title: Impaired microvascular endothelial function in relatively young obese humans is associated with altered metabolic and inflammatory markers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aims to assess microvascular endothelial function in obese compared to age matched lean controls. Serum lipid profile, fasting glucose, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adiponectin levels were also determined.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study involved 36 healthy lean and 36 obese subjects. Microvascular endothelial function was assessed using Laser Doppler fluximetry and iontophoresis with acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean age of subjects was 26.54 ± 0.60 years. Obese subjects had higher systolic (118.8 ± 1.5 vs 105.7 ± 2.0 mmHg, p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (71.61 ± 1.35 vs 64.53 ± 1.40 mmHg, p = 0.001), higher triglyceride (1.35 ± 0.13 vs 0.79 ± 0.05 mmol/l, p < 0.001), lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (1.43 ± 0.04 vs 1.62 ± 0.05 mmol/l, p = 0.003), higher hs-CRP (11.58 ± 1.88 vs 1.88 ± 0.35 mg/l, p < 0.001), and lower adiponectin levels (8.80 ± 0.43 vs 25.93 ± 0.40 μg/ml, p < 0.001) compared to lean subjects. Endothelial dependent vasodilatation was lower in obese compared to lean subjects (40.53 ± 6.59 vs 71.03 ± 7.13 AU, p = 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Microvascular endothelial function is reduced in obese compared to age matched controls. This is associated with higher BP, triglyceride and lower HDL-C and adiponectin levels in obese group.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacology Vascular Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kota Bharu, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Belqes Abdullah
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Al-Tahami
authors.forename: Yvonne-Tee Get
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Bee
authors.forename: Abdul Aziz Al-Safi
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Ismail
authors.forename: Aida Hanum Ghulam
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Rasool
mesh_terms: D052242:Adiponectin / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D055806:Microvessels / Q000378:metabolism*; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D052242:Adiponectin; D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids; D002097:C-Reactive Protein