肥胖儿童及青少年脂代谢紊乱与早期血管病变的关系

目的 了解肥胖儿童青少年的脂代谢紊乱、血压与血管内膜中层厚度(IMT)变化.方法 2008年1月-2009年9月,从浙江省3家医院共募集580例7～17岁肥胖儿童青少年,按照血脂水平分为2组:血脂正常组中,男100例、女52例,平均年龄10.47岁;血脂紊乱组中,男305例、女123例,平均年龄10.83岁.分别进行相关体格检查,计算体质指数(BMI),检测血脂、血糖、血胰岛素和肝酶等生化指标,并对其中1家医院的285例研究对象进行颈动脉IMT检测.结果 (1)血脂正常组与血脂紊乱组患儿中,高血压比例分别是12.5%(19/152)和20.1%(86/428),差异具有统计学意义(x2=4.362,P=0.037),比值比为1.760,95%可信区间为1.030～3.008.(2)血脂紊乱组的左、右颈总动脉IMT和颈总动脉平均IMT值均较血脂正常组偏高,但差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05).血脂紊乱组的左、右颈内动脉IMT和颈内动脉平均IMT值分别是(0.66±0.15)mm、(0.65±0.15)mm和(0.65±0.15)mm,正常血脂组三者水平分别为(0.62±0.13)mm、(0.60±0.13)mm和(0.61±0.12)mm,组间差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05).(3)双变量相关分析显示收缩压与年龄、BMI、BMI Z值、腰围、臀围、尿酸、丙氨酸转氨酶、甘油三酯、空腹胰岛素和稳态胰岛素抵抗指数呈正相关(均P<0.05);其中收缩压与臀围中度相关.颈总动脉和颈内动脉平均IMT也分别与年龄、BMI、腰围、臀围和TG呈正相关(均P<0.05).多元线性回归分析显示臀围和稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数是收缩压的独立相关因素,腰围是颈总动脉和颈内动脉平均IMT的独立相关因素,甘油三酯还是颈内动脉平均IMT的独立相关因素.结论 (1)肥胖儿童青少年存在血脂代谢紊乱、高血压和动脉内膜增厚等血管病变,(2)脂代谢紊乱与血管病变密切相关,其中腰围和高甘油三酯血症是血管病变的高危因素.     

单纯性肥胖症儿童动脉硬化的研究

为探讨单纯性肥胖症儿童颈总动脉、股动脉是否具有早期动脉硬化的形态学改变、变化的程度以及相关因素，采用高分辨率彩色多普勒超声检测仪分别检测肥胖组和对照组儿童的双侧颈总动脉、股动脉的内膜—中层厚度(IMT)和血流速度(PSV和EDV)，并检测两组儿童的血脂。结果显示，肥胖组儿童动脉内膜呈现不同程度的毛糙、不光滑、连续性差、限局性增厚，有的形成局部强回声斑块，动脉IMT明显高于对照组(P＜0．001)；中度肥胖组和重度肥胖组、病史＜5年组和≥5年组、男孩组和女孩组之间，动脉IMT差异有显著性(P＜0．01)，且与血甘油三酯(TG)和总胆固醇(TG)水平成正相关(r＝0．705和0．56)。提示中、重度单纯性肥胖症儿童颈总动脉、股动脉具有不同程度的早期动脉硬化改变，其变化程度与肥胖程度、肥胖病史长短、性别以及血脂水平有关。     

