Waist-to-height ratio, inflammation and CVD risk in obese children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and specific biomarkers of inflammation, CVD risk and endothelial dysfunction in prepubertal obese children.


METHODS
Prospective, multicentre case-control study matched by age and sex.


METHODS
Children were recruited between May 2007 and May 2010 from primary-care centres and schools in three cities in Spain (Cordoba, Santiago de Compostela and Zaragoza).


METHODS
Four hundred and forty-six (223 normal weight and 223 obese) Caucasian prepubertal children aged 6-12 years.


RESULTS
WHtR was higher in the obese than in the normal-weight children. Blood pressure, waist circumference, weight, height, insulin, plasma lipids, leptin, resistin, abnormal neutrophil and monocyte counts, C-reactive protein, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, myeloperoxidase, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, selectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels were higher in the obese than in the normal-weight group. Adiponectin and HDL-cholesterol were lower and glucose and metalloproteinase-9 showed no differences. Resistin, TNF-α and active plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were associated with WHtR, a sensitive indicator of central obesity.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results lead to the hypothesis that changes in biomarker levels of insulin resistance, inflammation and CVD risk before puberty might induce metabolic consequences of obesity in obese children before reaching adulthood.
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology,Centre for Biomedical Research (CIB),Lab 123,University of Granada,Avda. del Conocimiento s/n,18016 Armilla,Granada,Spain.
Josune
J
Olza
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology,Centre for Biomedical Research (CIB),Lab 123,University of Granada,Avda. del Conocimiento s/n,18016 Armilla,Granada,Spain.
Concepcion M
CM
Aguilera
2Paediatric Research and Metabolism Unit,Reina Sofía University Hospital,Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC) and Unit of Paediatric Endocrinology,Cordoba,Spain.
Mercedes
M
Gil-Campos
3Unit of Investigation in Nutrition,Growth and Human Development of Galicia,Paediatric Department,Clinic University Hospital of Santiago,University of Santiago de Compostela,Santiago de Compostela,Spain.
Rosaura
R
Leis
4Paediatric Department,Lozano Blesa University Hospital,University of Zaragoza,Zaragoza,Spain.
Gloria
G
Bueno
5Unit of Clinical Analyses,Valle de los Pedroches Hospital,Cordoba,Spain.
Miguel
M
Valle
2Paediatric Research and Metabolism Unit,Reina Sofía University Hospital,Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC) and Unit of Paediatric Endocrinology,Cordoba,Spain.
Ramon
R
Cañete
3Unit of Investigation in Nutrition,Growth and Human Development of Galicia,Paediatric Department,Clinic University Hospital of Santiago,University of Santiago de Compostela,Santiago de Compostela,Spain.
Rafael
R
Tojo
6GENUD (Growth, Exercise,Nutrition and Development) Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences,University of Zaragoza,Zaragoza,Spain.
Luis A
LA
Moreno
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology,Centre for Biomedical Research (CIB),Lab 123,University of Granada,Avda. del Conocimiento s/n,18016 Armilla,Granada,Spain.
Angel
A
Gil
D050153:Abdominal Fat / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D054392:Adipokines / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D050154:Adiposity; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000097:blood*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D056128:Obesity, Abdominal / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D065927:Waist-Height Ratio
D054392:Adipokines; D015415:Biomarkers; D018836:Inflammation Mediators