Homocysteine, fibrinogen and anti-ox-LDL antibody levels as markers of atherosclerosis in prepubertal obese children.

BACKGROUND

Homocysteine, fibrinogen and antibodies to oxidised LDL were shown to be important markers of atherosclerosis in adults.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the levels of these three risk factors in prepubertal obese children.

METHODS

Fasting homocysteine, fibrinogen and antibodies to oxidised LDL, plasma lipids, insulin, HbA1c and blood glucose levels were investigated in 30 prepubertal obese and 28 control children 6-9 years old. Investigations in the obese group were repeated after an oral glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS

Fasting fibrinogen levels of the obese children were found to be significantly higher than those in the controls. Anti-ox-LDL antibody levels increased significantly after an oral glucose tolerance test.

CONCLUSIONS

Fasting fibrinogen and postload ox-LDL levels which could act as important markers of coronary heart disease in later life could also be important risk factors in prepubertal obese children.