The abnormal iron homeostasis among Egyptian obese children and adolescents: relation to inflammation of obesity

Abstract

Background Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammatory changes that increase Fe tissue storage and affect the level of circulating serum Fe, leading to tissue overload and decreased availability of Fe for hematopoiesis. Objectives The objectives of this study were to determine the relation between the low iron state and the chronic inflammation found in obese children and to assess the role of inflammatory markers in the detection of iron status. Design and setting This was a case–control study. This study was conducted in the outpatient and clinical nutrition clinics of Pediatric Hospital, Ain Shams University. Patients and methods This was a case–control study conducted on 50 obese children and adolescents over 1 year. They were divided into two subgroups: iron deficient and noniron deficient patients. The study also included 20 normal weight children and adolescents as controls. All patients were subjected to the obesity sheet, anthropometric measurements, complete blood picture, measurement of iron profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Results There were significantly lower mean values of hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation among obese than among nonobese children. The mean serum level of hs-CRP was significantly higher among obese children than controls, and, of the 50 obese patients, 62% had high levels. The mean serum level of hs-CRP among anemic obese patients was significantly higher than in the nonanemic obese group. The hs-CRP showed significant positive correlations with BMI and significant negative correlations with serum iron. Conclusion The chronic inflammation changes of obesity lead to a low iron state. Thus, regular follow-up of obese children by measuring serum hs-CRP, hemoglobin, and iron profile is mandatory.