C-Reactive Protein Concentration Levels in Prader Willi Syndrome and Nonsyndromal Obese children and its Association with Physical Activity

Abstract

Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS), a genetics disorder caused by the deletion of the region 15q11-q13 on chromosome 15, predisposes individuals to obesity and many of the health problems associated with obesity. Some of these health problems include type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease and stroke, and stunted growth development. C- reactive protein (CRP) can be a biochemical marker for inflammation and is linked to adipose tissue. Because of this, lowering CRP concentration levels can help eliminate health problems associated with obesity and low-chronic grade inflammation. The present study examined the association between CRP concentrations and physical activity with a specialized 24 week physical activity program within two groups, PWS individuals and nonsyndromal obese individuals. PWS individuals had lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and Lean Body Mass (LBM) than nonsyndromal obese individuals (p= 0.014) and (p=0.032), respectively. CRP concentrations ranged from 10-22 ng/mL before the 24-week program and from 8-22 ng/mL after the 24-week program. While there was no significant difference in the CRP concentrations within either of the two groups (p=0.87), there was a significant difference in CRP concentrations across the two groups (p=0.014) before and after the 24-week program. By determining a significant relationship between CRP and physical activity, action can be taken to initiate exercise programs that can help reduce CRP concentrations in PWS adolescents. As a result, these individuals could lower their risk of obesity and the health problems associated with it.