儿童血浆同型半胱氨酸水平与原发性高血压相关性研究

目的 了解儿童血浆同型半胱氨酸水平,分析其与儿童原发性高血压的相关性.方法 2004--2006年对北京3～18岁儿童和青少年2万余人进行了血压、血糖、血脂及肥胖的流行病学抽样调查.本研究随机抽取其中6～10岁原发性高血压儿童,男女各20例,另选学校体检血压正常的相应年龄段的男女儿童各20例作为对照组.两组儿童均经临床病史、体检、实验室检查除外其它心肺、泌尿、内分泌等疾病.采用高效液相色谱电化学内标法进行了血浆同型半胱氨酸水平测定.结果结果:男童高血压组与血压正常组收缩压分别为(119±9)mmHg、(102±5)mmHg(P<0.001),舒张压分别为(76±6)mmHg、(66±6)mmHg(P<0.001);女童高血压组与血压正常组收缩压分别为(118±7)mmHg、(101±7)mmHg(P<0.001),舒张压分别为(76±10)mmHg、(63±9)mmHg(P<0.001);本研究6～10岁血压正常儿童血浆同型半胱氨酸几何均值为(8.5±1.3)μmol/L,其中男童为(8.0±1.3)μmol/L,女童为(9.1±1.3)μmol/L,二者差异无统计学意义(P=0.126).男女高血压组血浆同型半胱氨酸水平高于血压正常组,男童分别为(10.2±1.5)μmol/L、(8.0±1.3)μmol/L,P=0.024;女童分别为(12.2±1.5)μmol/L、(9.1±1.3)μmol/L,P=0.008.控制性别,血浆同型半胱氨酸水平与年龄呈正相关(r=0.31.P=0.006),控制年龄、性别,血浆同型半胱氨酸水平与收缩压和舒张压均呈正相关,与BMI、血糖,甘油三酯及总胆固醇无明显相关性.进一步控制BMI、血糖、甘油三酯及总胆固醇,同型半胱氨酸与收缩压和舒张压的正相关关系依然存在,偏相关系数分别为(r=0.265,P=0.024)和(r=0.347,P=0.003).结论 儿童血浆同型半胱氨酸水平与血压正相关,高血压儿童血浆同型半胱氨酸水平高于血压正常的同龄儿童.     

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目的探讨单纯性肥胖儿童血浆同型半胱氨酸(HCY)、血脂的变化及其与心脑血管疾病的关系,为儿童单纯性肥胖及成年期心脑血管疾病的防治提供新的思路。方法收集2008年12月至2009年12月大连医科大学附属第一医院34例单纯性肥胖患儿及25例同期健康体检儿童,利用彩色多普勒超声探查肝脏形态结构;同时取禁食12h以上的静脉血,检测血浆HCY、血浆总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL-Ch)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL-Ch)及血浆脂蛋白(α)[LP(α)]。结果肥胖组18例出现肝脏形态改变,对照组中仅1例;肥胖组血浆TC、TG、LDL-Ch明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05);HDL-Ch、LP(α)与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);肥胖组血浆HCY为(10.91±2.57)μmol/L,对照组为(5.13±1.12)μmol/L,前者较后者明显增高(P<0.05);血浆HCY与血脂水平间无明显相关性。结论单纯性肥胖儿童较健康儿童更易患有脂肪肝或脂肪肝倾向,其发生与患儿脂质代谢异常密切相关;单纯性肥胖儿童血浆HCY明显增高,且HCY与血脂水平无相关性,是心脑血管疾病的独立危险...     

促酰化蛋白水平与儿童肥胖的关系

目的：儿童肥胖不仅是体内脂肪过度积蓄,它常延伸至成人,导致心血管疾病、糖尿病发病增高。促酰化蛋白(ASP)与脂肪代谢密切相关,据此该文测定儿童ASP及血脂水平,并分析与肥胖的相关性。 方法：将该院门诊就诊的单纯性肥胖儿童分为肥胖组(n=30);正常体检儿童分为对照组(n=30),分别测定ASP及血脂水平。ASP检测采用ELISA方法检测血浆ASP水平,试剂盒由加拿大麦吉尔大学医学中心皇家维多利亚医院心血管研究室提供,血脂检测采用免疫比浊法在全自动生化分析仪上检测。 结果：肥胖组血浆ASP、胆固醇、甘油三酯、载脂蛋白B依次为 73.87 ± 24.04 g/L , 5.71 ±0.61 mmol/L, 1.77±0.30 mmol/L,0.98±0.20 mmol/L;对照组为 39.47±13.68 g/L,4.29±0.49 mmol/L,1.02±0.25 mmol/L,0.85±0.11 mmol/L。两组比较其差异有显著性意义(P<0.01或P<0.05);ASP与体重指数(BMI)、血浆甘油三酯、胆固醇呈正相关(相关系数分别为r=0.43,0.48,0.68,分别P<0.05,P<0.05,P<0.01);肥胖组中有肥胖家族史患儿血浆ASP水平比无家族史患儿增高更明显 103.4±10.57 g/L vs71.15±24.9 g/L,差异有显著性(P<0.01)。 结论：血浆ASP水平可作为脂质代谢检测的一种新指标,对判断儿童肥胖发展趋势和肥胖儿童未来发生心血管疾病危险度作出初步估价。     

