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Published on: January 27, 2023
Biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk in the neonatal population
Alexandra Lianou1, Dimitrios Rallis1, Maria Baltogianni1
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.
Insights
Neonatal biomarkers are crucial for predicting adult cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Research explores traditional and novel markers to improve early CVD screening and prevention strategies in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Neonatal Health
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- High prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) necessitates early prevention strategies.
- Fetal and neonatal periods significantly influence adult CVD risk.
- Effective screening of neonatal populations for CVD predisposition is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neonatal biomarkers associated with CVD development.
- To present data on biomarkers linked to perinatal conditions and CVD predisposition.
- To evaluate the potential of these biomarkers in CVD prediction and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing scientific literature.
- Identification and analysis of traditional and novel biomarkers.
- Examination of associations between biomarkers, perinatal conditions, and CVD.
Main Results:
- Key indicators of CVD include adiposity, insulin resistance, altered lipid profiles, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction.
- Novel biomarkers show potential but their clinical utility is still debated.
- Strong predictive value and practical clinical application are needed.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal period is a critical window for CVD risk assessment.
- Further research is needed to validate novel biomarkers for clinical use.
- Developing practical screening tools is vital for effective CVD prevention from birth.
Abstract:
The consistently high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has urged the need for punctual and effective prevention. Extended research on this specific area has demonstrated the influence of fetal and neonatal periods on the risk of developing CVD in adulthood. Thus, the role of traditional and novel biological markers to the effective screening of CVD among the neonatal population is widely investigated. The objective of the present narrative review is to examine those neonatal biomarkers that may play a role in the development of CVD, to exhibit scientific data that appertain to their association with various perinatal conditions leading to CVD predisposition, and their potential role on prediction and prevention strategies. Multiple biomarkers, traditional and novel, have been mined across the studied literature. Adiposity, insulin resistance, altered lipid profile, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction seem among the headliners of CVD. Even though various novel molecules have been studied, their clinical utility remains controversial. Therefore, it is quite important for the scientific community to find elements with strong predictive value and practical clinical use.
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