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Early increase of oxidative stress and soluble CD40L in children with hypercholesterolemia

Francesco Martino1, Pasquale Pignatelli, Eliana Martino

  • 1Center of Clinic Lipid Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. francesco.violi@uniroma1.it

Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|May 15, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children with hypercholesterolemia show increased oxidative stress and CD40L, suggesting a predisposition to early atherosclerosis. This study highlights the link between high cholesterol, oxidative stress markers, and CD40L in pediatric subjects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric cardiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of early atherosclerosis.
  • CD40L protein is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate oxidative stress and CD40L levels in children with hypercholesterolemia.
  • To explore the relationship between oxidative stress, CD40L, and cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Compared serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and plasma soluble CD40L (sCD40L) in hypercholesterolemic children versus normocholesterolemic controls.
  • Assessed platelet p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation in a subgroup of children.
  • Analyzed correlations between biomarkers and family history of cardiovascular disease.

Main Results:

  • Hypercholesterolemic children exhibited significantly higher levels of 8-OHdG and sCD40L compared to controls.
  • A strong positive correlation was found between 8-OHdG and sCD40L in both high and normal cholesterol groups.
  • Phosphorylation of platelet p38 MAP kinase was notably elevated in hypercholesterolemic children.

Conclusions:

  • Hypercholesterolemia in children is associated with elevated oxidative stress and CD40L.
  • These findings suggest that oxidative stress may drive CD40L upregulation, potentially leading to premature atherosclerosis in children.
  • Early detection and management of hypercholesterolemia are crucial to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
Abstract

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