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目的观察原发性高血压患儿血浆中硫化氢(H2S)与同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)代谢间的关系,探讨其在高血压发病中的病理生理学意义。方法北京大学第一医院儿科等单位于2005-02随机选取体检时高血压儿童(高血压组)25例,血压正常儿童30例(对照组),对其血压进行测量及体格检查,对家族史进行调查。利用荧光偏振免疫法检测血浆Hcy浓度,应用敏感硫电极法测定血浆H2S浓度。结果高血压组儿童血浆Hcy为(12·68±9·69)μmol/L,对照组儿童血浆Hcy为(6·62±4·79)μmol/L,差别有显著性意义(P<0·01);高血压组血浆H2S为(51·93±6·01)μmol/L,对照组儿童血浆H2S为(65·70±5·50)μmol/L,差别有显著性意义(P<0·01)。将血浆Hcy与H2S浓度做直线相关分析,结果呈负相关(r=-0·379,P<0·05)。将收缩压与H2S/Hcy比值作直线相关分析,结果二者呈明显负相关(r=-0·687,P<0·05)。结论原发性高血压儿童存在硫化氢与H2S代谢失衡。     

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目的探讨单纯性肥胖儿童载脂蛋白(apolipoprotein,Apo)E基因多态性的分布及其对血脂、脂蛋白、载脂蛋白的影响,及其与冠状动脉、心电图改变的关系。并对其早期预测和疾病预防提供理论依据。方法选择2002年12月至2004年12月潍坊医学院附属医院儿科的6～14岁单纯性肥胖儿童89例和健康儿童76例。抽取外周静脉血,测定血清中甘油三酯(TG),总胆固醇(TC),高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDLC),低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDLC),载脂蛋白A1(ApoA1),载脂蛋白B100(ApoB100)浓度。应用改良的聚合酶链式反应限制性片段长度多态性(PCRRFLP)分析及聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳测定儿童ApoE基因型。结果共检出4种ApoE基因型,E3/3、E4/3、E2/3、E4/2,以ε3为最常见。与健康儿童比较,肥胖儿童ε4等位基因频率增高,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论单纯性肥胖儿童有ApoE基因多态性的变化,且明显影响小儿血浆脂类代谢,肥胖儿童ApoE4与冠心病有密切相关性。     

超声心动图诊断先天性冠状动脉瘘

超声心动图诊断左、右冠状动脉痿4例,均经选择性冠状动脉造影和手术证实。其二维超声心动图特征是于胸骨旁主动脉根部短轴查见显著扩张的左、右冠状动脉,内径为7.8±0.15mm,与正常儿童有显著差异(P<0.01)。肋下五腔心查见扩张的左冠状动脉,目前尚未见文献报告。此外,我们采用同样方法观察正常儿童30例,其左、右冠状动脉内径均<3mm。本文结果提示:当儿童冠状动脉内径>3mm,并结合临床体征,应考虑有冠状动脉扩张。     

