Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have impaired physical abilities. TNF-α plays a crucial role in this pathogenesis, but it is also involved in the use of lipids and muscle health. Objective of this study was to explore substrate oxidation and impact of TNF blockade on energy metabolism in children with JIA as compared to healthy children.
Fifteen non-TNF-blockaded and 15 TNF-blockaded children with JIA and 15 healthy controls were matched by sex, age, and Tanner stage. Participants completed a submaximal incremental exercise test on ergocycle to determine fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates by indirect calorimetry.
The maximal fat oxidation rate during exercise was lower in JIA children untreated by TNF blockade (134.3 ± 45.2 mg.min
In ClinicalTrials.gov, reference number NCT02977416 , registered on 30 November 2016.
Lipid metabolism during exercise was found to be impaired in children with JIA. However, TNF treatment seems to improve the fat oxidation rate in this population.