@article{Naessen_Bergsten_Lundmark_Forslund_2022, title={Obesity in adolescents associated with vascular aging – a study using ultra-high-resolution ultrasound}, volume={127}, url={https://ujms.net/index.php/ujms/article/view/8676}, DOI={10.48101/ujms.v127.8676}, abstractNote={<p><strong>Background</strong>: Obesity in adolescents is increasing worldwide and associated with an elevated cardiovascular risk later in life. In a group-comparative study, we investigated the association between adiposity in adolescents and signs of vascular aging and inflammation.</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong>: Thirty-nine adolescents (10–18 years old), 19 with obesity and 20 with normal weight, were enrolled. The intima thickness and intima/media thickness ratio (I/M) were assessed using high-resolution ultrasound in the common carotid artery (center frequency 22 MHz) and the distal radial artery (RA; 50 MHz). Increased intima and high I/M are signs of vascular aging. Body characteristics, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), plasma lipids, and glycemic parameters were measured.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: Adolescents with obesity, compared to normal-weight peers, had elevated plasma lipid, insulin c-peptide, and hs-CRP levels, the latter increasing exponentially with increasing adiposity. Obese adolescents had a thicker RA intima layer [0.005 mm; 95% confidence intervals (0.000, 0.009);&nbsp;<em>P</em>&nbsp;= 0.043] and a higher RA I/M [0.10; (0.040, 0.147);&nbsp;<em>P &lt;</em>&nbsp;0.0007]. Group differences for the RA I/M remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, fasting plasma insulin, and body mass index, both separately and together (<em>P =</em>&nbsp;0.032). The RA I/M was correlated with hs-CRP, and both were correlated with the analyzed cardiovascular risk factors. Receiver operating curve c-values for RA I/M (0.86) and hs-CRP (0.90) strongly indicated correct placement in the obese or non-obese group.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Adolescents with obesity had significantly more extensive vascular aging in the muscular RA, than normal-weight peers. The findings support an inflammatory link between obesity and vascular aging in adolescents.</p&gt;}, number={1}, journal={Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences}, author={Naessen Tord and Bergsten Peter and Lundmark Tobias and Forslund Anders}, year={2022}, month={Jun.} }