Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
Association between nutritional status, C-reactive protein, adiponectin and HOMA-AD in Brazilian children
Ana Luiza Gomes Domingos1, George Luiz Lins Machado-Coelho2, Ana Carolina Pinheiro Volp3
1School of Medicine. Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP). Ouro Preto. Minas Gerais. Brazil.. al-domingos@hotmail.com.
Insights
Childhood obesity is linked to adult cardiovascular disease. This study found significant associations between body composition, clinical factors, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and adiponectin in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant risk factor for adult cardiovascular diseases.
- Understanding the early markers of cardiovascular risk in children is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between anthropometric measurements, body composition, clinical factors, and biochemical markers (C-reactive protein, adiponectin) related to insulin resistance in children.
- To explore these relationships in a population of schoolchildren in Nova Era, Brazil.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study was conducted within a cross-sectional survey of 1024 schoolchildren (ages 6-10).
- 178 children (57 obese, 121 normal-weight) were analyzed, with data on anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, and sexual maturation.
- Blood samples were analyzed for C-reactive protein, adiponectin, and insulin resistance indices (HOMA-IR, HOMA-AD). Statistical analyses included t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, correlation, and multiple linear regression.
Main Results:
- In obese children, C-reactive protein levels correlated with triacylglycerol and body fat percentage (R²=27.6%).
- Adiponectin levels were associated with HOMA-IR, HOMA-AD, and body fat percentage (R²=75.5%).
- The HOMA-AD index showed strong associations with HOMA-IR, adiponectin, systolic blood pressure, and weight (R²=90.7%).
Conclusions:
- Significant links exist between body composition, anthropometric data, clinical variables, and biochemical profiles concerning adiponectin, C-reactive protein, and insulin resistance in children.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay of factors contributing to cardiovascular risk in childhood.
Introduction:
In children, the presence of obesity is a major risk factor for the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases on the adulthood.
Objective:
To evaluate the association of anthropometry, body composition, clinical variables and biochemical profile with C-reactive protein and adiponectin levels, and insulin resistance in children in the municipality of Nova Era, Brazil.
Methods:
Nested case-control study following a crosssectional study. We evaluated 178 children, 57 of them classified as obese and 121 as normal-weight from a population of 1024 schoolchildren 6 to 10 years old: Blood samples were collected after 12-hour fast to obtain serum and plasma. We collected anthropometric and body composition measures, systolic and diastolic blood pressure data. Sexual maturation was assessed according to the stage of sexual development. We performed Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's correlation, Spearman's test and multiple linear regression analysis. Independent variables with p < 0.05 were included in the multiple regression model. Residual analysis was performed to assess model validity.
Results:
Among obese children, C-reactive protein levels were associated with triacylglycerol levels and body fat percentage estimated by skinfold thickness (R2 adjusted = 27.6%, p < 0.001). Adiponectin was associated with HOMA-IR, HOMAAD and body fat percentage estimated by skinfold thickness (R2 adjusted = 75.5%, p < 0.001). HOMA-AD index was associated with HOMA-IR, adiponectin, systolic blood pressure and weight (R2 adjusted = 90.7%, p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Significant associations were found between body composition, anthropometry, clinical variables, biochemical profile and adiponectin and C-reactive protein levels and insulin resistance in obese and normal-weight children.
