Elevated tumour necrosis factor-alpha was associated with intima thickening in obese children
Luo Bo1,2, Yang Yi-Can1, Zhou Qing1
1Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Insights
Obese children show increased intima-media thickness linked to inflammation and hormones. These factors may predict future cardiovascular disease risk in adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Immunology
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern with potential long-term health implications.
- Early detection of cardiovascular risk factors in obese children is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between intima-media thickness (IMT) and immune markers in obese children.
- To identify early indicators of cardiovascular risk in pediatric obesity.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 185 obese children and 211 controls (ages 5-16).
- Measurements included glycometabolism, lipid profiles, sex hormones, immune indices, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).
Main Results:
- Obese children exhibited higher levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and white blood cells compared to controls.
- Common and internal carotid artery IMTs were elevated in obese children.
- IMT showed positive correlations with inflammatory markers, metabolic factors, and sex hormones, with testosterone, alanine aminotransferase, and TNF-alpha identified as independent determinants.
Conclusions:
- Elevated IMT in obese children is associated with specific inflammatory markers and hormones.
- These findings suggest potential early atherogenicity and increased risk for adult cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.
Aim:
This study investigated the relationship between intima-media thickness (IMT) and immune parameters in obese children from five to 16 years of age.
Methods:
We enrolled 185 obese children with a mean age of 10.65 ± 2.10 years and 211 controls with a mean age of 10.32 ± 1.81 years. Glycometabolism, lipid metabolism, sex hormones, immune indices and carotid IMT were measured.
Results:
Serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, white blood cells and common and internal carotid artery IMTs in the obese group were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05, respectively). Bivariate correlation analysis showed that the common carotid arterial IMT was positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, uric acid, apolipoprotein B, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone. Internal carotid artery IMT was positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase and follicle-stimulating hormone. Both common and internal carotid artery IMTs were inversely correlated with apolipoprotein A1 (p < 0.05, respectively). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that testosterone, alanine aminotransferase and TNF-alpha were the independent determinants of common carotid arterial IMT.
Conclusion:
Tumour necrosis factor-alpha, alanine aminotransferase and testosterone were associated with intima thickening in the early life in obese children and may increase later risks of premature atherogenicity and adult cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.
