Early Adiposity Rebound and Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein in Childhood Obesity

Aim: The adiposity rebound (AR) corresponds to the second rise in the body mass index (BMI) curve that occurs between ages 5 and 7 years. The goal of this study was to determine whether age at AR is related to the presence at 12 years old of small dense low-density lipoprotein (SDLDL), an atherogenic lipoprotein produced as a metabolic consequence of AR. Methods: A longitudinal population-based prospective study was performed in 215 children. Serial measurements of BMI were conducted at ages 1, 1.5, 2 and yearly thereafter until 12, based on which age at AR was calculated. The subjects were divided into 5 groups according to age at AR of ≤4, 5, 6, 7 and ≥8 years. Plasma lipids and SDLDL were measured at 12 years of age. SDLDL (LDL particle size <25.5 nm) was determined by nondenaturing 2-16% gradient gel electrophoresis. Results: The prevalences of SDLDL were 15.0% in children with age at AR ≤4 y, 8.1% in those with age at AR 5 y, and 0% in all other groups (AR at ≥6 years). An earlier AR was significantly associated with higher BMI, increased plasma triglyceride (p < 0.05), increased atherogenic index (p < 0.05), and decreased HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05) at 12 years of age. Conclusion: Children with AR before 4 years old showed a high prevalence of atherogenic SDLDL, indicating a predisposition for future cardiovascular disease.