Body Mass and Biochemical Indexes in Obese Children: Changes in Metabolic Syndrome Development

Abstract

Biochemical indices in obese children for early metabolic syndrome (MS) diagnostics were analyzed. Prospective study enrolled control (n=32, -1.0≤BMI SD score ≤+1.0) and obese (n=40, BMI SD score>+2.0) groups of children (12 yr mean age). Obese children demonstrated enhanced total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, ALT, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and elevated atherogenic index (AI). In most obese children, cardiovascular (40%) and hepatic (85%) disturbances were observed. Association of obesity with hepatic pathology was reflected in all examinees by correlations between BMI and ALT (r=0.511, p=0.001) and between BMI and ALT/AST ratio (r=0.638, p=0.001). AI increased in parallel with ALT/AST ratio elevation (r=0.436, р=0.006). Value of ALT/AST ratio in obese children group with signs of MS was 1.0 (0.5-1.6), exceeding value in control group (0.6; 0.3-1.1). To clarify ALT/AST ratio reference values as a manifestation of MS in obese children, an analysis of data from a larger number of patients is required. Control group demonstrated correlations between plasma coenzyme Q10 and total cholesterol (r=0.474, p=0.009) as well as between coenzyme Q10 and ALT (r=0.412, p=0.023) attesting to adequate lipoprotein antioxidant function and normal action of liver. In obese children, these relationships were distorted indicating advisability to prevent MS with membrane-stabilizing and/or antioxidant agents.