Metabolic Risk Factors and Arterial Stiffness in Indian Children of Parents with Metabolic Syndrome

Objective: To investigate the possible association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and arterial stiffness in Indian children with parental MS status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 140 overweight/obese and 60 normal-weight Indian children (mean age, 11.4 +/- 2.8 years) along with one of their parents during 2008-2009. Data on weight, height, blood pressure, serum lipids, zinc, insulin, and glucose were collected. Intima media thickness (CIMT) and stiffness parameters were assessed in the right carotid artery. Physical activity and diet were assessed using structured questionnaires. Body composition was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results: A gradual increase in the percentage of MS children with an increasing number of MS components in parents was observed. Mean values for arterial stiffness, pulse wave velocity, and elastic modulus were significantly higher in MS children of MS parents than in MS children of normal parents (p < 0.05). A significant correlation was observed for lifestyle, metabolic, and arterial parameters among child-parent pairs (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression revealed that children's CIMT and arterial stiffness were significantly associated (p < 0.01) with their serum levels of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and zinc, as well as with parental MS-CIMT. Conclusion: Parental MS status and lifestyle factors increase the risk of MS and arterial abnormalities in children.