单纯性肥胖儿童外周血单核细胞载脂蛋白E基因的表达

目的　探讨单纯性肥胖儿童外周血单核细胞载脂蛋白E基因表达及其与血脂、脂蛋白、载脂蛋白的相关关系。方法　采用竞争性逆转录 聚合酶链式反应方法分析 3 2例单纯性肥胖儿童和 3 2例正常健康儿童外周血单核细胞的载脂蛋白E基因表达。结果　载脂蛋白E基因能在儿童外周血单核细胞表达 ,与健康儿童比较 ,单纯性肥胖儿童外周血单核细胞载脂蛋白E基因表达水平显著下调 (P <0 0 1) ,重度肥胖儿童尤其明显 ,载脂蛋白E基因表达水平与肥胖度呈负相关 (P <0 0 5)。肥胖儿童存在明显的血脂代谢紊乱 ,载脂蛋白E基因表达水平与低密度脂蛋白 胆固醇呈负相关 ,与血载脂蛋白E浓度呈正相关 (P <0 0 5) ,与血总胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白 胆固醇、脂蛋白 (a)、载脂蛋白AⅠ水平无明显相关 (P >0 0 5)。结论　单纯性肥胖儿童外周血单核细胞载脂蛋白E基因表达水平明显下调 ,并与肥胖程度及血脂代谢异常相关联 ,提示载脂蛋白E基因表达变化可能与肥胖的发生发展及肥胖的心血管病变相关联     

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目的观察单纯性肥胖儿童血浆瘦素及可溶性瘦素受体质量浓度的变化,探讨其相互之间及与体重指数(BMI)之间的关系。方法于2005-06北京儿童医院采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)对40例3~6岁的单纯性肥胖儿童及按性别、年龄1∶1配对的40例正常儿童进行了血浆瘦素及可溶性瘦素受体质量浓度的检测。结果肥胖儿童血浆瘦素质量浓度(22.26±2.30)μg/L较正常儿童(3.36±0.23)μg/L明显升高,可溶性瘦素受体质量浓度(100.10±24.60)μg/L较正常儿童(132.31±30.17)μg/L则明显降低(P<0.001)。相关性分析显示,瘦素与可溶性瘦素受体水平之间呈负相关;BMI与瘦素呈正相关,而与可溶性瘦素受体呈负相关(P<0.05)。结论学龄前肥胖儿童已存在明显的瘦素抵抗现象,而可溶性瘦素受体表达减少,可能参与了瘦素抵抗的发生。     

Abdominal obesity is an independent risk factor for increased carotid intima- media thickness in obese children

We aimed in this study to investigate carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in obese children and evaluate the relationship of IMT to various cardiovascular risk factors. One-hundred four obese children (9.3 +/- 2.5 years) and 30 healthy age-matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. All children were assessed for fasting levels of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, skinfold thickness (SFT), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure (BP). Insulin resistance was estimated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. Carotid IMT measurements and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were diagnosed with ultrasonographic findings. IMT was significantly higher in obese children compared to controls (0.49 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.40 +/- 0.02 mm, p < 0.001). Significant positive correlations were found between increased carotid IMT and body fat percentage (BFP), body mass index (BMI), age, height, systolic BP, WC, SFT, triglyceride and insulin levels, and insulin resistance index. In a linear logistic regression analysis, the only parameter affecting the increase in carotid IMT was WC (beta: 0.589, p < 0.001). Furthermore, IMT was increased significantly in obese children with NAFLD when compared to obese children without NAFLD (0.54 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.48 +/- 0.05 mm, p < 0.001). Children with abdominal obesity are at increased risk for atherosclerosis, and WC can be used to determine the atherosclerosis risk in obese children.     

Arterial intima-media thickening and endothelial dysfunction in obese Chinese children

We studied ultrasonographic signs of early atherosclerosis in relation to established risk factors of cardiovascular disease in 43 obese school-age children compared to 28 non-obese controls. The groups did not show significant differences in age, gender ratio and body height. Mean carotid intima-media-thickness (IMT), carotid haemodynamic parameters, flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery (FMD), and biochemical markers of dyslipidaemia were measured and correlated. IMT was significantly increased (0.62 mm vs. 0.46 mm, P <0.001) and FMD was markedly reduced (10.9% vs. 18.8%, P <0.001) in the obesity group. Differences in IMT and FMD persisted after adjustment for Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure on ANCOVA. BMI was highly associated with increased IMT ( r =0.58, P <0.01) and reduced FMD ( r =-0.42, P <0.01), as were blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and Apo B. Conclusion:Childhood obesity seems to contribute to the development and progression of early atherosclerosis, particularly in combination with hypertension and dyslipidaemia. In order to prevent coronary atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications, it is vital to control obesity starting from childhood. Ultrasonography of the arterial wall may be used in a clinical setting to identify high-risk patients among severely obese children.     

