Abstract P092: Sex Differences In Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Of Obese Adolescents

Background: The prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents is rising, with 13% having elevated blood pressure and 5% having hypertension. Sex differences play a role in cardiovascular diseases in adults but are not well defined in youth. The objective of this study is to identify sex differences in obesity-mediated cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents. Methods: This is a pilot study of n=82 obese children and adolescents recruited from a High BMI Clinic. Boys (n=42) and girls (n=40) were grouped by age (greater or less than age 12). Clinical data and blood samples were collected at a single time point (initial clinic visit). Serum sterols (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex hormones) were quantified via LC-MS/MS. Data are mean +/- standard deviation with analysis via 2-way ANOVA. Results: Mean BMI was 32.9 and 37.6 kg/m2 in children under/over age 12, respectively, with no difference in boys versus girls. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was higher in boys and girls over compared to under age 12. Girls over age 12 had higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) compared to boys (69.4 + 8.6 versus 66.4 + 5.1 mmHG; P<0.05) which was associated with elevated aldosterone (272.5 + 369.9 versus 148.3 + 107.9 pg/mL; P<0.05) and cortisol (100.3 + 69.8 versus 63.0 + 28.9 ng/mL; P<0.05) concentrations. In contrast, there was no difference in the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) between boys and girls. Conclusions: Despite having similar BMI and HOMA-IR, girls and boys had differences in DBP and serum sterols. Further analysis will refine associations of sex hormones with anthropometric, blood pressure, and glucose homeostasis measurements in obese girls and boys.