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Circulating renin-angiotensin system and catecholamines in childhood: is there a role for birthweight?

Maria C P Franco1, Dulce E Casarini, Marcela S Carneiro-Ramos

  • 1Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, 04023-900 São Paulo, Brazil. mdcfranco@nefro.epm.br

Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|October 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children born small for gestational age show overactivity in the sympathoadrenal and renin-angiotensin systems. This study links low birthweight to these systems

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Limited research exists on sympathoadrenal and renin-angiotensin systems in small for gestational age (SGA) children.
  • Low birthweight is a potential risk factor for later cardiovascular issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate plasma levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, angiotensin, and catecholamines in children aged 8–13 years.
  • To determine correlations between these systems and birthweight and blood pressure (BP).

Main Methods:

  • Clinical study of 66 children (35 boys, 31 girls) divided into appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) and SGA groups.
  • Plasma concentrations of angiotensin, catecholamines, and ACE activity were measured.
  • Blood pressure levels were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Elevated noradrenaline in SGA girls compared to AGA girls (P=0.036).
  • Higher angiotensin II and ACE activity in SGA boys (P=0.024 and P=0.050, respectively).
  • Significant association between angiotensin II, ACE activity, and BP levels in the study population.

Conclusions:

  • Findings support a link between low birthweight and overactivity of sympathoadrenal and renin-angiotensin systems in childhood.
  • Mechanisms connecting restricted fetal growth to later cardiovascular events require further investigation.

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