Abstract: Abnormal secretion of inflammatory cytokines and proteins such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin- 6 , interleukin- 1 β, interleukin- 10 and hypersensitive C-reactive protein in serum of obese children leads to micro-inflammatory state and influences the progression of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Research shows that abnormal structure of carotid artery, especially the increase of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), can be early indication for the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. This article reviews the relationship between micro-inflammatory state and cIMT in obese children.

Key words: obesity; micro-inflammatory state; carotid intima-media thickness; child