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Title: PREDICTORS OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME IN OVERWEIGHT HISPANIC CHILDREN

Author
item Butte, Nancy
item MEHTA, NITESH - BAYLOR COLLEGE MED
item Ellis, Kenneth
item COLE, SHELLEY - SWFBR, SAN ANTONIO
item BASTARRACHEA, RAUL - SWFBR, SAN ANTONIO
item COMUZZIE, ANTHONY - SWFBR, SAN ANTONIO

Submitted to: Obesity Research
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/18/2004
Publication Date: 10/1/2004
Citation: Butte, N.F., Mehta, N., Ellis, K.J., Cole, S., Bastarrachea, R., Comuzzie, A. 2004. Predictors of the metabolic syndrome in overweight Hispanic children. Obesity Research. S12(10):A144.

Interpretive Summary: Interpretive Summary not required.

Technical Abstract: Despite the high prevalence of obesity among Hispanic children and recognition of its comorbidities, the prevalence and predictors of the metabolic syndrome in Hispanic children are unknown. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was estimated in 947 Hispanic children participating in the VIVA LA FAMILIA Study. Metabolic syndrome was defined as having at least three of the following: abdominal obesity, low HDL-cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and impaired glucose tolerance. To identify children at risk for the metabolic syndrome, potential physiological predictors were tested. Body composition was measured by DXA, fasting blood biochemistries by standard methods. HOMA was used as an index of insulin resistance. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 1% among non-overweight and 19% among overweight children (defined as greater than or equal to 95th percentile BMI). Metabolic syndrome was associated with higher BMI Z-scores and %FM, and lower fitness. In overweight children, metabolic syndrome was absent in 403 children ages 10.8 +/- 3.5, gender (% boys/girls 54/46) with BMI Z-score 2.27 +/- 0.40. Fasting insulin 27.8 +/- 18.1 (mU/mL), leptin 25.2 +/- 15.0 (ng/mL) and adiponectin 12.0 +/- 5.0 (mg/mL). Metabolic syndrome was present in 96 overweight children ages 11.8 +/- 3.5, gender (% boys/girls 55/45) with BMI Z-score 2.48 +/- 0.27. Insulin 43.5 +/- 25.9 (mU/mL), leptin 29.8 +/- 13.5 (ng/mL), and adiponectin 9.4 +/- 4.3 (mg/mL). Fasting insulin, leptin and adiponectin were significantly different in children with the metabolic syndrome (P=0.001). Insulin resistance, hyperleptinemia, and hypoadiponectinemia may predispose overweight children to development of the metabolic syndrome.