Correlation between fat mass estimated by skin-fold thickness and blood pressure and serum biomarker in Syrian adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the association of body fat percentage estimated by skin-fold thickness (SFT) measurements with blood pressure and blood serum characterization of Syrian adolescents. SFT, blood pressure, and biochemical analyses of blood were determined using standard methods. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve drawn to determine appropriate cut-off points of the Σ₂ limb SFT (biceps and triceps), Σ₂ trunk SFT (subscapula and suprailiac), and Σ₄ SFT for identifying cut-offs to predict health outcomes. Our results showed that the overweight and obese group estimated by SFT had significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of fasting blood sugar, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (Chol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than the normal weight group. Based on ROC calculation for SFT and some metabolic risks, the data suggest the best Σ₂ limb SFT, Σ₂ trunk SFT, Σ₄ SFT, and logarithm of Σ₄ SFT cutoffs for population studied ranged between 16.75–19.75 mm, 24.25–30.75 mm, 41.75–52.75 mm, and 1.62–1.72 respectively. Our results showed that, in Syrian adolescents, SFT is a good indicator for association with some metabolic syndrome indicators.

Keywords::

• adolescents
• biomarkers
• cut-off points
• risk factors
• skin fold thickness

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express their deep appreciation to the Director General of AECS. This study was supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency under the Technical Research Contract No. SYR/6/012, which is gratefully acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.