Relation between Serum Homocysteine and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Obese Egyptian Children

[摘要] atherosclerotic vascular changes and homocysteine in children. Measuring carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as a non-invasive marker ofearly arterial wall alteration is more widely used in adult clinical research but its value in children and adolescents is not clear. Objective: To assessCIMT and serum homocysteine levels in obese children and their relation with serum lipids and anthropometric parameters. Patients and Methods:This study included 41 healthy obese children compared with 41 healthy non-obese children matched in age, gender, and pubertal stage. Wedetermined anthropometric parameters of obesity and sub-clinical atherosclerosis by CIMT measurement using high-resolution ultrasound, inaddition to serum levels of homocysteine and lipids. Results: Higher values of CIMT, serum homocysteine, total cholesterol, and low-densitylipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were found in obese children compared to controls (p < 0.05). No correlation was documented betweenhomocysteine and CIMT. Significant positive correlations were found between homocysteine/CIMT and anthropometric measurements as well assystolic and diastolic blood pressures. CIMT correlated negatively with HDL-C. Conclusion: Obese children presented increased CIMT, homocysteine,total cholesterol, and LDL-C, indicating a high-risk of endothelial dysfunction and early signs of atherosclerosis. So, these items shouldbe monitored in obese children with emphasis on prevention of obesity and weight reduction.

[学科分类] 心脏病和心血管学

[关键词] carotid intima-media thickness;children;homocysteine;LIPID;obesity