RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity increases cardiovascular risk during adulthood. Retinol-binding protein-4, a pro-inflammatory adipokine, associated with obesity and insulin resistance also plays a role in atherogenesis in adults. The goal of this study was to identify the relation between RBP4 and atherogenic markers in obese children. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, obese and non-obese children (8-18 years) were prospectively recruited from a pediatric Appalachian population. Clinical markers such as lipid profile, HbA1c, markers of insulin resistance and plasma levels of RBP4, sVCAM-1 and oxidized-low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) were measured. RESULTS: Compared to non-obese children, RBP4 (P=0.016) and Ox-LDL (P<0.001) were significantly higher in obese children and were positively correlated with Body Mass Index (P<0.001), BMI-SDS (Standard-Deviation Score) (P<0.001) and waist circumference (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: No significant correlation was found between inflammatory markers and Homeostatic Model Assessment-2, HDL, triglycerides, and HbA1c in obese children.