Abstract: FR-PO1105
Dynamic Changes in Circulating Mitokines After Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Obesity
Session Information
- Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
November 07, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Authors
- Rho, Jae Kyong, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
- Lee, Haekyung, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
- Noh, Hyunjin, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
- Kwon, Soon hyo, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
Background
Obesity is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitokines are released in response to mitochondrial stress and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response. They play a crucial role in inter-organ communication. Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve mitochondrial dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of obesity and bariatric surgery on mitokine levels.
Methods
We prospectively recruited patients with morbid obesity (n = 45) and healthy controls (n = 35). Circulating mitokine levels—fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), and humanin—were measured using ELISA. In patients with obesity, mitokine levels were reassessed at 3 and 6 months following bariatric surgery.
Results
In obese patients, levels of FGF21 and humanin were elevated, while GDF15 levels were reduced compared to healthy controls. Following bariatric surgery, GDF15 levels further decreased at 3 months and remained low at 6 months (Figure 1A). FGF21 levels showed a decrease at 6 months after bariatric surgery (Figure 1B). Humanin levels began to decrease at 3 months and continued to decrease through the 6 months after bariatric surgery (Figure 1C).
Conclusion
Obesity is associated with dysregulated circulating mitokine levels. Mitokine levels decrease early after bariatric surgery. This suggests that bariatric surgery could mitigate mitochondrial damage in patients with obesity.