Inflammation and Changes in Metabolic Syndrome Abnormalities in US Adolescents: Findings from the 1988–1994 and 1999–2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

Abstract

In the more recent dataset we explored the relationship between metabolic abnormalities and CRP as measured by a high-sensitivity assay. Results: The prevalence of central obesity, low HDLcholesterol, and hypertension increased between the 2 surveys. Three or more abnormalities (metabolic syndrome) were found in 12.7% [95% confidence interval (CI), 10.0%-15.4%] of fasting adolescents from the 1999 -2000 survey, compared with 9.2% (95% CI, 7.8%-10.6%; P <0.001) in the 1988 -1994 dataset, with increases also seen in sex and ethnic/racial subgroups. Increases in metabolic syndrome were primarily attributable to increasing body mass index (BMI); prevalence of BMI at or above the 85th percentile increased from 25.9% to 30.5%. Metabolic syndrome was much more prevalent in overweight compared with normal-weight adolescents (38.6% vs 1.4%; P <0.001). Median CRP increased with increasing numbers of metabolic abnormalities and was higher in adolescents with metabolic syndrome than in those without. CRP was higher in adolescents with BMI

Carotid artery wall hypertrophy in children with metabolic syndrome

“…These results are in line with a similar finding in a huge survey of adolescents in USA and could be a further indicator of future cardiovascular risk. 32 Since carotid wall thickening has been demonstrated to reflect the presence of preclinical atherosclerotic disease at other sites, that is the coronary arteries, 33 and most importantly is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events, 34 it could be useful to include carotid ultrasound assessment for the risk stratification of these children with MS.…”

Assessing, understanding and modifying nutritional status, eating habits and physical activity in European adolescents: The HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study

“…There is also increasing evidence to show that chronic subclinical inflammation is associated with metabolic dysfunction, which links causally to insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome in adolescents 77 . Dietary factors such as fatty acids, antioxidants or fibre can potentially modulate the association between adiposity and subclinical inflammation 78,79 , as can physical activity and fitness 80 , but more studies of the determinants of subclinical inflammation in this age group are needed to clarify how a healthier lifestyle affects these novel risk markers.…”

Association of metabolic biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in overweight and obese children in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

“…Studies have demonstrated that high CRP concentrations are associated with obesity in children [3,17,25] and in adults [13,18]. Correlations between CRP concentrations and high blood pressure or dyslipidaemia were found in children and adolescent [27].…”

“…In a prospective study, adiponectin predicted myocardial infarction in men [13]; however, more recent studies reveal mixed results [14,15]. Inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) [16] and in particular C-reactive protein (CRP) are considered risk factors for the metabolic syndrome [17] and cardiovascular disease [7]. Fibrinogen, an acute-phase reactant that also plays a central role in the coagulation cascade, has been linked to obesity in adults [18] and children [19].…”