TOPLINE:
Parental metabolic syndrome (MetS) significantly impacts the metabolic health of offspring. Intriguingly, **paternal MetS** exhibits stronger correlations with various metabolic markers in boys. In contrast, **maternal MetS** specifically shows an uptick in triglyceride levels for both sexes, but different markers are predominantly affected in boys. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective health strategies.
METHODOLOGY:
- While multiple studies have explored parental MetS influences on children, the **differential effects of maternal and paternal MetS** on male versus female offspring remain largely unexplored.
- To address this gap, researchers conducted a **retrospective**, cross-sectional study using a robust Korean database spanning from 2007 to 2020. This study aimed to delve into the nuances of parental MetS impacts on metabolic health, employing a **sex-specific approach**.
- The research encompassed 5,245 adolescents aged 10-18 years, comprising **2,785 boys and 2,460 girls**. All participants had required anthropometric and clinical data collected from both them and their parents.
- MetS in adolescents was defined according to the **modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria**.
- Researchers utilized **multiple logistic regression analysis** to assess the effects of parental MetS status on the presence of MetS and various cardiometabolic risk factors in offspring.
TAKEAWAY:
- Boys exhibiting **paternal MetS** recorded heightened levels of serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alongside lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), compared to their counterparts without paternal MetS (P < .01 for all). Clinically meaningful effect sizes were particularly noted for **triglycerides** (Cohen’s d = 0.231) and **HDL-C** (Cohen’s d = -0.208).
- Adolescents with **maternal MetS** also experienced escalated triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-C levels, coupled with lower HDL-C levels, across both sexes. In boys, significant differences were observed in systolic blood pressure (Cohen’s d = 0.213), triglycerides (Cohen’s d = 0.332), and HDL-C (Cohen’s d = -0.284).
- Girls with maternal MetS showed a **clinically significant increase** solely in triglyceride levels (Cohen’s d = 0.286).
- The odds of MetS and its various components exhibited substantial elevation in boys in the presence of either paternal or maternal MetS, while girls indicated more limited effects—with maternal MetS only elevating triglyceride levels and paternal MetS linked to increased blood pressure.
IN PRACTICE:
The authors concluded, “These findings reveal that the **inheritance mechanism of MetS** is complex, emphasizing that both parental and offspring sex should be integral to future screening and preventative strategies for MetS.” This highlights a vital discussion for healthcare professionals and families alike.
SOURCE:
This insightful study was spearheaded by **Jun-Hong Park** from the Ajou University School of Medicine in Suwon-si, Republic of Korea. It was published online on May 21, 2025, in *Scientific Reports*.
LIMITATIONS:
It’s important to note that this study adopted a **cross-sectional design**, lacking comprehensive data on hormonal profiles and dietary factors. Additionally, the dataset did not encompass **prenatal exposures** that could significantly influence the cardiometabolic health of offspring—such as gestational age, weight gain, diabetes status, and birth weight.
DISCLOSURES:
This study was conducted without specific funding, and the authors have declared no conflicts of interest. Transparency is key in research, ensuring the credibility of findings.
This article was crafted with the assistance of editorial tools, including AI, and was reviewed by human editors prior to publication.
