Determination of Serum Endotoxin Level as an Early Cardiovascular Injury Marker in Obese Children and Adolescents

Abstract
Background: Obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex. Childhood obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
Aim of Work: Was to estimate serum endotoxin level in obese children and adolescents and to evaluate its relation with cardiovascular (CV) injury risk in these children.
Subjects and Methods: The current study included 30 patients recruited from the Nutrition Clinic of Pediatric Department at Tanta University Hospital and 15 healthy children and adolescents of matched age and sex enrolled as controls. All studied children were subjected to complete history taking, thorough clinical examination including blood pressure, Anthropometric measures (Weight, height, Body mass index, Triceps skin fold thickness, Waist circumference, Waist/hip ratio, Waist/Height ratio), and laboratory investiga-tions including: CBC, BUN, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, Fasting glucose, Lipid profile, Serum Endotoxin, abdominal ultrasound.
Results: There were significant differences between pa-tients and control group as regard Blood pressure levels and all anthropometric measures except height. Significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, LDH and significantly lower HDL were found in patients compared to control group. Serum Endotoxin was significantly higher in patients than controls. Significant positive correlation between Serum Endotoxin level and both Systolic, diastolic blood pressure, BMI, Waist circumference, Hip circumference, Waist /Height ratio, serum cholesterol, Serum Triglycerides) were found. Significant negative correlation between Serum Endotoxin and serum HDL was found.
Conclusion: Serum Endotoxin is higher in obese children and adolescents than none obese. Serum Endotoxin is reliable early marker for obesity related cardiovascular injury in obese children and adolescents.