July - September 2010, Volume 6, Issue 3

Valean C, Ichim G, Tatar S, Samasca G, Leucuta A, Nanulescu MV

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and serum profile of adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) in children with overweight or obesity

Acta Endo (Buc) 2010, 6 (3): 343-354
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2010.343

Background. Metabolic syndrome is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. \r\nObjective. Evaluating the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and serum profile of adipokines in children with overweight or obesity. \r\nMethods. Sixty two children were included in the study, with a body mass index (BMI) that exceeded 85th percentile. Waist circumference and blood pressure (BP) were recorded, followed by the determination of: glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, insulin, adiponectin and leptin. The insulin resistance was then calculated. \r\nResults. Of the 52 children included, 28,8% have met the criteria for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. BMI and BP values were higher in children with metabolic syndrome as well as the values of leptin (69.59 ? 50;89 vs. 58.44 ? 42.28 ng / ml) and insulin resistance (1.65 ? 0 ,74 vs. 1.41? 0.78). We could found a positive correlation, statistically significant between BMI and serum leptin (r = 0.32, p =0.02), BMI and insulin (r = 0.33, p = 0.01) and BMI and insulin resistance (r = 0.33, p = 0.01). \r\nConclusion. Metabolic syndrome has a high prevalence in childhood obesity. The adipokines seem to have a very good correlation with the clinical and bioumoral features of the metabolic syndrome.

Keywords: obesity, children, metabolic syndrome, leptin, adipokines

Correspondence: Tatar Simona Alexandra MD, ?Iuliu Hatieganu? University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca - 3rd Pediatric Department, 2-4 Campeni Street Cluj-Napoca 400217,\r\nRomania; T: +40 264-534848, Email: simonatatar@gmail.com