Childhood obesity-related endothelial dysfunction: an update on pathophysiological mechanisms and diagnostic

Luc Bruyndonckx1,2,3,4, Vicky Y Hoymans1,3, Katrien Lemmens5

  • 1Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.

Pediatric Research
|February 12, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity causes early endothelial dysfunction, a precursor to atherosclerosis. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent future cardiovascular disease in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric cardiology and vascular health.
  • Public health and preventative medicine.

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing concern linked to future cardiovascular disease.
  • Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator of atherosclerosis, present even in obese children.
  • Noninvasive techniques now allow for better assessment of endothelial function in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on endothelial dysfunction in childhood obesity.
  • To highlight advancements in measuring endothelial function and new diagnostic markers.
  • To outline future strategies for managing this condition and its cardiovascular consequences.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on endothelial dysfunction and childhood obesity.
  • Discussion of technological progress in noninvasive endothelial function assessment.
  • Identification of novel biomarkers for vascular homeostasis.

Main Results:

  • Endothelial dysfunction is an early and prevalent issue in childhood obesity.
  • New methods enable more accurate and accessible measurement of endothelial health in children.
  • Several potential diagnostic markers for vascular impairment have been identified.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing endothelial dysfunction in obese children is critical for long-term cardiovascular health.
  • Continued research and technological innovation are needed to combat this rising health issue.
  • Optimal treatment strategies are essential to mitigate the severe cardiovascular risks faced by obese children.

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.6K
Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...
1.5K
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
4.3K
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
2.7K
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
1.4K
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
711