Obese Egyptian Children Research Articles

Multivariate Analysis and Correlation Study Shows the Impact of Anthropometric and Demographic Variables on Gut Microbiota in Obese Egyptian Children.

Deciphering the gut microbiome's link to obesity is crucial. Our study characterized the gut microbial community in Egyptian children and investigated the effect of covariates on the gut microbiome, body mass index (BMI), geographical location, gender, and age. We used 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize the gut microbial communities of 49 children. We then evaluated these communities for diversity, potential biomarkers, and functional capacity. Alpha diversity of the non-obese group was higher than that of the obese group (Chao1, P = 0.006 and observed species, P = 0.003). Beta diversity analysis revealed significant variations in the gut microbiome between the two geographical locations, Cairo and Ismailia (unweighted UniFrac, P = 0.03) and between obesity statuses, obese and non-obese (weighted UniFrac, P = 0.034; unweighted UniFrac, P = 0.015). We observed a significantly higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in obese males than in non-obese males (P = 0.004). Interestingly, this difference was not seen in females (P = 0.77). Multivariable association with linear models (MaAsLin2) identified 8 microbial features associated with obesity, 12 associated with non-obesity, and found 29 and 13 features specific to Cairo and Ismailia patients, respectively. It has also shown one microbial feature associated with patients under five years old. MaAsLin2, however, failed to recognize any association between gender and the gut microbiome. Moreover, it could find the most predominant features in groups 2-9 but not in group 1. Another method used in the analysis is the Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) approach, which effectively identified 19 biomarkers linked to obesity, 9 linked non-obesity, 20 linked to patients residing in Cairo, 14 linked to patients in Ismailia, one linked to males, and 12 linked to females. LEfSe could not, however, detect any prevalent bacteria among children younger or older than five. Future studies should take advantage of such correlations, specifically BMI, to determine the interventions needed for obesity management.

MiRNA-122 as a biomarker for insulin resistance and risk of cardiovascular diseases in obese children

BackgroundObesity in children is a major worldwide concern that has several negative health consequences in both the short and long term. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression level of microRNA-122 in obese Egyptian children and investigate its potential associations with insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. MethodsThe study included 70 obese and 30 age-matched normal-weight control children. Anthropometric measurements, systolic, and diastolic blood pressures were assessed, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of circulating microRNA-122. Pancreatic beta cell function (HOMA2-%B), insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR), and insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S) was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment version 2 (HOMA2). McAuley index and single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) was used to further evaluate insulin sensitivity. Levels of serum biochemical parameters were measured. ResultsThe obese group showed significantly higher levels of microRNA-122, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, non-HDL cholesterol, cardiac risk ratios, atherogenic coefficient, atherosclerotic index, insulin levels, HOMA2-%B, and HOMA2-IR compared to the control group. In obese children, microRNA-122 exhibited a significant negative correlation with HDL while a significant positive correlation with the cardiac risk ratio 1 and the atherogenic coefficient. MicroRNA-122 had predictive ability for insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases risk in obese children. However, a significant decrease in HDL levels, HOMA2-%S, McAuley, and SPISE insulin sensitivity indices was found in obese children. ConclusionsModifications in blood levels of microRNA-122 in obese children may indicate a possible role in the etiology of childhood obesity and its associated consequences. As a result, it could function as a preliminary biomarker and potential indicator of further metabolic diseases.

Fibroblast growth factor-21 and Visfatin as potential predictors for metabolic risk factors in obese children

