November - 4 - 2009
Compared to healthy, nonobese controls, adolescents who are insulin-resistant and obese demonstrate impaired endothelial function (EF), researchers report. Using peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT), the researchers evaluated cardiovascular risk factors and adipocytokines, along with digital hyperemia. The mean PAT ratio was significantly lower in obese adolescents compared to controls, a result that indicated impaired EF. Body-mass index, waist circumference, age, and LDL cholesterol were all associated with PAT ratio.