Impact of a group-based treatment program on adipocytokines, oxidative status, inflammatory cytokines and arterial stiffness in obese children and adolescents.

Background: Dysregulation of adipocytokines, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress are associated with the pathogenesis of obesity-related complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a group-based lifestyle modification program on adipocytokines, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative status and arterial stiffness in obese youth. Methods: A 1-year weight-reduction program was conducted. The program consisted of initial hospitalization and five outpatient group-based sessions held at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 9 months. Pre-and post-intervention measurements included anthropometric data, blood tests, body composition and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV). Results: A total of 126 obese youths were recruited, and 115 of those completed the study. Twenty-four participants had increased percentage weight for height at the end of the study (group A), 30 had minimal reduction (group B) and 61 had substantial reduction (group C). Lean mass significantly increased in all three groups (all p < 0.001). A significant decrease in leptin (group A, p = 0.021; group B, p = 0.005; group C, p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (group A, p = 0.019; group B, p = 0.004; group C, p < 0.001) and ba-PWV (group A, p = 0.031; group B, p = 0.015; group C, p < 0.001) was also observed. No significant change in the oxidative status was found among the groups. Reduction in ba-PWV was correlated with decreases in plasma malondialdehyde (pMDA) (r = 0.233, p = 0.036) and home-ostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r = 0.253, p = 0.025). Conclusions: A group-based healthy lifestyle program for obese youths had beneficial effects on adipocytokines, inflammatory cytokines and arterial stiffness. Participants without change in weight status also benefited. These improvements may reduce the risk of obese youths developing atherosclerosis.