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Cholesterol metabolism in 8 to 12-year-old children born preterm or at term

M Mortaz1, M S Fewtrell, T J Cole

  • 1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, King's College London, London, UK.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|July 4, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Children born preterm show altered cholesterol metabolism, with lower synthesis and breakdown, persisting into later childhood. These findings suggest long-term effects of prematurity on lipid profiles.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Metabolic Research
  • Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • Early life factors, including birth status, influence long-term health.
  • Cholesterol metabolism is sensitive to early-life conditions and diet.
  • Low birth weight in humans is linked to increased coronary heart disease risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in plasma lipids and cholesterol metabolism indicators between preterm and term-born children.
  • To assess cholesterol absorption, synthesis, and breakdown in relation to birth status.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed plasma lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triacylglycerols) and apolipoproteins (A1, B) in preterm and term-born children.
  • Measured indicators of cholesterol synthesis (lathosterol), absorption (campesterol), and breakdown (7-alpha hydroxycholesterol).
  • Statistical analysis adjusted for current size, birth weight, and gestational age.

Main Results:

  • Preterm children exhibited significantly lower cholesterol synthesis and breakdown compared to term-born children.
  • No significant differences in plasma cholesterol concentrations or cholesterol absorption were observed between the groups.
  • Gestational age, but not birth weight, remained a significant factor related to cholesterol synthesis and breakdown after adjustments.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm birth may lead to lasting alterations in cholesterol metabolism evident years later.
  • Despite differences in synthesis and breakdown, plasma cholesterol levels were similar in older preterm and term-born children.
  • Further research in older populations is recommended to fully understand the long-term implications.
Abstract

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