children (age 0.17–16 years, body mass index (BMI) 12.5–28.3 kg/m², BMI standard deviation score (SDS) -2.5–4.5) and 16 adults (age 27–79 years, BMI 19–46 kg/m²) undergoing open abdominal surgery. mRNA levels of 11-HSD1, leptin and resistin were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: 11-HSD1 mRNA level was higher in OM than in SC (P<0.05), whereas leptin mRNA was higher in SC than in OM (P<0.001). There was no difference in the resistin mRNA level between SC and OM. These results were consistent in children and adults. In children, 11-HSD1 mRNA in SC was positively associated with BMI SDS (P<0.05), whereas in OM it was positively associated with age (P<0.05). The association between 11-HSD1 expression and age remained significant after adjustment for BMI SDS and gender. Leptin mRNA was positively associated with BMI SDS (SC:P<0.001, OM: P<0.001) but not with age in children. In multiple regression analyses, including anthropometric variables and age, BMI SDS was independently associated with mRNA levels of 11-HSD1 (P<0.05) and leptin (P<0.001) in SC. When normal weight and overweight children were analyzed separately, 11-HSD1 mRNA levels were positively associated with leptin in OM in the overweight group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: There are depot-specific differences in mRNA levels of 11-HSD1 and leptin in children and adults. The positive association of 11-HSD1 mRNA in OM with age may reflect a causal role in visceral fat accumulation during growth. Increasing 11-HSD1 and leptin mRNA in SC with increasing BMI SDS could suggest that the risk of metabolic consequences of obesity may be established early in life.