[Metabolic alterations related to syndrome X and low vitamin E levels in obese children with acanthosis nigricans].

BACKGROUND

In adults, both metabolic alterations related to syndrome X and lower plasma vitamin E levels have been associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVES

To study the presence of metabolic alterations related to syndrome X and to determine the plasma levels of vitamin E in obese children with acanthosis nigricans.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study in 42 obese children [15 with acanthosis nigricans (AN) and 27 without]. Thirteen healthy non-obese children were also studied. After a 12-hour fast, plasma levels of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and vitamin E were determined. The insulin resistance index was also calculated. Differences between groups were determined using ANOVA.

RESULTS

Obese children with AN showed higher plasma levels of insulin and triglycerides and lower plasma levels of HDL-cholesterol and vitamin E, as well as a higher insulin resistance index than non-obese children and obese children without AN.

CONCLUSIONS

In obese children, the presence of acanthosis nigricans is linked to a group of metabolic alterations associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.