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Published on: April 3, 2017
Subtle inflammation: a possible mechanism of future cardiovascular risk in obese children
Watchareewan Sontichai1, Prapai Dejkhamron1, Peraphan Pothacharoen2
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Insights
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is common in obese Thai children, with many showing elevated inflammation markers like hs-CRP. This suggests a future cardiovascular disease risk, even without MetS.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
- Metabolic Syndrome Research
Background:
- Systemic inflammation is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in obese adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS).
- Understanding MetS and inflammation in obese children is crucial for early CVD risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MetS in obese Thai children.
- To investigate the relationship between MetS and inflammatory markers in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 58 obese Thai children.
- Assessed fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, insulin, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, hs-CRP).
- Excluded children with specific health conditions or recent illnesses.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of MetS was 31% and prediabetes was 17.2% among obese Thai children.
- Children with MetS showed higher insulin resistance but similar glucose and lipid profiles compared to those without MetS.
- Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was observed in 69% of participants, irrespective of MetS status.
Conclusions:
- Obese Thai children exhibit a significant prevalence of MetS.
- Widespread elevated hs-CRP indicates ongoing inflammation, potentially increasing future CVD risk in all obese children, not just those with MetS.
Purpose:
The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been shown to be associated with systemic inflammation in obese adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its relation to inflammatory markers in obese Thai children.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted. Children with history of endogenous obesity, chronic diseases, drug ingestion, and any acute illness within 2 weeks prior to enrollment were excluded. Their fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, oral glucose tolerance tests, insulin, lipid profiles, and selected inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, were tested.
Results:
In this study, 58 obese Thai children (female, 20; male, 38) with a mean body mass index z score of 5.1±2.2 were enrolled. The prevalence of MetS and prediabetes was 31% and 17.2%, respectively. None of the children had diabetes. FBG levels, 2-hour glucose levels, and lipid profiles were not statistically different between those with and without MetS. However, obese children with MetS had higher insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance values. Elevated hs-CRP levels were found in 69% of the cases, although it was not statistically different between the 2 groups.
Conclusion:
We described a substantial prevalence of MetS in Thai obese children. Regardless of MetS status, two-thirds of the obese children had elevated hs-CRP level, indicating subtle ongoing inflammatory process. This chronic inflammation feasibly predisposes them to CVD in the future, even in children without MetS.
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