Adiponectin and highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels in obese children aged 9 to 15 years

Background Childhood obesity is a widespread and growing problem associated with health problems such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. A low grade chronic inflammatory state, reflected by decreased adiponectin and increased highly sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, may play a role in metabolic syndrome associated with obesity.Objective To assess and compare adiponectin and hsCRP levels in obese and nonnal weight children.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, case controlled study in Manado from May to July 2010. Subjects were selected from obese, but otherwise healthy children aged 9-15 years. Control subjects were schoolmates 'With normal body mass index (BMI). We perfonned physical examinations, measured blood pressure, weight and height, and calculated BMI for all subjects. After an overnight fast, all subjects were tested for fasting blood glucose, adiponectin and hsCRP levels.Results The mean adiponectin level in the obese group was 3.6 μg/mL (SD 1.43), lower than that of the normoweight group, 4.8 μg/mL (SD 1.67) (P