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) and Visfatin are associated with obesity. However; reviewing the literature; no studies were found to assess their role as potential markers for the metabolic disorders related to obesity in children. Assess the relations between serum FGF-21 and Visfatin with obesity and its metabolic disorders, and their use as potential predictors for metabolic risk factors in a sample of Egyptian obese children. This cross-sectional study included 111 Egyptian children (45 males and 66 females); aged 6–10 years to avoid the effect of puberty (prepubertal). The exclusion criteria (by full History taking and clinical examination) were the presence of any sign of puberty according to Tanner stage, the presence of identified causes of obesity (genetic syndromes, chromosomal or endocrinal disorders), chronic diseases (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory), or drug use like steroids; that would interfere with the type of obesity and affect the normal growth of the children. Also, any child with a BMI between 85 and 95th percentiles (overweight) was excluded from the study. All participating obese children were suffering from exogenous simple obesity. They were classified according to their body mass index (BMI) percentiles into 72 obese (BMI ≥ 95th), and 39 control non-obese ones (BMI > 15th to < 85th), based on the Egyptian Growth Charts for children and adolescents. Ethical approvals were granted from both the Ethics Committee of the “National Research Centre” and the “Faculty of Postgraduate Childhood Studies” (Approval No. 17/125). Also, informed written consent was taken from either of the parents and assent from the participating children. They were subjected to blood pressure assessment, anthropometric measurements (weight [Wt], height [Ht], BMI, waist [WC], and hip [HC] circumferences), and laboratory evaluation (Visfatin, FGF-21, LDL, HDL, TG, cholesterol, fasting glucose, insulin, and calculation of HOMA-IR). Mann–Whitney test and Spearman’s correlation test were applied. Obese children had significantly higher values than control ones regarding all the studied clinical (SBP, DBP), anthropometric parameters (Wt, Ht, BMI, WC, and HC), FBG, Insulin, HOMA-IR, Visfatin, and FGF-21, and had significantly lower values regarding HDL and Cholesterol. Among obese children, both FGF-21 and Visfatin had significant negative correlations with BMI and HC. At the same time, serum FGF-21 had a highly significant positive correlation with HDL. Visfatin and FGF-21 had highly significant positive correlations with each other. In the control group, both serum Visfatin or FGF-21 had insignificant correlations with each other and with all the studied clinical and anthropometric parameters. FGF-21 and Visfatin are related to the obesity markers, but they cannot be used as potential predictors for metabolic disturbance in obese prepubertal children; both had insignificant correlations with the metabolic risk factors.

Angiopoietin-like protein 5: a potential culprit of cardio-metabolic risk in Egyptian obese children

Angiopoietin-like protein 5: a potential culprit of cardio-metabolic risk in Egyptian obese children

Chemerin, IL-18 and IL-1 Beta as Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome in Egyptian Obese Children

Chemerin, IL-18 and IL-1 Beta as Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome in Egyptian Obese Children

Correlation between Nonsynonymous A803G Polymorphism of N-acetyltransferase 2 Gene and Impaired Glucose Homeostasis in Egyptian Obese Children and Adolescents

Background: Two thirds of the world's populations live in countries where obesity-related illness is a significant cause of death. There is a considerable increase in adult obesity and there is good evidence that more children are also becoming obese especially over the last 30 years period. Objective: To assess A803G polymorphism in the NAT2 gene in Egyptian obese children and adolescents and to detect the relation between this gene mutation and development of impaired glucose homeostasis in them. Patients and methods: 100 children and Adolescents were investigated in the study. They were divided into 2 groups according to their HbA1c: 50diagnosed as pre-diabetic obese were enrolled as group (1) and 50 diagnosed as non-diabetic obese were enrolled as group (2). Results: correlation between HbA1c and HOMAIR showed that HbA1c was statistically significantly positively correlated with weight, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, HOMAIR, total cholesterol and LDL. While, HbA1c was statistically significantly negatively correlated with HDL and BMI-SDS, with no statistically significant correlations with other variables among Group 1. HOMA-IR was statistically significantly positively correlated with weight, waist circumference and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. While, HOMAIR was statistically significantly negatively correlated with BMI-SDS among Group 1. HbA1c was statistically significantly positively correlated with weight and waist with no statistically significant correlation with other variables among Group 2. Conclusion: Egyptian obese children and adolescents who are carrying NAT2 A803 allele might be at a high risk of developing impaired glucose homeostasis and consequent increased future risk to develop diabetes mellitus type 2.

