Ingrid Schusterova
P.J. Safarik University, Slovakia
Title: Epicardial adipose tissue in children is associated with an unfavorable cardiometabolic risk profile, but is not a stronger indicator than BMI
Biography
Biography: Ingrid Schusterova
Abstract
Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is the visceral fat deposit around the heart and is commonly increased in obese subjects. EAT is related to cardio metabolic risk factors and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults, but this relationship is not well known in children. Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess by echocardiography the EAT in overweight and obese children and its relationship to cardio metabolic risk factors, insulin resistance, NAFLD markers and hyperuricemia.
Study group and methods: In 25 (mean age 13.0 ± 2.3) overweight and obese subjects and 24 lean controls, blood pressure (BP), WC, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, lipids, uric acid and hepatic enzymes were established and EAT thickness measured by transthoracic echocardiography.
Results: In overweight and obese subjects, EAT was significantly higher compared to normal weight children. Overweight and obese children had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), WC, BP, triglycerides (TAG), low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol, hepatic enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and g-glutamyl transferase, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). EAT correlated significantly with BP, TAG, uric acid, HDL-C, Apo protein B and ALT. Correlation coefficients were similar or better than for WC, but similar or lower than for BMI. In conclusion EAT thickness in children is associated with an unfavorable cardio metabolic risk profile including biochemical signs of NAFLD and hyperuricaemia, but is not a stronger indicator than BMI.