Influence of polymorphisms in candidate genes on early vascular alterations in obese children

Background. - Many studies performed in adults have reported the involvement of genetic determinants in vascular alterations that predispose to cardiovascular diseases later in life. To date, no study has assessed the co-involvement of gene polymorphisms as cardiovascular risk factors in children. Aims. - To search for variants involved in early vascular alterations in obese children. Methods. - In 232 obese children, we performed an association study between variables related to endothelial. function or arterial. mechanical properties and functional variants reported to predispose towards vascular alterations in adults. Candidate polymorphisms were selected in genes involved in the renin-angiotensin system, vascular endothelial cell remodelling and communication, arterial inflammation, adiponectin production and lipoprotein metabolism. Non-invasive arterial measurements were performed to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of the common carotid artery and the endothelial. function of the brachial. artery. Results. - We found no association between the polymorphisms studied, taken alone or in combination with the arterial variables measured. Conclusion. - Our hypothesis predicting that the tested genetic variants, which are involved in adult cardiovascular diseases, may influence the susceptibility to early vascular alterations in obese children was not validated. Thus, obesity-associated metabolic complications appear to remain the main predictors of arterial alterations in obese children. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.