Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), Activin-A and Clusterin in Children and Adolescents with Obesity or Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus

Inflammation plays a crucial role in diabetes and obesity through macrophage activation. Macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), activin-A, and clusterin are chemokines with known roles in diabetes and obesity. The aim of this study is to investigate their possible diagnostic and/or early prognostic values in children and adolescents with obesity and type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: We obtained serum samples from children and adolescents with a history of T1DM or obesity, in order to measure and compare MCP-1, activin-A, and clusterin concentrations. Results: Forty-three subjects were included in each of the three groups (controls, T1DM, and obesity). MCP-1 values were positively correlated to BMI z-score. Activin-A was increased in children with obesity compared to the control group. A trend for higher values was detected in children with T1DM. MCP-1 and activin-A levels were positively correlated. Clusterin levels showed a trend towards lower values in children with T1DM or obesity compared to the control group and were negatively correlated to renal function. Conclusions: The inflammation markers MCP-1, activin-A, and clusterin are not altered in children with T1DM. Conversely, obesity in children is positively correlated to serum MCP-1 values and characterized by higher activin-A levels, which may reflect an already established systematic inflammation with obesity since childhood

Topical prebiotics/postbiotics and PRURISCORE validation in atopic dermatitis. International study of 396 patients

Aim: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a cream (Rilastil Xerolact PB) containing a mixture of prebiotics and postbiotics, and to validate the PRURISCORE itch scale in the management of atopic dermatitis. Methods: The study is based on 396 subjects of both sexes in three age groups (i.e., infants, children, adults) suffering from mild/moderate Atopic Dermatitis, recruited from 8 European countries and followed for 3 months. Results: The product demonstrated good efficacy combined with good/very good tolerability in all age groups. In particular, SCORAD, PRURISCORE and IGA scores decreased significantly over the course of the study. The PRURISCORE was preferred to VAS by the vast majority of patients. Conclusion: Even though the role of prebiotics and postbiotics was not formally demonstrated since these substances were part of a complex formulation, it can be reasonably stated that prebiotics and postbiotics have safety and standardization features that probiotics do not have. In addition they are authorized by regulatory authorities, whereas topical probiotics are not