Artery Research

Volume 7, Issue 3-4, September 2013, Pages 163 - 164

2.4 SERUM BIOMARKERS AND RETINAL VESSEL DIAMETERS IN SCHOOL CHILDREN

Authors
H. Hanssen1, M. Siegrist2, M. Neidig2, C. Lammel2, B. Haller3, K.G. Parhofer4, M. Vogeser5, M. Halle2
1Division of Sports- and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
2Department of Prevention and Sports Medicine, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany
3Institute of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany
4Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
5Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany
Available Online 11 November 2013.
DOI
10.1016/j.artres.2013.10.010How to use a DOI?
Abstract

Objectives. Retinal vessel analysis is a valid diagnostic tool to detect subclinical signs of atherosclerosis in the cerebrovascular microcirculation as early as childhood. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between specific obesity-related biomarkers and retinal vessel diameters in school children.

Methods. We studied 381 children aged 10 to 13 years in a school-based setting. Anthropometric measurements and blood sampling were conducted using standard protocols for children. The serum biomarkers leptin, insulin, adiponectin and IL-6 were assessed and correlated with retinal arteriolar (CRAE) and venular (CRVE) diameters and the arteriolar-to- venular ratio (AVR). Retinal vessel analysis was performed by use of a non-mydriatic vessel analyser (SVA-T) using a computer-based program.

Results. Overweight and obese children had higher leptin and insulin levels and reduced adiponectin levels compared to normal weight children (p < 0.05). IL-6-levels were significantly higher in obese children compared to normal weight peers (p < 0.001). Wider CRVE (p = 0.031) and lower AVR (P = 0.01) were associated with higher leptin levels. Insulin levels were associated with arteriolar as well as venular dilatation depending on confounder adjustment.

Conclusions. All of the above serum risk factors are altered in childhood obesity. However, only leptin and insulin levels are associated with retinal vessel diameter changes, a cumulative microvascular biomarker. Intervention studies are warranted to examine whether lifestyle improvements can prevent alterations of the vasculature early in life.

Open Access
This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license.

Journal
Artery Research
Volume-Issue
7 - 3-4
Pages
163 - 164
Publication Date
2013/11/11
ISSN (Online)
1876-4401
ISSN (Print)
1872-9312
DOI
10.1016/j.artres.2013.10.010How to use a DOI?
Open Access
This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license.

Cite this article

TY  - JOUR
AU  - H. Hanssen
AU  - M. Siegrist
AU  - M. Neidig
AU  - C. Lammel
AU  - B. Haller
AU  - K.G. Parhofer
AU  - M. Vogeser
AU  - M. Halle
PY  - 2013
DA  - 2013/11/11
TI  - 2.4 SERUM BIOMARKERS AND RETINAL VESSEL DIAMETERS IN SCHOOL CHILDREN
JO  - Artery Research
SP  - 163
EP  - 164
VL  - 7
IS  - 3-4
SN  - 1876-4401
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artres.2013.10.010
DO  - 10.1016/j.artres.2013.10.010
ID  - Hanssen2013
ER  -