Association of plasma Irisin levels with executive function in children: the role of weight status.

Abstract

Purpose: Irisin, an adipokine closely correlated with metabolism, may affect adults' executive function (EF). But little is known about this association in school-aged children, particularly regarding differences across weight status (i.e., thinness, normal-weight, overweight/obesity). Therefore, we aimed to examine the associations of irisin with EFs in school-aged children, and further explore whether weight status modifies these correlations.

Methods: Children aged 7-12 years were recruited from five schools in 2017 in Guangzhou, China. Plasma irisin levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. EFs were assessed using the Stroop Color-Word test (inhibitory control), Corsi Block-Tapping task (working memory), and Wisconsin Card Sorting test (cognitive flexibility). Children's weight status was objectively measured and classified into three groups. Multivariable linear regression was performed, with stratified analysis by weight status.

Results: A total of 502 children were included. In the overall sample, no significant associations between irisin and EFs in children were found. However, higher irisin levels were significantly associated with better Stroop Color-Word test performance among children with overweight/obesity (response time: β = -0.129, 95%CI: -0.228, -0.030; word interference time: β = -0.088, 95%CI: -0.163, -0.013). Null significant associations in the groups with thinness or normal-weight were found. Weight status significantly modified the associations of irisin with EFs (P_interaction<0.05).

Conclusions: Children with overweight/obesity might be more sensitive to the effect of irisin on EFs, especially on inhibitory control. Irisin might be a promising target to promote EF development in overweight/obese children.