Effect of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome on Pulmonary Functions and Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Adolescents

Abstract

Background

Obesity, linked to various comorbidities like metabolic syndrome (MS) due to its proinflammatory nature, contributes to elevated exhaled nitric oxide levels, impacting multiple physiological systems, including the respiratory system. This study aimed to examine the impact of obesity and MS on lung function and airway inflammation in adolescents. We investigated the relationship between body fat distribution and pulmonary function parameters, and assess fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels as an indicator of airway inflammation.

Patient and methods

This study included 100 children aged 10 to 18 years, comprising 50 obese individuals and 50 non-obese healthy controls. Participants were categorized based on their relative body mass index (RBMI), presence of MS, and body fat distribution. Pulmonary function tests and FeNO levels were compared between the groups.

Results

The FEV1/FVC and FRC values were significantly lower in the obese group. Among obese participants, MS was present in 30%, and those with MS had higher ERV. In male subjects, FEV1/FVC was lower and FeNO levels were higher in those with increased waist circumference. There was a positive correlation between RBMI and FVC, TLC, and a negative correlation between RBMI and FEV1/FVC, FRC. Negative correlations were also detected between waist and neck circumferences and FEV1/FVC, FRC, RV values.

Conclusion

Obesity and MS negatively impact pulmonary function, particularly reducing FEV1/FVC and FRC. Furthermore, central adiposity may contribute to airway inflammation, as indicated by increased FeNO levels.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Adipositas, aufgrund ihrer proinflammatorischen Natur mit verschiedenen Begleiterkrankungen wie dem metabolischen Syndrom (MS) verbunden, trägt zu erhöhten Konzentrationen von ausgeatmetem Stickstoffmonoxid bei, was mehrere physiologische Systeme, einschließlich des Atmungssystems, beeinflusst.Diese Studie untersuchte den Einfluss von Adipositas und MS auf die Lungenfunktion und die Entzündung der Atemwege. Wir untersuchten die Beziehung zwischen Fettverteilung und pulmonalen Funktionsparametern und bewerteten FeNO-Werte als Indikator für Atemwegsentzündungen.

Patienten und Methoden

Diese Studie umfasste 100 Kinder im Alter von 10 bis 18 Jahren, darunter 50 adipöse und 50 gesunde Kontrollen. Die Teilnehmer wurden nach relativem Body-Mass-Index (RBMI), Vorhandensein von MS und Fettverteilung kategorisiert. Lungenfunktionstests und FeNO-Werte wurden zwischen den Gruppen verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Die FEV1/FVC- und FRC-Werte waren in der adipösen Gruppe signifikant niedriger. Bei adipösen Teilnehmern war MS in 30% vorhanden, und diejenigen mit MS hatten höhere ERV-Werte. Bei männlichen Probanden waren die FEV1/FVC-Werte niedriger und die FeNO-Werte bei erhöhtem Taillenumfang höher. Es gab eine positive Korrelation zwischen RBMI und FVC, TLC sowie eine negative Korrelation zwischen RBMI und FEV1/FVC, FRC. Negative Korrelationen wurden auch zwischen Taillen- und Halsumfang sowie FEV1/FVC, FRC und RV-Werten festgestellt.

Schlussfolgerung

Adipositas und MS haben negative Auswirkungen auf die Lungenfunktion, insbesondere durch eine Reduzierung von FEV1/FVC und FRC. Darüber hinaus kann eine zentrale Adipositas zur Entzündung der Atemwege beitragen, wie die erhöhten FeNO-Werte zeigen.

Keywords

Body fat distribution - Exhaled nitric oxide - Metabolic syndrome - Obesity - Pulmonary function test

Schlüsselwörter

Körperfettverteilung - Ausgeatmetes Stickstoffmonoxid - Metabolisches Syndrom - Adipositas - Lungenfunktionstest

Publication History

Article published online:
10 July 2025

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