Targeted proteomics involved in cardiovascular health and heart rate variability in children with overweight/obesity
American Journal of Human Biology, 2024
Plaza‐Florido A., Olvera‐Rojas M., Alcantara J., Radom‐Aizik S., Ortega F.
| Disease area | Application area | Sample type | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
Metabolic Diseases CVD | Patient Stratification | Plasma |  Olink Target 96 |
Abstract
Background
Children with overweight/obesity often exhibit alterations in their plasma protein profiles and reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Plasma proteomics is at the forefront of identifying biomarkers for various clinical conditions. We aimed to examine the association between plasma‐targeted proteomics involved in cardiovascular health and resting vagal‐related HRV parameters in children with overweight/obesity.
Methods
Forty‐four children with overweight/obesity (10.2 ± 1.1 years old; 52% boys) participated in the study. Olink’s technology was used to quantify 92 proteins involved in cardiovascular health. HRV was measured using a heart rate monitor (Polar RS800CX). Four resting vagal‐related HRV parameters were derived in time‐ and frequency‐domain.
Results
Eight proteins (KIM1, IgG Fc receptor II‐b, IDUA, BOC, IL1RL2, TNFRSF11A, VSIG2, and TF) were associated with at least one out of the four vagal‐related HRV parameters (β values ranging from −0.188 to 0.288; all p < .05), while KIM1, IDUA, and BOC associated with ≥ three vagal‐related HRV parameters. Multiple hypothesis testing corrections did not reach statistical significance (false discovery rate [FDR >0.05]).
Conclusion
Plasma‐targeted proteomics suggested novel biomarkers for resting vagal‐related HRV parameters in children with overweight/obesity. Future studies using larger cohorts and longitudinal designs should confirm our findings and their potential clinical implications.