Epigenetics and cardiovascular risk in childhood

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) can originate in early development, influenced by genetic and environmental interactions.
• Maternal factors like poor nutrition, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and pollutants can lead to epigenetic modifications and increase CVD risk in offspring.
• Children with hypercholesterolemia or obesity exhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to atherosclerosis progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of epigenetics in early-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• To emphasize the importance of primary prevention strategies for atherosclerosis in children.
• To explore the potential of epigenetics in identifying at-risk children and developing targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on genetic and environmental influences on early-life CVD.
• Analysis of epigenetic modifications resulting from maternal and environmental exposures.
• Examination of biomarkers and clinical indicators of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in children.

Main Results:

• Maternal conditions and environmental exposures during pregnancy can induce epigenetic alterations linked to CVD.
• Children with hypercholesterolemia/obesity show signs of endothelial dysfunction and proatherogenic changes.
• Early identification and intervention are key to reversing atherosclerosis in its reversible stages.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic mechanisms play a significant role in the early development of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Primary prevention focusing on healthy lifestyles (Mediterranean diet, physical activity) and early screening is essential for high-risk children.
• Epigenetics offers potential for early risk identification and personalized nutritional or therapeutic interventions in pediatric cardiovascular health.