Abstract
BackgroundSex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) has been proposed as a biomarker of MetS in children and adults. We aim to determine the associations of SHBG with components of MetS in children from the Middle-East where the prevalence of MetS are on the rise.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 509 randomly selected school children (226 boys and 283 girls) aged 12–16 years were recruited. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were determined using routine laboratory procedures. Serum SHBG is measured with Cobas e411 using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The modified definition of ATP-III (NHANES III) was used for the diagnosis of MetS.ResultsAmong 509 children, 23.4 % had metabolic syndrome. Boys had a significantly higher waist circumference and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.032, 0.024, respectively) than girls, while levels of glucose (p < 0.029), and SHBG (p < 0.003) were significantly higher in girls than in boys. In overall population, a significant inverse correlation of SHBG level with age, BMI, systolic blood pressure and triglycerides and a significant direct correlation between SHBG level and HDL-c was exhibited. Children with the lowest tertile of serum SHBG had significantly higher prevalence of MetS (p < 0.05). ROC curve shows SHBG level as more sensitive marker of MetS in boys (AUC = 0.70, p < 0.001).ConclusionsSerum SHBG is significantly more sensitive in identifying MetS in boys, not girls, indicating gender dimorphism.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13098-016-0134-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) has been proposed as a biomarker of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adults
A significant difference in control was observed with MetS children having a lower age (p < 0.001), Body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.004), waist circumference (p < 0.009), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001, 0.001, respectively), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), glucose, HDL-C and TG (p < 0.000 for all) as well a significantly lower SHBG level (p < 0.006)
A significant inverse correlation of SHBG level with age, BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and TG (p < 0.01 for all) were observed in the overall population, while a significant direct correlation between SHBG level and HDL-C were exhibited in overall group
Summary
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) has been proposed as a biomarker of MetS in children and adults. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an assembly of several cardiometabolic risk factors (including central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension) that may predispose towards the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [1,2,3,4]. In the past few decades, Saudi Arabia has shown a very rapid development at both the economic and social fields. This change has brought about a shift of traditional Arabian diet to a more western dietary pattern predisposing adults and children to obesity, T2DM, and hypertension [6,7,8,9]. Taha et al demonstrated that obese children and adolescents have multiple risk factors associated with MetS [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
