Homocysteine concentrations in overweight children and adolescents

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Health in Children
• Metabolic Syndrome Research

Background:

• Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to cardiovascular disease and metabolic dysfunction in adults.
• Understanding homocysteine's role in pediatric obesity is crucial for early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine homocysteine concentrations in overweight and obese children and adolescents.
• To investigate the relationship between homocysteine levels and blood pressure, renal function, and insulin resistance in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 64 overweight/obese children and adolescents.
• Evaluated parameters included BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio, blood pressure, serum homocysteine, glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and renal function markers.
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Mean homocysteine concentration was 8.6±2.2 μmol/L, with no significant difference between obesity categories.
• High prevalence of elevated waist-to-height ratio, blood pressure, and dyslipidemia was observed.
• Homocysteine concentrations showed no statistically significant association with BMI z-score, blood pressure, renal function, or insulin resistance markers (R²=0.095).

Conclusions:

• In overweight and obese children and adolescents, serum homocysteine concentrations are not associated with body mass index z-score, blood pressure, renal function, or insulin resistance.
• Further research may be needed to explore other potential factors influencing homocysteine levels in pediatric obesity.