Oxidative stress and adverse adipokine profile characterize the metabolic syndrome in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a growing concern with potential long-term health consequences.
• Metabolic syndrome in children is associated with various physiological abnormalities.
• Understanding the progression of metabolic dysfunction in overweight children is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in metabolic markers, oxidative stress, and adipokines across weight categories in children.
• To assess the impact of metabolic syndrome components on these markers in overweight children.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 34 children categorized into normal weight, overweight healthy, and overweight with metabolic syndrome groups.
• Assessment of body composition, blood pressure, lipids, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance markers, oxidative stress (8-isoprostane), and adipokines (adiponectin, leptin).
• Statistical analysis to compare variables across the three groups, controlling for age and Tanner stage.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment, adiponectin, leptin, C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and 8-isoprostane across groups.
• Oxidative stress and adipokine levels were notably higher in children with metabolic syndrome compared to overweight healthy children.
• Anthropometric variables were similar between the two overweight groups, suggesting metabolic differences are not solely due to body size.

Conclusions:

• Oxidative stress and adipokine profiles deteriorate along the obesity continuum, particularly with the presence of metabolic syndrome components in children.
• Overweight children with metabolic syndrome are at an increased risk for future cardiovascular disease.
• Early identification and intervention for metabolic dysfunction in overweight children are warranted to mitigate cardiovascular risks.