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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Longitudinal changes in C-reactive protein, proform of eosinophil major basic protein, and pregnancy-associated
Insights
Biomarkers pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and proform of eosinophil major basic protein (Pro-MBP) tracked during weight changes in obese children, suggesting they may indicate cardiovascular risk. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) changes reflected weight fluctuations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern linked to cardiovascular comorbidities.
- Biomarkers like hs-CRP, Pro-MBP, and PAPP-A are associated with cardiovascular susceptibility.
- Understanding these biomarkers during weight management in obese children is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavior of hs-CRP, Pro-MBP, and PAPP-A during weight loss and regain in obese children.
- To determine if these biomarkers track individual levels during weight fluctuations.
- To assess their potential as early risk markers for cardiovascular disease in pediatric obesity.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving obese children aged 8-15 years.
- Measurements included anthropometrics and plasma concentrations of hs-CRP, Pro-MBP, and PAPP-A.
- Data collected during a 12-week weight loss program and a 28-month follow-up period.
Main Results:
- Pro-MBP and PAPP-A demonstrated individual-specific tracking during weight loss and regain, unlike hs-CRP.
- A strong correlation was observed between PAPP-A and Pro-MBP levels.
- Hs-CRP levels correlated weakly with PAPP-A and reflected overall weight changes.
Conclusions:
- Hs-CRP changes correlate with weight fluctuations in obese children.
- PAPP-A and Pro-MBP exhibit tracking during weight perturbations, indicating potential as early cardiovascular risk markers.
- These findings highlight the utility of PAPP-A and Pro-MBP in monitoring cardiovascular susceptibility in pediatric obesity.
Background:
Childhood obesity is associated with several complications, including cardiovascular comorbidity. Several biomarkers, such as high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), proform of eosinophil major basic protein (Pro-MBP) and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), have equally been linked to increased cardiovascular susceptibility. This study investigates these biomarkers during weight loss and regain in obese children.
Materials And Methods:
A longitudinal study during a 12-week weight loss program with a 28 months follow-up was conducted. Anthropometrics and plasma concentrations of hs-CRP, Pro-MBP, and PAPP-A were measured at baseline; at days 14, 33 and 82 during weight loss; and at months 10, 16, and 28 during follow-up.
Results:
Fifty-three boys and 62 girls aged 8-15 years with a median body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) at baseline of 2.78 (boys), and 2.70 (girls) were included. Ninety children completed the weight loss program and 68 children entered the follow-up program. Pro-MBP and PAPP-A, but not hs-CRP, exhibited individual-specific levels (tracking) during weight loss and regain. The PAPP-A/Pro-MBP correlation was strong, whereas the hs-CRP/PAPP-A correlation was weak during weight fluctuations.
Conclusion:
Hs-CRP changes reflect weight changes. PAPP-A and Pro-MBP exhibited tracking during weight perturbations and may contribute as early risk markers of cardiovascular susceptibility.
