APOLIPOPROTEIN-A-I AND APOLIPOPROTEIN-B IN KUWAITI CHILDREN

To assess the relation of apolipoproteins (Apos) A-I and B (the carrie r proteins for high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, respectiv ely) with the degree of obesity. body fat distribution, serum lipids, glucose and insulin levels: a case-control study was carried out and i ncluded 460 Kuwaiti obese children, 6-13 years old, matched by age and sex to 460 normal-weight controls. Obese children were ascertained in a representative cross-sectional study of 2,400 school children. The Apo A-I levels were not different between obese and non-obese boys, wh ile they were significantly lower in obese girls (p < 0.01). The Apo B mean concentrations were significantly higher in obese boys and girls (p < 0.001), while the Apo A-I:B ratio was significantly lower in obe se children (p < 0.001). Apo A-I levels were positively correlated wit h total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, bu t were not correlated with very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, t riglycerides, insulin, glucose or insulin:glucose ratio. Apo B levels were negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol a nd positively correlated with insulin and insulin:glucose ratio (p < 0 .01) in obese children. The study documented an adverse Apo profile in obese Kuwaiti children. Since Apo changes are correctable through man agement of obesity, their identification in childhood offers prospects for prevention of early onset atherogenesis in adulthood.