PNPLA3/adiponutrin I148M gene variant in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Egyptian children and adolescents

Objective The aim was to explore the possible association of the PNPLA3/adiponutrin I148M gene variant with nonacholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its severity in overweight and obese Egyptian children and adolescents as such reports are lacking in Egyptian population. Participants and methods In total, 80 overweight and obese NAFLD children and 40 healthy controls were subjected to clinical assessment, laboratory assessment, and genotyping assay for PNPLA3-I148M gene variant. Results There were no significant differences in the distribution of genotypes of the PNPLA3-I148M gene variant between the studied NAFLD patients and controls. In NAFLD children, 62 (77.5%) cases were CC genotype (homozygous for the wild allele), 12 (15%) cases were CG genotype (heterozygous for the risk allele), and six cases (7.5%) were GG genotype (homozygous for the risk allele). The frequency of the C allele (the common allele) was 85%, whereas the frequency of the G allele (the risk allele) was 15%. There was significant increase in mean values of alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase (P&lt;0.05) and significant increase in the frequency of patients with higher grades of steatosis among the NAFLD patients who were homozygous or heterozygous for the risk G allele (GG and CG genotypes) compared with those with no G allele (wild CC genotype). There were significant positive correlations between PNPLA3-I148M gene variant and obesity indicators among NAFLD children. Conclusions Polymorphisms in the PNPLA3-I148M gene variant may not contribute to NAFLD susceptibility in Egyptian children due to ethnic differences. However, the presence of polymorphisms in the PNPLA3-I148M gene variant may get worse in liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase) and grades of steatosis in NAFLD patients.

Serum microRNA-486-5p expression in obese Egyptian children and its possible association with fatty liver

AimsSeveral microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulating the process of adipogenesis. White adipose tissue is a major source for these miRNAs. We aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-486-5p in children with obesity and its possible association with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MethodThis case-control study included 100 obese and overweight children and 100 normal-weight children of matched age and sex. All children were subjected to anthropometric measurements and evaluation of miR-486-5p expression levels using the SYBR green-based real-time RT-PCR technique. ResultsObese children showed significantly up-regulated miR-486-5p gene expression (p value < 0.001) when compared to control group. MiR-486-5p gene expression showed significant positive correlation with weight (r = 0.924), BMI (r = 0.497), waist circumference (r = 0.387), fat mass (r = 0.361), LDL(r = 0.351), TG (r = 0.867), TC (r = 0.875) and presence of fatty liver (r = 0.760). The best cutoff value of miR-486-5p gene expression in the prediction of obesity was 0.44 with AUC 0.736 that has a sensitivity 60% and specificity 90%, ConclusionThe serum level of the miR-486-5p gene is up-regulated in obese and overweight children and might be an independent predictor for obesity and fatty liver susceptibility.

A study of voice quality in obese Egyptian children

BackgroundObesity is considered a health problem that affects many systems of the body among which the respiration and voice. The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of obesity in children on quality of their voice. Thirty obese children were included in this cross-sectional study and compared to 30 age- and sex-matched healthy children as a control group. Voice of cases and controls were assessed subjectively by auditory perceptual assessment and objectively by studying acoustic parameters using Computerized Speech Lab. Flexible laryngoscopy was done for cases with dysphonia.ResultsDysphonia perceived in 60% of cases, voice analysis revealed increased jitter and noise to harmonic ratio with significant difference than controls.ConclusionThe voice of children with morbid obesity reveals significant modifications pertaining to vocal characteristics in comparison to non-obese persons, so voice hygiene and voice therapy could be added to their therapy program as prophylactic or therapeutic management of voice disorder.

Anthropometric and metabolic pattern in obese Egyptian children: its association with C-reactive protein

BackgroundObesity is the most common chronic metabolic disease in children. The global prevalence of obesity has doubled from 1990 to 2015. Worryingly, the increase is more in children than adults. It has reached epidemic ranges and is a significant global problem. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a parameter that is used to assess inflammation and risk factor for cardiovascular events. Some reports describe an association between hs-CRP and obesity. The objective of the study is to evaluate anthropometric and metabolic parameters in obese Egyptian children and correlate them with hs-CRP level.ResultsFor anthropometric variables, they were significantly higher in obese group than normal weight except for height (P value 0.001). A significant difference was reported for all lipid profile parameters between obese and normal-weight groups (P value 0.001). Also, CRP showed a positive correlation with both BMI as well as total cholesterol, while no correlation was observed with other parameters of obesity (r: 0.41, 0.29 respectively).ConclusionElevated CRP may have a role in predicting altered lipid metabolism in obese children and this raises the possibility of cardiovascular diseases. Hence, preventive measures to control obesity is necessary.

