Hyperhomocysteinemia correlates with insulin resistance and low-grade systemic inflammation in obese prepubertal

Rosario Martos1, Miguel Valle, Rosario Morales

  • 1Health Center of Pozoblanco, 14400 Pozoblanco, Córdoba, Spain. rosariomartos96@yahoo.es

Insights

In obese children, homocysteine (Hcy) levels were not different overall, but higher in those with hyperinsulinemia. Insulin resistance and leptin predicted Hcy in obese and non-obese children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) is linked to CVD in obese adults.
  • The role of Hcy in obese children's CVD risk is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate total Hcy levels in obese prepubertal children.
  • To assess the association of Hcy with metabolic syndrome, inflammatory markers, and leptin.
  • To identify predictors of Hcy in obese children.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 43 obese and 43 non-obese children (aged 6-9 years).
  • Measurements included insulin, C-reactive protein, leptin, and Hcy.
  • Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors.

Main Results:

  • Obese children showed higher insulin, C-reactive protein, and leptin levels.
  • No significant difference in Hcy between obese and non-obese groups.
  • Hcy was significantly higher in hyperinsulinemic obese children.
  • Insulin resistance and leptin independently predicted Hcy in both obese and control groups.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperinsulinemia in obese children is associated with elevated Hcy.
  • Insulin resistance and leptin are key predictors of Hcy in childhood obesity.
  • Increased Hcy, especially in hyperinsulinemic obese children, may contribute to atherosclerosis and CVD risk.

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