High-density lipoprotein subfractions display proatherogenic properties in overweight and obese children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Inflammation Biology

Background:

• Childhood obesity is increasingly recognized as a contributor to chronic inflammation.
• Inflammation associated with obesity can negatively impact cardiovascular health.
• Serum amyloid-A (SAA) is an acute-phase reactant protein that alters high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between childhood obesity, inflammation, and HDL functionality.
• To evaluate Serum amyloid-A (SAA) as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in overweight and obese children.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 92 obese, 92 overweight, and 92 lean children (Young Hearts 2000 cohort).
• Isolation of HDL subfractions (HDL(2) and HDL(3)).
• Measurement of SAA levels in serum and HDL, and activities of cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) and lecithin cholesteryl acyltransferase (LCAT).

Main Results:

• Serum and HDL-associated SAA levels increased with rising Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Activities of HDL(2)-CETP and HDL(2)-LCAT also increased with increasing BMI.
• These findings indicate an inflammatory state in overweight and obese children impacting HDL properties.

Conclusions:

• Overweight and obese children exhibit an inflammatory profile that compromises the antiatherogenic capacity of HDL.
• Elevated SAA and altered HDL activity in obese children suggest an increased potential for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Targeting childhood obesity is crucial for mitigating future cardiovascular events.