Excess weight in young adults was associated with decreased endothelial function (P<0.01), increased left ventricular mass index (P<0.05), and elevated sympathetic nervous activity (P<0.001).
Cross-Sectional (n=43)
Is excess weight associated with subclinical organ damage and increased sympathetic nervous activity in young adults?
Excess weight in young adults is associated with subclinical cardiovascular and renal alterations, which are closely linked to increased sympathetic nervous activity.
Excess weight is established as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, particularly in young individuals. To get a better understanding of the pathophysiology underlying increased cardiovascular disease risk, we evaluated early signs of organ damage and their possible relationship to sympathetic nervous activity. Eighteen lean (body mass index 25 kg/m(2)) healthy university students were included in the study. We comprehensively assessed subclinical target organ damage, including the following: (1) assessment of renal function; (2) left ventricular structure and systolic and diastolic function; and (3) endothelial function. Muscle sympathetic nervous activity was assessed by microneurography. Participants with excess weight had decreased endothelial function (P<0.01), elevated creatinine clearance (P<0.05), increased left ventricular mass index (P<0.05), increased left ventricular wall thickness (P<0.01), lower systolic and diastolic function (P<0.01), and elevated muscle sympathetic nervous activity (P<0.001) compared with lean individuals. In multiple regression analysis, endothelial function was inversely related to muscle sympathetic nervous activity (R(2)=0.244; P<0.05), whereas creatinine clearance and left ventricular mass index were positively related to muscle sympathetic nervous activity, after adjustment for body mass index, sex, and blood pressure (R(2)=0.318, P<0.01 and R(2)=0.312, P<0.05, respectively). Excess weight in young individuals is associated with subclinical alterations in renal and endothelial function, as well as in the structure of the heart, even in the absence of hypertension. Sympathetic activity is closely associated with cardiovascular and renal alterations observed in these subjects.
Lambert et al. (Tue,) conducted a cross-sectional in Obesity-Induced Subclinical Organ Damage (n=43). Excess weight (overweight or obese) vs. Lean (BMI <25 kg/m2) was evaluated on Subclinical target organ damage (renal function, left ventricular structure/function, and endothelial function) and muscle sympathetic nervous activity. Excess weight in young adults was associated with decreased endothelial function (P<0.01), increased left ventricular mass index (P<0.05), and elevated sympathetic nervous activity (P<0.001).