Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Composition and Characterization of the Different Lipoproteins in Overweight/Obese Children vs. Normal-Weight

Jose Cuenca-Alcocel1, Lorena Villalba-Heredia2, Daiana Ibarretxe3

  • 1Clinical Biochemistry Department, Obispo Polanco Hospital, 44002 Teruel, Spain.

Biomolecules
|July 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Overweight children exhibit elevated levels of certain lipoprotein particles and subclasses, indicating early metabolic changes. Advanced lipoprotein profiling offers deeper insights than standard lipid tests for childhood obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing global public health concern.
  • Increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in children necessitates further investigation into associated health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate lipoprotein subclasses, particle size, particle number, and lipid composition in overweight/obese versus normal-weight children.
  • To identify early metabolic alterations linked to excess weight in prepubertal children.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of lipoprotein profiles using the Liposcale test.
  • Quantification of lipoprotein subclass particle numbers via proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy.
  • Measurement of lipid signals emitted by terminal methyl groups of lipids within lipoprotein particles.

Main Results:

  • Overweight/obese children showed statistically higher concentrations of VLDL-C, VLDL-TG, IDL-TG, and HDL-TG.
  • Increased particle numbers (VLDL-Ps) and subclasses were observed in overweight/obese children.
  • Higher REM-C and smaller mean LDL-Z were found in the overweight/obese group.

Conclusions:

  • Findings suggest early metabolic alterations associated with excess weight are present in prepubertal childhood.
  • Advanced lipoprotein profiling provides valuable information beyond conventional lipid profiles.
  • These insights can aid in early detection and management of metabolic risks in childhood obesity.
Abstract

Keywords:
lipoprotein subclassesoverweight/obese childrenremnant cholesterol

Related Concept Videos

Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body01:31

Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body

Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various  biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Overview of Lipid Metabolism01:24

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
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...
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:18

Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements

Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ meats, shellfish,...