Low-grade inflammation and the metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The prevalence of overweight and the metabolic syndrome is increasing in young people. This review aims to summarize current research in children and adolescents on inflammatory markers related to components of the metabolic syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS: Obesity is characterized by a state of low-grade inflammation at all ages. Body fat has been shown to correlate with the various components of the metabolic syndrome. There is evidence to show that chronic subclinical inflammation in childhood and adolescence is associated with metabolic dysfunction, which can lead to insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. SUMMARY: The results presented in this review highlight the underlying inflammatory mechanisms of the early stages of metabolic disorders related to obesity. The preclinical phases of diabetes and cardiovascular disease last many decades, and this feature of the diseases provides an opportunity for the early identification of target groups and the use of appropriate prevention strategies while the pathological processes are still completely reversible. © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.