Assessment of serum chemerin level and it's association with obesity indices and hs-CRP in a group of Egyptian obese children

Assessment of serum chemerin level and it's association with obesity indices and hs-CRP in a group of Egyptian obese children

Assessment of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in obese Egyptian children

BackgroundPlasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is mainly produced in the liver and in the adipose tissue. Normal fibrin clearance mechanisms were found to be affected by high plasma PAI-1 levels and thus increases risk of thrombosis. The aim of the current study was to expound the childhood obesity effect on circulating PAI-1 and interpret the relation of PAI-1 to metabolic syndrome. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 43 obese children following in the Children Hospital and compared to 44 healthy sex- and age-matched controls. All recruited cohort are subjected to anthropometric measurements: weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and skin fold thickness (biceps, triceps, and subscapular), and laboratory investigations in the form of lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, insulin resistance estimated by HOMA-IR, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.ResultsThe level of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in the obese group was significantly higher than that in the control group (47.98 ± 17.42 vs. 28.00 ± 11.35 respectively). PAI-1 showed positive significant correlation to anthropometric measurements: BMI (p = 0.000), weight (p = 0.000), biceps skin fold thickness (p = 0.04), triceps skin fold thickness (p = 0.4), and subscapular skin fold thickness (p = 0.04). Also, a significant positive correlation was found between PAI-1 and systolic (p = 0.000) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.04). Positive correlations were found between PAI-1 and cholesterol (p = 0.000), triglycerides (p = 0.02), LDL-c (p = 0.000), insulin (p = 0.000), and HOMA-IR (r = 0.5, p = 0.02).ConclusionFat mass accumulation is related to high PAI-1 levels, which might in turn contribute to cardiovascular risk. Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 is a good predictive test for metabolic syndrome in obese children.

Bone Health in Relation to Vitamin-D Status and Serum Adipokines in Obese Egyptian Children

Childhood obesity has been linked to an increase in fracture risk, so the impact of obesity on bone metabolism is becoming a focus of attention to identify factors that may affect bone health in obese children. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between serum 25-Hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) D], adipokines and bone status in obese children. This case control study was executed in the Child Health Clinic in Medical and Scientific Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre (NRC), 100 obese and 80 non-obese age- and sex-matched children were enrolled in our study with mean age of (10.12±2.34 &amp; 9.62±1.67 years) respectively. Anthropometric measurements, femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) and its Z-score, bone mineral content (BMC) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in relation to body weight (kg), we also determined serum 25(OH) D, adiponectin, leptin and lipid profile. HOMA-IR was calculated to assess insulin resistance. It was found that BMC and BMD Z-score adjusted for weight were significantly lower in obese children as compared to controls (all p&lt;0.05). Obese children had lower levels of 25(OH) D and adiponectin (P&lt;0.01), while higher levels of leptin, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) compared to controls (P&lt;0.01). Both BMC and BMD Z-score showed positive association with 25(OH) D and adiponectin (P&lt;0.01) and negative association with HOMA-IR, TG and TC (P&lt;0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that 25(OH) D was the most effective factor predicting BMD Z-score and BMC in obese children. It is concluded that, obesity is negatively related to bone health in childhood. Those obese children are at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency, which shows an obvious relationship to lower bone mass, raising the question of supplementation to prevent the deleterious effect of its deficiency on bones and reducing future risk of fracture and osteoporosis.

The Potential Implication of FTO rs17817449 Gene Polymorphism on BMI Mediated Risk For Type2 Diabetes Among Obese Egyptian Children And Adolescents.