Evidence for association between insulin resistance and premature carotid atherosclerosis in childhood obesity

The present study was undertaken to determine the presence and predictors of the subclinical atherosclerosis in obese children. Fifty obese children [mean age: 11.7 +/- 2.5 y, mean body mass index (BMI): 28.2 +/- 4.0 kg/m] and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy nonobese controls (mean age: 11.4 +/- 3.73 y, mean BMI: 17.6 +/- 3.0 kg/m) were enrolled in the present study. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed to all obese subjects. Common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Carotid artery IMT was significantly increased (0.0476 +/- 0.007 versus 0.033 +/- 0.011 cm; p < 0.001) in the obese group. There were significant relations between carotid artery IMT and insulin sensitivity indexes derived from fasting samples (fasting glucose to insulin ratio (FGIR; p = 0.004, r = -0.404), quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICK-I; p = 0.002, r = -0.401) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; p = 0.034, r = 0.300) in the obese group. In a multivariate regression model, QUICK-I emerged as independent correlates for mean IMT in obese children with the total variance explained being 20.7% (beta = -0.58, p < 0.001). We concluded that insulin resistance is an independent risk factor for increased carotid artery IMT in obese children.     

Childhood obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between childhood obesity and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). This is a cross-sectional study in obese children and non-obese control subjects. This study included 75 obese children and 40 non-obese control children. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) values and waist and hip circumferences were measured. Fasting blood glucose and insulin concentrations, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were assayed. The carotid IMT was measured by high resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Waist/hip ratios, SBP and DBP were significantly increased in the obese group compared to the non-obese children (all p < 0.001). The total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG in the obese children were significantly different from values in the control subjects (all p < 0.001). Compared to the controls, the obese children demonstrated significant differences in a number of clinical risk factors including body weight, body mass index (BMI), BMI-standard deviation score (SDS), SBP/DBP, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist/hip ratio (all p < 0.001). Compared to the controls, the obese children showed increased mean carotid IMT values [0.52 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.64 mm) vs. 0.35 mm (95% CI, 0.24-0.38 mm), p < 0.001]. Univariate correlation analysis revealed that the carotid IMT was closely related to the BMI-SDS, SBP/DBP, waist and hip circumferences, serum TG, cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, fasting serum insulin level, and insulin resistance indices including the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting glucose-to-insulin ratio (FGIR), and quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI). Multiple regression analysis showed that the BMI-SDS, TG and QUICKI were independent predictive risk factors for increased carotid IMT. Measurements of BMI-SDS, blood pressure, waist and hip circumferences, serum TG levels, the QUICKI insulin resistance index, and carotid IMT by ultrasonography are suitable in pediatric patients in a clinical setting and may be used for screening of obese children.     

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and carotid atherosclerosis in children

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with several metabolic syndrome features, including obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and increased cardiovascular risk. The present study was undertaken to assess whether NAFLD in children is associated with increased carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), a marker of early-generalized atherosclerosis. We analyzed carotid IMT along with serum triglycerides, total, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance index (as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance), aminotransferases, leptin, and adiponectin in 29 obese children with NAFLD, 33 obese children without liver involvement, and 30 control children. The diagnosis and severity of NAFLD was based on ultrasound scan, after exclusion of infectious and metabolic disorders. Obese children with NAFLD had significantly increased carotid IMT [mean 0.58 (95% confidence intervals 0.54-0.62 mm)] than obese children without liver involvement [0.49 (0.46-0.52) mm; p = 0.001] and control children [0.40 (0.36-0.43) mm; p < 0.0005]. In a stepwise multiple regression model, after adjusting for age, gender, Tanner stage, and cardiovascular risk factors, the severity of fatty liver was significantly associated with maximum IMT (b = 0.08; p < 0.0005). Our results suggest that NAFLD is strongly associated with carotid atherosclerosis even in childhood.     

