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Low-grade systemic inflammation profile, unrelated to homocysteinemia, in obese children

Emanuel V Economou1, Ariadne V Malamitsi-Puchner, Christos P Pitsavos

  • 1Hormone Laboratory, 2nd Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieon Hospital, University of Athens, Greece. eveconom@otenet.gr

Mediators of Inflammation
|February 21, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Prepubertal obese children show elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and linked serum amyloid A (SAA) levels, indicating chronic low-grade systemic inflammation (CLGSI). This inflammation profile in obese children does not correlate with homocysteine levels.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Background:

  • Obesity in children is linked to chronic low-grade systemic inflammation (CLGSI).
  • Homocysteine is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.
  • The inflammatory profile in prepubertal obese children and its relation to homocysteine is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the profile of CLGSI in prepubertal obese children (POC).
  • To examine the relationship between inflammation markers (CRP, SAA) and homocysteine levels (tHcy) in POC.
  • To compare these markers in POC versus prepubertal lean children (PLC).

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 72 POC and 42 PLC.
  • Measured serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) as CLGSI markers.
  • Assessed plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels.

Main Results:

  • POC exhibited higher CRP levels compared to PLC.
  • SAA levels showed a positive association with CRP levels in POC.
  • No significant association was found between CRP or SAA levels and tHcy levels in POC.

Conclusions:

  • Prepubertal obese children display a unique CLGSI profile characterized by elevated CRP and interrelated SAA levels.
  • This inflammatory profile does not explain the potential risk associated with homocysteinemia for future atherosclerosis in this population.

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