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Lipoprotein (a) concentrations as risk indicators for atherosclerosis
G M Kostner1, A Czinner, K H Pfeiffer
1Institute of Medical Biochemistry, University of Graz, Austria.
Insights
Children with a parent history of heart disease show altered lipoprotein profiles, including elevated lipoprotein (a) in those over 10. These findings suggest early cardiovascular disease risk factors in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiovascular Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) have significant genetic components.
- Early identification of risk factors in children with familial predisposition is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma lipoprotein concentrations in children with a parental history of CHD or cerebrovascular disease (CVD).
- To identify potential early biomarkers for cardiovascular risk in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Plasma concentrations of apolipoproteins (A I, A II, B), lipoproteins (HDL-cholesterol, lipoprotein (a)), total cholesterol, and glycosaminoglycans were measured.
- A cohort of 102 control children was compared with 42 children of parents with CHD and 50 children of parents with CVD.
Main Results:
- Children with parental CHD or CVD showed significant differences in apolipoprotein A I, apolipoprotein B, and HDL-cholesterol compared to controls.
- Children of parents with CHD exhibited higher total cholesterol and apolipoprotein A II levels.
- Lipoprotein (a) concentrations were significantly higher in children of parents with CHD, particularly those over 10 years old, with a more pronounced age-related increase.
- Plasma glycosaminoglycan levels were elevated in children of parents with CHD and CVD and showed age-dependent variations.
Conclusions:
- Children with a parental history of cardiovascular disease exhibit distinct plasma lipoprotein profiles.
- Elevated lipoprotein (a) in older children with a parental history of CHD may serve as an early indicator of cardiovascular risk.
- Plasma glycosaminoglycans may also reflect increased cardiovascular risk in this pediatric cohort.
Abstract:
The plasma concentration of different lipoproteins were measured in 102 control children, in 42 children with a parent suffering from coronary heart disease (CHD), and in 50 children with a parent with cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Significant differences between controls and children in the other two groups were found for apolipoprotein A I, apolipoprotein B, and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Children of parents with CHD differed from controls in total cholesterol and apolipoprotein A II concentrations. A highly significant difference furthermore was found in lipoprotein (a) concentrations from children of parents with CHD in comparison with controls, but not between children of parents with CVD and controls. The difference in lipoprotein (a) concentrations (children of parents with CHD compared with controls) were only noticed in children above the age of 10 years. This could be explained by the observed rise of lipoprotein (a) between age 2 and 13 years, which was much more pronounced in the group with parents who had CHD. Plasma glycosaminoglycan concentrations were also measured in the three groups. They were significantly higher in children of parents with CHD and CVD compared with controls; they also varied with age.