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The mechanical properties and stiffness of aorta in obese children

Hakan Şen1, Ali Rahmi Bakiler, Süleyman Ayvaz Aydoğdu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, Aydın, Turkey. esra.arun@gmail.com.

The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|November 13, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is linked to increased aortic stiffness and early cardiovascular changes. This study found obese children exhibit higher blood pressure and altered lipid profiles, contributing to arterial stiffening.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Vascular Physiology

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing concern, associated with early cardiovascular abnormalities.
  • Understanding the impact of obesity on vascular health in children is crucial for preventing long-term disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between aortic stiffness and various risk factors in obese children.
  • To compare aortic mechanical properties and metabolic profiles between obese children and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty obese children and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were assessed.
  • Mechanical property parameters of the aorta (diameters, strain, elastic modules) were measured.
  • Blood pressure, insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL), leptin, adiponectin, and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Obese children demonstrated significantly altered aortic stiffness compared to controls.
  • Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, insulin levels, HOMA scores, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and leptin were significantly higher in obese children.
  • Adiponectin levels, HDL levels, and QUICKI scores were significantly lower in obese children.
  • Aortic strain did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood obesity contributes to increased aortic stiffness, indicating preclinical arterial changes.
  • The combined effects of insulin resistance, leptin, adipokine levels, and obesity play a significant role in the early pathophysiology of macrovascular disease in children.

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