Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025
On-Chip Endothelial Inflammatory Phenotyping
Published on: July 21, 2012
Association between Inflammation, Glycocalyx Biomarkers, and Endothelial Function in Children with
Belén Pastor-Villaescusa1,2, Julia Meier1, Fabienne Ruske1
1Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Insights
High oxidized cholesterol (oxLDL) was found in children with hypercholesterolemia. Inflammation and hypercholesterolemia together impact glycocalyx integrity, suggesting a need for anti-inflammatory therapies to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for early-onset arteriosclerosis.
- Endothelial dysfunction, preceding vasculopathy, is linked to inflammation and oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between inflammation, glycocalyx biomarkers, endothelial function, and vascular parameters in children with hypercholesterolemia.
Main Methods:
- Assessed tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), oxidized cholesterol (oxLDL), Syndecan-1, and Hyaluronan in 22 hypercholesterolemic children and 22 controls.
- Measured endothelial function, glycocalyx, microcirculation, and carotid intima-media thickness.
Main Results:
- Oxidized cholesterol (oxLDL) was significantly higher in hypercholesterolemic children.
- Syndecan-1 showed a significant association with TNF-α and hypercholesterolemia.
- The combined effect of TNF-α and hypercholesterolemia on Syndecan-1 was significant; sex independently predicted endothelial function.
Conclusions:
- The interplay of hypercholesterolemia and inflammation affects glycocalyx integrity, with sex influencing outcomes in premature arteriosclerosis.
- Targeting low-grade inflammation may prevent or delay cardiovascular disease progression in at-risk children.
Introduction:
Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for premature arteriosclerosis. Inflammation and oxidative stress are thought to contribute to endothelial dysfunction preceding vasculopathy. We investigated the association between inflammation, glycocalyx biomarkers, endothelial function, and vascular parameters in children with hypercholesterolemia.
Methods:
In 22 patients (LDL-cholesterol >130 mg/dL; median age [IQR]: 13 [2.3] years) and 22 controls (13 [2.5] years), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), oxidized cholesterol (oxLDL), and glycocalyx biomarkers (Syndecan-1, Hyaluronan) were measured using immunoassays. Endothelial function was assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry, sublingual glycocalyx and microcirculation by videomicroscopy and carotid intima-media thickness by ultrasound.
Results:
OxLDL was significantly higher in patients (78.9 [38.2] vs. 50.3 [16.6] U/L, p = 0.002), whereas all other experimental parameters were comparable between groups. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of Syndecan-1 with TNF-α (β = 0.75, p < 0.001) and with hypercholesterolemia (β = 0.31, p = 0.030). The interaction term combining TNF-α and hypercholesterolemia showed a significant effect (p = 0.034). Sex was an independent predictor of endothelial function.
Conclusion:
The combined effect of hypercholesterolemia and inflammation on glycocalyx perturbation and the impact of sex in the premature development of arteriosclerosis deserve further evaluation. Therapeutic approaches tackling low-grade systemic inflammation may offer potential to prevent or delay progression of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular complications.
More Related Videos
07:29Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
12:50Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
Published on: September 15, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:38Inflammation