Association of serum C-reactive protein and indices of body fat distribution and overweight in Mexican American children.
BACKGROUND
Few data have been published on the association of indices of body fat distribution and components of the insulin resistance syndrome and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase protein and putative risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity, in representative samples of total populations of children or in Hispanic Americans, who have a high prevalence of obesity and diabetes as adults.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) and components of the insulin resistance syndrome with CRP in Mexican American children and to assess the independence of the association.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of a large national sample, the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.


METHODS
Mexican American children aged 6-11 years.


METHODS
Body circumferences, skinfold thickness, BMI, blood pressure, and serum CRP and lipid concentrations.


RESULTS
Overall, 11% of children had detectable CRP (> 0.21 mg/dL). CRP was not associated with age, gender, or birth weight. WHR showed significant positive associations with serum CRP concentration independent of BMI. BMI was also significantly associated with CRP independent of WHR. CRP was significantly associated with HDL cholesterol but not triglyceride, or systolic blood pressure, concentration after controlling for BMI.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed on the associations of serum CRP concentration with WHR and other indices of body fat distribution and obesity to elucidate the mechanisms and significance of these associations.
Gillum
R F
RF
National Center for Health Statistics, CDC, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782, USA.
D001794:Blood Pressure; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D017058:Mexican Americans; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D014280:Triglycerides; D002097:C-Reactive Protein