Inflammatory markers and metabolic syndrome among adolescents.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The alarming increase in obesity worldwide is of concern, owing to the associations of obesity with metabolic syndrome (MetS), which has been associated with a proinflammatory state characterized by elevated plasma concentrations of several markers of inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess levels of inflammatory markers and their association with MetS among adolescents.

SUBJECTS/METHODS: A random sample of adolescents (n=362, 143 boys and 219 girls, 12-17 years) was interviewed, anthropometrically measured and provided a fasting blood sample. Circulating levels of adiponectin, leptin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured. The association between inflammatory markers and sex, age, body mass index (BMI) status, MetS, physical activity and blood pressure was also calculated.

RESULTS

Adiponectin levels are inversely associated and leptin levels are directly associated with MetS and BMI, but directly with gender (females show higher levels than boys), and PAI-1 levels are directly associated with MetS, among adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

Leptin, adiponectin and PAI-1 may be used as biomarkers to predict MetS among adolescents.