MMP-9 Levels and IMT of Carotid Arteries are Elevated in Obese Children and Adolescents Compared to Non-Obese

Abstract

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.

Serum cardiovascular risk biomarkers in pre‐pubertal obese children

“…This inflammation leads to the secretion of many biochemical markers known to augment the risk for plaque fissuring and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in adults . In children, CXCL8, MPO, MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 levels have been shown to be higher in children with obesity compared to children with normal weight, MMP‐9 being higher in hypertensive than in nonhypertensive children with obesity and MPO correlating with cardiovascular risk factors . In our study, although there was no control group of children with normal weight to compare biomarkers levels, their relationship with cardiovascular health indicators, such as blood pressure and vascular function, was examined.…”

“…One pediatric study performed in older subjects with obesity showed that MMP-9 levels and IMT of the carotid arteries were higher compared to a control group and that they were correlated to each other. 25 To our knowledge, no other study has investigated the relationship between biomarkers and vascular function, especially in pre-pubertal children with obesity.…”

Childhood Obesity, MMP-9 Levels, and Vitamin D

“…In this context, considering a close association among childhood obesity, serum MMP-9 and vit D levels, the correlation of this study’s result 1 with serum vit D levels might be beneficial.…”

“…I have read the article entitled “MMP-9 Levels and IMT of Carotid Arteries are Elevated in Obese Children and Adolescents Compared to Non-Obese” by Andrade et al 1 , recently published in journal, with great interest. The investigators reported that obese children and adolescents present higher mean intima-media thickness (IMT), plasma matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 ratio compared to the non-obese.…”

“…Indeed, we found a close association between obese children and adolescents with atherosclerosis, compared to non-obese ones. 1 …”