Adolescent obesity is associated with high ambulatory blood pressure and increased carotid intimal-medial thickness

OBJECTIVES: To investigate 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, lipid profiles, and carotid artery intimal-medial thickness (IMT) in adolescents with and without obesity. STUDY DESIGN: Ambulatory blood pressure data from 93 consecutive adolescents referred to our hypertension center for possible hypertension were analyzed. Fasting serum glucose and lipid concentrations were measured in all subjects. Carotid artery IMT was also measured by B-mode ultrasound imaging in all patients. Obesity was defined as body mass index > or =95(th) percentile for age and sex. Twenty-two of the subjects were obese and 71 nonobese. RESULTS: Mean 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime systolic blood pressures were significantly higher in obese subjects compared with nonobese subjects (P < .002). Twenty-four-hour, daytime, and nighttime pulse pressures were also significantly higher in obese subjects (P < .001). The magnitude of systolic white coat effect was significantly higher in obese subjects (P < .006) and white coat hypertension was significantly more frequent in obese subjects (P < .0001). Obese subjects had higher triglycerides (P < .001) and lower HDL cholesterol (P < .01) than nonobese subjects. Finally, obese adolescents had thicker mean IMT of internal carotid arteries than nonobese adolescents (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Obese adolescents have higher ambulatory blood pressure and higher carotid artery IMT, possibly indicating an early course of obesity-related hypertension and carotid artery structural alterations.     

Relationship between endothelial dysfunction, carotid artery intima media thickness and circulating markers of vascular inflammation in obese hypertensive children and adolescents

BACKGROUND: Adhesion molecules released by dysfunctional endothelium are considered as markers of vascular inflammation in early atherosclerosis. Non-invasive ultrasound methods are now available to detect first preclinical signs of the disease. AIM: To investigate the relationship between selected adhesion molecules and ultrasound indicators of early atherosclerosis: endothelial function measured by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and intima media thickness (IMT). PATIENTS: The study group consisted of 85 children, mean age 14.6 years, of whom 22 were obese, 31 were hypertensive, and 32 obese and hypertensive. The control group included 26 healthy children. METHODS: Adhesin concentrations were determined by ELISA. FMD and IMT were evaluated by ultrasound. RESULTS: A positive correlation was found between sICAM-1 (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1) and IMT (r = 0.32, p = 0.013, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.49) and a negative correlation between IMT and FMD (r = -0.26, p = 0.04, 95% CI: -0.43 to -0.04) in the whole study group. In the particular groups, we found significant correlations only in obese hypertensive children. sICAM-1 correlated positively with IMT (r = 0.52, p = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.2 to 0.72) and negatively with FMD (r = -0.31, p = 0.027, 95% CI: -0.6 to -0.2). sE-selectin correlated positively with IMT (r = 0.41, p = 0.012). In regression models, IMT correlated with sICAM-1 (beta = 0.37, p = 0.03) and body mass index (beta = 0.55, p = 0.02), and FMD correlated negatively with sICAM-1 (beta = -0.47, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The association between inflammatory markers of the endothelium with impaired vasodilatation activity and the first atherosclerotic structural changes in the common carotid arteries were found in obese hypertensive children and adolescents. The coexistence of obesity and hypertension predisposes these young patients to closely related disturbances connected with early atherosclerosis.     

