Related Experiment Videos
Low-grade systemic inflammation in overweight children
M Visser1, L M Bouter, G M McQuillan
1Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Pediatrics
|January 3, 2001
Summary
Overweight children aged 8-16 show increased markers of inflammation, specifically higher C-reactive protein and white blood cell counts. This suggests a link between excess weight and low-grade systemic inflammation in pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Public Health Nutrition
Background:
- Human adipose tissue releases proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6, potentially causing systemic inflammation in individuals with excess body fat.
- Previous research suggests a link between excess body fat and inflammation, but confounding factors like inflammation-related diseases need consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between overweight status and low-grade systemic inflammation in children.
- To determine if overweight children exhibit elevated markers of inflammation compared to normal-weight children, controlling for potential confounders.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988-1994, a representative sample of US children aged 8-16.
- Assessed systemic inflammation through serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and white blood cell (WBC) count.
- Defined overweight status using body mass index (BMI) and sum of three skinfolds exceeding the 85th percentile for gender and age.
Main Results:
- Overweight boys and girls were significantly more likely to have elevated CRP levels compared to their normal-weight peers.
- Odds ratios for elevated CRP were 3.74 for overweight boys and 3.17 for overweight girls (based on BMI).
- Overweight status was also associated with statistically significant higher white blood cell counts in children.
Conclusions:
- Overweight children aged 8 to 16 years exhibit higher concentrations of CRP and elevated WBC counts.
- These findings indicate a state of low-grade systemic inflammation in overweight children, highlighting potential health risks associated with pediatric obesity.