Endothelial and metabolic function interactions in overweight/obese children: The role of high-molecular weight adiponectin

AIM: Although the underlined mechanisms are still unknown, metabolic/coagulation alterations related to childhood obesity can induce vascular impairments. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic/coagulation parameters and endothelial function/vascular morphology in overweight/obese children. METHODS: Thirty-five obese/overweight children (22 pre-pubertal, mean age: 9.52 ± 3.35 years) were enrolled. Body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment index (HOMAIR), metabolic and coagulation parameters, [adiponectin, fibrinogen, high molecular weight adiponectin (HMW), endothelin-1, and vonWillebrand factor antigen] ultrasound early markers of atherosclerosis [flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), common carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), and anteroposterior diameter of infra-renal abdominal aorta (APAO)] were assessed. RESULTS: APAO was related to anthropometric (age: r = 0.520, p = 0.001; height: r = 0.679, p < 0.001; weight: r = 0.548, p = 0.001; BMI: r = 0.607, p < 0.001; SBP: r = 0.377, p = 0.026) and metabolic (HOMAir: r = 0.357, p = 0.035; HMW: r = − 0.355, p = 0.036) parameters. Age, height, and systolic blood pressure were positively related to increased C-IMT (r = 0.352, p = 0.038; r = 0.356, p = 0.036; r = 0.346, p = 0.042, respectively). FMD was not related to any clinical and biochemical characteristics of the pediatric population. Age, HOMAIR, fasting glucose levels, and HMW were independent predictors for APAO increase. Each unit decrease in HMW concentrations (1 µg/ml) induced a 0.065 mm increase in APAO. CONCLUSION: High molecular weight adiponectin is related to cardiovascular risk in overweight/obese children.