PRO-INFLAMMATORY TRIGGERS IN SCHOLARS: LEPTIN, IL-6, FIBRINOGEN, AND HIGH-SENSITIVITY C-REACTIVE PROTEIN

• Published in: Annals of nutrition and metabolism 2017-10, Vol.71 (Suppl. 2), p.603
• Main Authors: Cordova, Ludwig Roberto Alvarez, Porben, Sergio Santana, Nieto, Victor Hugo Sierra, Perez, Diana Maria Fonseca, Criollo, Melina Isabella Rojas, Valdivieso, Gustavo Saul Escobar, Caicedo, Jason Amadeus Espinoza, Zuloaga, Juan Luis Moran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anthropometry; Arteriosclerosis; Atherosclerosis; Body fat; C-reactive protein; Cardiovascular diseases; Children; Fibrinogen; Health risks; Hormones; Inflammation; Insulin; Interleukin 6; Leptin; Markers; Obesity; Pediatrics; Proteins; Serum levels
• ISSN: 0250-6807; 1421-9697
• DOI: 10.1159/000480486

Background and objectives: Obesity is a major health problem shown to be associated with a pro-inflammatory state. Adipocyte dysfunction results in the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators which, in turn, contribute to the development of chronic inflammation states. We documented the serum levels of leptin and their association with markers of systemic inflammation in obese children. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 46 scholar children (Boys: 45,7%). BMI, waist circumference and body fat percentages were obtained by means of anthropometric and bioimpedance techniques. Leptin, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein measurements were made by recommended analytical protocols in fasting blood samples. Results: Average BMI was 23,28 ± 4,39 kg/m2. Only 6.5% of the children had elevated CPR values. In sharp contrast with this finding, leptin values were increased in 93,5% of them. Conclusions: Obesity is associated with increased leptin values. This finding confirms the presence of a state of insulin resistance resulting from adipocyte dysfunction. The increase in leptin values precedes the rise of inflammation markers that will eventually lead to endothelitis and atherosclerosis. Obese children are at high risk of cardiovascular disease.