No abstract

The present study documented increased IMT, impaired endothelial function, and various elevated cardiovascular RF in young obese subjects. Regular exercise over 6 months restores endothelial function and improves carotid IMT associated with an improved cardiovascular risk profile in obese children.

The present study documented increased IMT, impaired endothelial function, and elevated plasma markers of endothelial activation and injury in obese children. Morbid obesity, arterial hypertension, subclinical inflammation, and low physical fitness formed a risk profile associated with the risk of early atherosclerosis in these children. Sonographic assessment of vascular status and the estimation of soluble endothelial plasma markers, combined with comprehensive risk factor screening, may form a rationale to identify high-risk children susceptible to early atherosclerotic disease and to monitor vascular changes during follow-up studies and therapeutic measures.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key mediator of neuronal plasticity, contributes to airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness in a model of allergic asthma. BDNF is stored in human platelets and circulates in human plasma, but the significance of BDNF in this compartment is poorly understood. We investigated the relationship between platelet and plasma BDNF levels and pulmonary function in a cohort of 26 adult patients with recently diagnosed allergic asthma. BDNF levels in serum, platelets, and plasma were significantly increased in participants with asthma, as compared with 26 age- and sex-matched control subjects. In steroid-naive patients, but not in patients using inhaled corticosteroids, enhanced platelet BDNF levels correlated with parameters of airway obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine. Experiments with activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed that corticosteroids such as fluticasone effectively suppress BDNF secretion. In conclusion, we demonstrate that enhanced platelet BDNF is associated with airflow limitation and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. In addition, we provide evidence that corticosteroids suppress BDNF production by activated immune cells.