Fig. 4

Erythrocyte characterization of the study population. Total hemoglobin content A, hematocrit B, mean corpuscular volume C, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin D were quantified in peripheral blood at baseline. White bars with dots represent lean children (n = 30), grey bars represent OBIR- children (n = 35), white bars represent EP-OBIR + children (n = 19), and black bars represent LP-OBIR + children (n = 32). Values are means ± SEM. P < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. (*) shows significant differences relative to control children, a shows significant differences relative to EP-OBIR + children, and b shows significant differences relative to OBIR- children. ObIR-, non-insulin resistant children with obesity; ObIR + , insulin resistant children with obesity; EP-OBIR + , early peak OBIR + children; LP-OBIR + , late peak OBIR + children; Hb, hemoglobin; MCV, mean corpuscular volume; MCH, mean corpuscular hemoglobin