Impact of puberty, sex determinants and chronic inflammation on cardiovascular risk in young people

Abstract

Worrying trends of increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in children, adolescents and young people in the Modern Era have channelled research and public health strategies to tackle this growing epidemic. However, there are still controversies related to the dynamic of the impact of sex, age and puberty on this risk and on cardiovascular health outcomes later in life. In this comprehensive review of current literature, we examine the relationship between puberty, sex determinants and various traditional CVD-risk factors, as well as subclinical atherosclerosis in young people in general population. In addition, we evaluate the role of chronic inflammation, sex hormone therapy and health-risk behaviours on augmenting traditional CVD-risk factors and health outcomes, ultimately aiming to determine whether tailored management strategies for this age group are justified.

Dietary Patterns, Nutritional Status and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adolescents from the RPS Birth Cohort Consortium

“…This finding shows a direct association between inadequate nutritional status and inflammation, regardless of other factors. This response may occur because adipose tissue is an active organ and, when in excess, releases several adipokines that, directly or indirectly, increase the production and circulation of inflammation factors [5]. The fact that CRP is a protein produced by the liver and plays an important role in the metabolic response makes it more sensitive to the presence of adipose tissue [1][2][3].…”

“…The accumulation of adipose tissue, commonly known as body fat, stands out among the factors that cause inflammation. Body fat is hormonally active and produces cytokines and acute-phase proteins that increase the production and circulation of factors related to inflammation in all age groups, including adolescents [5,6]. Current evidence also points to Nutrients 2023, 15, 4640 2 of 14 lifestyles, such as the level of physical activity [7] and eating habits [8], as inflammatory stimuli regardless of nutritional status.…”

Atherosclerosis from Newborn to Adult—Epidemiology, Pathological Aspects, and Risk Factors

“…In the coronary arteries, there was no gender difference in fatty streaks, but females had less extensive fibrous plaques [23]. A family history of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction or stroke at an early age represents an individual risk factor for coronary events, especially in adolescents and young adults [104].…”