儿童肥胖与颈动脉内膜-中层厚度及动脉扩张功能

为了解动脉粥样硬化疾病是否在儿童期即有开始，研究了肥胖儿童颈动脉内膜—中层厚度及动脉扩张功能。选择27例单纯性肥胖症儿童和16例正常对照儿童，通过家族史调查，生化分析法检测血脂、血液粘度以及超声测定颈动脉内膜—中层厚度及脓动脉舒缩顺应性。结果发现肥胖者在儿童期颈动脉内膜—中层的厚度已经开始增加，内皮依赖性动脉扩张功能降低，并可以合并高脂血症和高脂蛋白血症。提示儿童的肥胖、脂质代谢异常导致动脉血管壁损伤；动脉粥样硬化是小儿时期得病、成人发病的一种疾病。预防冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病，须从儿童期开始防治肥胖症，超声检查颈动脉内膜中层厚度简便、安全无创，可以作为早期发现冠心病一个良好的预报因子。     

Endothelial function and mechanical properties of the common carotid artery in children on parenteral nutrition

Intravenous administration of nutrition mixtures induces endothelial damage and arterial wall remodeling in animal models. To study endothelial function and common carotid artery mechanical properties in children receiving parenteral nutrition, we used noninvasive ultrasonic measurements in 18 children on parenteral nutrition and 18 controls. No difference appeared in the geometry of the common carotid artery (intima media thickness, systolic and diastolic diameters) between the patients on parenteral nutrition and the controls. The incremental elastic modulus was significantly higher in the patients on parenteral nutrition (1.8 +/- 0.4 versus 1.4 +/- 0.5 4 mm Hg x 10(3), p < 0.05) reflecting alteration of the elastic properties of the arterial wall independent of the vessel geometry. The flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was significantly lower in the patients on parenteral nutrition (6 +/- 3 versus 8 +/- 3%, p < 0.05), whereas the dilatation after glyceryl trinitrate administration was similar (22 +/- 9 versus 25 +/- 9%). Children on parenteral nutrition exhibit endothelial dysfunction and altered stiffness of the common carotid artery. The noninvasive methods used in this study may prove useful for objectively determining the effects of various preventive methods.     

Cardiac mass and function, carotid artery intima media thickness, homocysteine and lipoprotein levels in children and adolescents with growth hormone deficiency

INTRODUCTION: Early atheromatic changes have been found in the carotid and the femoral arteries of young adults with growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD). It has been shown that adults with GHD have increased cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study was to compare atherosclerotic risk factors in children with GHD and a normal population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (10 girls, 15 boys) with GHD qualified for GH replacement treatment were included in the study. The control group consisted of 22 healthy children (11 girls, 11 boys) with no family history of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Cardiac mass and function was evaluated by one-dimensional, two-dimensional echocardiography and the Doppler method. Common carotid intima-media thickness was measured with a linear probe (7.5 MHz). Lipid metabolism parameters (total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides), lipoprotein A (Lp(a)) and homocysteine levels were measured. RESULTS: Cardiac dimensions and systolic parameters were within normal values in both groups. The mean index of left ventricular mass (68.37 +/- 18.64 g/m2) in patients with GHD did not differ significantly compared to controls (68.48 +/- 15.56 g/m2). No significant differences between the study and control group were observed when comparing systolic and ejection fraction values. Significantly higher mean values of IVRT parameter were found (70.8 +/- 14.2 ms vs 64.09 +/- 8.54% ms; p < 0.05). Other parameters characterizing systolic function were not significantly different. The mean concentration of total (178.28 +/- 31.1 mg/dl) and LDL-cholesterol (106 +/- 28.68 mg/dl) was significantly higher in patients with GHD than in controls (157.59 +/- 22.39 mg/dl, 84.54 +/- 22.01 mg/dl; p <0.05). Lp(a) (40.34 +/- 12.45 mg/dl vs 11.02 +/- 4.82 mg/dl; p <0.05) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (71.12 +/- 18 mg/dl vs 56.72 +/- 11.46 mg/dl; p < 0.05) were significantly higher in patients with GHD. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) values were significantly higher in patients with GHD compared to healthy children (IMT-L 0.53 +/- 0.058 mm vs 0.41 +/- 0.045 mm; IMT-R 0.54 +/- 0.048 vs 0.42 +/- 0.42 mm, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in parameters of cardiac systolic function and left ventricular mass were found between patients with GHD and healthy children. However, significantly higher Isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) values in the group of patients may suggest impaired diastolic function. Significantly elevated IMT values in the common carotid artery were observed in patients with GHD in comparison with healthy children, which may prove the onset of atheromatosis.