Endothelial and Metabolic Function Interactions in Overweight/Obese Children
Marco Matteo Ciccone1, Maria Felicia Faienza, Maria Altomare
1Cardiovascular Diseases Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University.
Insights
High molecular weight adiponectin (HMW) is linked to cardiovascular risk in obese children. Lower HMW levels correlate with increased aortic diameter, indicating potential vascular impairment in pediatric obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Childhood obesity is associated with metabolic and coagulation abnormalities that may lead to vascular damage.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for early intervention and prevention of cardiovascular disease in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between metabolic/coagulation parameters and endothelial function/vascular morphology in overweight and obese children.
- To identify predictors of vascular alterations in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five overweight/obese children underwent assessment of anthropometric data, metabolic (e.g., HOMAIR, adiponectin, HMW) and coagulation parameters.
- Vascular morphology and function were evaluated using ultrasound markers: flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), common carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), and aortic diameter (APAO).
Main Results:
- Aortic diameter (APAO) showed significant correlations with anthropometric (age, height, weight, BMI, SBP) and metabolic parameters (HOMAIR, HMW).
- Increased C-IMT was associated with age, height, and systolic blood pressure.
- High molecular weight adiponectin (HMW) was identified as an independent predictor for increased APAO, with decreased HMW levels correlating with larger aortic diameter.
Conclusions:
- High molecular weight adiponectin (HMW) is significantly related to cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese children.
- Specific metabolic and anthropometric factors, particularly HMW, are associated with vascular morphology changes in pediatric obesity.
Aim:
Although the underlined mechanisms are still unknown, metabolic/coagulation alterations related to childhood obesity can induce vascular impairments. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic/coagulation parameters and endothelial function/vascular morphology in overweight/obese children.
Methods:
Thirty-five obese/overweight children (22 pre-pubertal, mean age: 9.52±3.35 years) were enrolled. Body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment index (HOMAIR), metabolic and coagulation parameters, [adiponectin, fibrinogen, high molecular weight adiponectin (HMW), endothelin-1, and vonWillebrand factor antigen] ultrasound early markers of atherosclerosis [flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), common carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), and anteroposterior diameter of infra-renal abdominal aorta (APAO)] were assessed.
Results:
APAO was related to anthropometric (age: r=0.520, p=0.001; height: r=0.679, p＜0.001; weight: r=0.548, p=0.001; BMI: r=0.607, p＜0.001; SBP: r=0.377, p=0.026) and metabolic (HOMAIR: r=0.357, p=0.035; HMW: r=－0.355, p=0.036) parameters. Age, height, and systolic blood pressure were positively related to increased C-IMT (r=0.352, p=0.038; r=0.356, p=0.036; r=0.346, p=0.042, respectively). FMD was not related to any clinical and biochemical characteristics of the pediatric population. Age, HOMAIR, fasting glucose levels, and HMW were independent predictors for APAO increase. Each unit decrease in HMW concentrations (1 μg/ml) induced a 0.065 mm increase in APAO.
Conclusion:
High molecular weight adiponectin is related to cardiovascular risk in overweight/obese children.
More Related Videos
06:35Author Spotlight: Insights into Cardiometabolic Diseases with Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Microvasculature Studies
Published on: April 5, 2024
09:00Isolation and Identification of Vascular Endothelial Cells from Distinct Adipose Depots for Downstream Applications
Published on: June 10, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:20Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
01:25Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
01:21Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
01:24Obesity
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
01:24Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...