Genetic variations of the FTO gene were associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes determinants in the European population, notably raised blood levels of insulin and glucose. The aim of this study was to test the association of FTOrs17817449 with obesity/BMI and type 2 diabetes risk among obese Egyptian population. In this case-control study, (PCR-RFLP assay) was used for genotyping FTOrs17817449polymorphism (SNP) in 120 obese children and 120 controls conducted from attendants of genetic & endocrinology Unit and outpatient clinics, Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University Hospitals. In combination with anthropometric measurements of obesity, predisposition to T2D risk was analyzed (fasting insulin, fasting glucose, insulin resistance). Consanguinity was evident in 32.5% of cases. Positive family history of both obesity and T2D was found to be significant statistically (p<0.05). FTO rs17817449G allele was positively associated with WC (Waist Circumference) (Mean ± SD 84.1 ± 9. 3), raised BMI (Body Mass Index) (32.7 ± 3.5), fasting glucose (114.1 ± 12.8mg/dl), fasting insulin (7.2 ± 1.2µU/ml) and insulin resistance (61.1% of cases) (p<0.001). The odds ratio of obesity was 1.75(95%CI 1.02-3.02) for GT and GG genotype. Fasting glucose and fasting insulin showed statistically significant risk for T2D in the obese group. Genetic variation in FTOrs17817449(G allele) was definitely associated with raised BMI, BMI z-score and fasting insulin, and lowered QUICKI values, that predicted the risk for type 2 diabetes among obese children harboring the mutant G allele.

Screening of Egyptian obese children and adolescents for insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in angiotensin-converting enzyme gene.

Background/aims: The role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism in the development of obesity and hypertension in children has not been widely studied. We aimed to screen Egyptian obese children and adolescents for insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the ACE gene.MethodsOne hundred forty-two children and adolescents were included (70 with simple obesity and 72 controls). Blood pressure was measured, and anthropometric parameters were assessed in all included children and adolescents. Fasting lipid profile, fasting glucose, and insulin were measured. DNA extraction and ACE I/D polymorphism genotyping were also performed.ResultsObese children had a higher frequency of DD genotype (30% in obese versus 11.1% in controls, P = .01) and D alleles (61.8% in obese versus 48.6% in controls, P = .01). Obese children with hypertension and prehypertension had higher frequency of DD genotype than II genotype and higher D alleles than I alleles. DD genotype and D allele were independently associated with hypertension (OR: 9.86 and 11.57, respectively, P < .001), while dyslipidemia and insulin resistance were not associated with the ACE I/D gene polymorphism.ConclusionDD genotype and D-allele of the ACE gene polymorphism were associated with obesity and with hypertension and pre-hypertension in Egyptian children.

Study of Different Types of Gut Flora among Obese Egyptian Children

Study of Different Types of Gut Flora among Obese Egyptian Children

ASSOCIATION OF PNPLA3 (rs738409) AND GCKR (rs1260326) GENE POLYMORPHISMS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN OBESE EGYPTIAN CHILDREN

Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known as a common public health problem worldwide. Genetic variant as well as environmental factor interact to develop NAFLD. The allele frequency of PNPLA3 and GCKR variant varied in different ethnic groups. Our study aimed to recognize the association of the PNPLA3 rs738409 and GCKR rs1260326 with the occurrence and progression of NAFLD in obese Egyptian children. PNPLA3 rs738409 and GCKR rs1260326 were genotyped using RFLPPCR in 80 patients with NAFLD (40 with NAFL and 40 with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]) and 80 control subjects. Comparison was made between NAFLD and control as well as between NAFL and NASH. The risk allele (G) allele frequency of PNPLA3 rs738409 was 0.456 in patients and 0.363 in control. Whereas, the risk allele (T) allele frequency of GCKR rs1260326 was 0.488 in patients and 0.331 in control. These two alleles show highly association with NAFLD (P = 0.00). Comparison between NAFL and NASH revealed that the frequencies of the (G) allele in PNPLA3 rs738409 were 0.3875, 0.5 in NAFL and NASH, respectively. Moreover, the allele frequencies of the (T) allele in GCKR rs1260326 were 0.413 and 0.575 in NAFL and NASH, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that both SNPs were highly associated with NASH. It is concluded that the PNPLA3 rs738409 and GCKR rs1260326 may have an important role in the development of NAFLD in obese Egyptian Children.

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

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.

Study of Different Types of Gut Flora among Obese Egyptian Children

Study of Different Types of Gut Flora among Obese Egyptian Children

Cardiovascular performance in Egyptian obese children and adolescents

Cardiovascular performance in Egyptian obese children and adolescents