No, either or both parents with metabolic syndrome: comparative study of its impact on sons and daughters

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Genetics and Heredity

Background:

• Parental metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a known risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases in children.
• The precise extent and sex-specific differences of this parental influence on offspring metabolic health require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of parental MetS on cardiometabolic risk factors in children.
• To examine potential sex-specific differences in the association between parental MetS and offspring metabolic health.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 5,245 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey.
• Categorization of offspring into 'No', 'Either', or 'Both' parental MetS groups based on parental status.
• Statistical comparison of cardiometabolic risk factors (waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting glucose) using ANCOVA and multiple regression.

Main Results:

• Children with one or both parents affected by MetS exhibited significantly higher waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, and fasting glucose levels.
• These associations were more pronounced in boys compared to girls.
• A dose-dependent relationship between the number of affected parents and metabolic risk factors was observed in boys.

Conclusions:

• Parental metabolic syndrome poses a significant risk for adverse cardiometabolic profiles in offspring, particularly in boys.
• The findings underscore the importance of considering familial history in assessing pediatric metabolic health.
• Targeted, family-centered interventions are recommended for families with a history of MetS to mitigate cardiometabolic disease risk.