No abstract

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is on the rise in youth. As high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is associated with cardiovascular/metabolic disorders, we evaluated the association between MS and its components and hs-CRP in a sample of Brazilian overweight and obese youth. Methods and Procedures: A total of 407 students (229 girls, 273 with excessive weight, 11.3 ± 3.2 years) were evaluated. Measurement included BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, lipids, insulin, and hs-CRP. Excessive weight was defined using BMI z-score; MS by the modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III. Results: Subjects were classified into two groups: with MS (n = 72) and without (n = 335). hs-CRP means and medians were higher in MS group (1.41 mg/l vs. 1.06 mg/l, P < 0.001; 2.21 mg/l vs. 1.23 mg/l, P < 0.001). Associations between hs-CRP quartiles and insulin resistance (IR) (P < 0.001), MS (P < 0.001), WC (P < 0.000), BMI z-score (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (P < 0.001), and low HDL-c (P = 0.023) were significant; adjustment of hs-CRP for BMI z-score eliminated the previous association, except for the number of MS components (nMSc) (P < 0.001). Adjusting for homeostasis model assessment method of IR (HOMA-IR) did not eliminate the relation between hs-CRP and MS components. Furthermore, increases in BMI z-score and nMSc were associated with an increased hs-CRP. Excessive weight (odds ratio (OR), 7.9; confidence interval (CI), 4.7-13.4; P = 0.000), hypertension (OR, 2.3; CI, 1.3-4.2; P = 0.003), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 2.3; CI, 1.5-3.7; P < 0.001) were independently associated with hs-CRP. Discussion: In youth, hs-CRP is strongly related with MS and its components, and is also determined by the body composition. This association indicates a precocious proinflammatory state.

Background/Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MS) and fatty liver disease (FLD) are on the rise. The association between these conditions in Brazilian youth is analyzed. Methods: 354 subjects (11.2 ± 3.1 years) were evaluated. FLD was suspected by ultrasound and computed tomography; weight and MS by BMI z-score and NCEP-ATPIII respectively. Results: Subjects were classified as: group 1 with suspected FLD and group 2 without and group 2 as ‘a’ (overweight/obese) and ‘b’ (normal weight). Comparing group 1 with 2a and 2b, differences in age (p = 0.016; p = 0.075), triglycerides (TG) (p = 0.021; p = 0.002), insulin (p = 0.652; p = 0.015) and homeostasis model assessment method of IR (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.737; p = 0.003) were found. Group 2a was divided into low/high alanine aminotransferase (ALT). A decrease in waist circumference and TG was found going from those with suspicion of FLD to obese with high and low ALT. Insulin and HOMA-IR in group 1 and high ALT were similar. Gender (OR 6.6; CI 1.9–22.5; p = 0.025), age (OR 1.3; CI 1.1–1.6; p = 0.006), TG (OR 10.4; CI 3.1–34.4; p = 0.005) were associated with suspected FLD. For every 10 U/l increase in ALT, there was a 4-fold greater chance of probable FLD (OR 4.01; CI 2.06–9.40; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Measurements of ALT and TG should be considered as screening for suspected FLD in overweight/obese youth.

No abstract

No abstract