BackgroundChildhood obesity is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and
cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Increased intima-media thickness (IMT)
of the carotid artery is linked to the initiation and progression of the
chronic inflammatory processes implicated in cardiovascular disease. Matrix
metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays an important role in the degradation of
the extracellular matrix and, consequently, in the development,
morphogenesis, repair and remodeling of connective tissues.Objectives(i) to determine and compare the concentrations of MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of
metalloproteinase -1 (TIMP-1), and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in obese and non-obese
children and adolescents; (ii) to investigate the association of these
markers with common and internal IMT of carotid arteries.MethodsCross-sectional study involving 32 obese and 32 non-obese (control)
individuals between 8 - 18 years of age.ResultsSignificantly (p < 0.05) higher values of MMP-9 concentration, as well as
a higher MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were detected in the obese group compared to
control counterparts. Common and internal carotid IMT values were
significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the obese group compared to the
control group. Positive correlations were observed between the common
carotid IMT values and MMP-9 concentrations as well as MMP-9/TIMP-1
ratio.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that obese children and adolescents present higher mean
IMT values, plasma MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio compared to the non-obese.
Thus, these findings indicate that this group presents a risk profile for
early atherosclerosis.
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