Lipid and apoprotein A-I and B levels in obese school-age children: results of a study in the Milan area

The association between lipids and apoproteins and indices of fat patterning was assessed in a sample of school-age children of both sexes. The study included 361 children between 6 and 15 years of age in two urban centers in the Milan area. Ages, weights, and skin folds were recorded, and percentages of overweight and body mass index were derived. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (C-HDL), triglycerides (TRIGL), apoprotein A-I (apoA-I), and apoprotein B (apoB) were assayed. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (C-LDL) was calculated. The obese boys had significantly higher levels of TRIGL and apoB than nonobese boys. The obese girls had significantly higher TC, TRIGL, C-LDL, and apoB levels than the nonobese girls, but lower C-HDL. The LDL/apoB ratio was lower in obese than normal-weight boys. The subscapular/tricipital fold ratio (S/T) was correlated positively with TRIGL and inversely with C-HDL in boys, while in girls it was correlated with TRIGL and apoB. The subscapular/iliac fold ratio (S/I) was correlated with the C-LDL/apoB ratio only in girls. These data underline the importance of anthropometric parameters and indices of fat patterning in determining early cardiovascular risk factors.