Adiposity and adipocytokines: the moderator role of cardiorespiratory fitness and pubertal stage in girls.

Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and pubertal stages have been related to many health outcomes, including obesity and adipocytokines. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the moderator role of CRF and pubertal stage in the relationship between adiposity and adipocytokines in girls. Method This cross-sectional study was performed with 42 pre-pubertal girls aged from 7 to 11 years and 54 post-pubertal girls aged from 13 to 17 years. Blood samples were collected to determine the serum levels of leptin and adiponectin, and then the leptin/adiponectin ratio (L/A ratio) was calculated. CRF, anthropometric and body composition indicators were assessed. For statistical analysis, descriptive statistics and several linear regression models were used. The moderation analysis was tested using the PROCESS macro. Results An interaction between body mass index (BMI) and CRF (β: -0.70; confidence interval [CI]: -1.29, -0.12), as well as between BMI and pubertal stage (β: 0.79; CI: 0.28, 1.30) with leptin, was found. Regarding the L/A ratio, an interaction was found only in BMI × CRF (β: -0.56; CI: -1.06, -0.06). Using a combined interaction (CRF and pubertal stage), the results showed a positive association between BMI with leptin and L/A ratio only in low CRF, pre-pubertal and post-pubertal stages. Conclusion This study suggests a protective role of high levels of CRF in the relationship between BMI and adipocytokines. Despite the effect of pubertal stage, the results suggest that youth should be engaged in physical activity in order to improve CRF levels and consequently improve cardiometabolic health.