Abstract:
The objective of this study was to examine the association between body
composition and arterial stiffuess in peri-pubescent boys and girls. Differences in arterial
distensibility were measured in 68 children (45 normal weight, 12 overweight, and 11
obese) between the ages of9 to 12 years. Weight classification was based on age and
gender-specific body mass index cut-offs, while pubertal maturation was self-reported
using Tanner staging. Distensibility was determined using two-dimensional, B-Mode
echo Doppler ultrasound to measure changes at the right common carotid artery (CCA)
diameter changes, while carotid pulse pressure (cPP) was measured at the left CCA by
applanation tonometry. One-way ANOV A analysis revealed significant differences
(p<0.001) in all anthropometric measures between the normal weight and overweight
children, as well as the normal weight and obese children. Body stature was only higher
in obese children compared to normal weight children (p<0.01). No significant
differences were found between groups regarding age or Tanner stage. Common carotid
artery distensibility showed a significant difference (p<0.01) between normal weight
children (0.008 ± 0.002 mmHg-1
) compared to obese children (0.005 ± 0.002 mmHg-1
),
with a borderline significant difference between the normal and overweight subjects
(p=0.06). There was no significant effect for gender between males and females across
all independent variables. The strongest determinants of distensibility in children were
cPP (r= -0.52, p<O.OOI), change in diastolic diameter (r= 0.50, p<O.OOI), and sum of 4
skinfold thickness (r= -0.40, p<O.OOI). Regression analysis revealed that cPP alone
explained 27% of the variance in distensibility in children. In addition, cPP, diameter
difference, systolic and diastolic diameter, as well as waist-to-hip ratio explained 94% of the variance among peri-pubescent children. This study greatly underscores the need for
weight management for long-term prevention of cardiovascular disease in overweight and
obese children.
