Quantification of the endothelial microparticles and analysis of the miRNA profile: evaluation of the impact on the interrelation between birth weight, blood pressure levels and endothelial function in children from 6 to 12 years of age

Abstract

Several clinical studies have consistently demonstrated that low birth weight may contribute to the late development of cardiovascular disease. Although the factors involved in this effect have not yet been fully elucidated, studies in the literature have already shown a correlation between low birth weight and elevated blood pressure levels, reduced vascular compliance, incomplete vasculogenesis characterized by microvascular rarefaction and altered cell modulating capacity endothelial cells. In recent years there is a search for vascular injury biomarkers and endothelial progenitor cells, as well as, the microparticles of endothelial origin appear as possible candidates. Recently, we observed that children with a history of low birth weight have a lower number of endothelial progenitor cells, as well as lower functionality of these cells. However, little is known about the relationship between endothelial microparticles and birth weight. It is known that these microparticles can cause acute responses resulting from the release of several factors, or chronic responses resulting from changes in the expression of genes involved in the regulation of vascular endothelium structure and functionality. Therefore, microparticles of endothelial origin could play an important role in endothelial dysfunction observed in children with low birth weight. In view of the above, the present project intends to quantify the population of microparticles of endothelial origin purified from the plasma of children aged 6 to 12 years and to correlate this finding with birth weight, anthropometric parameters, pressure levels, nitric oxide concentration and endothelial function. In addition, we will investigate the expression patterns of miRNAs present in endothelial microparticles isolated from children with low birth weight and compare with those born with the appropriate weight. The theme of this project is current and of great relevance considering the prevalence of low birth weight and the fact that these children are being exposed early to elevation of blood pressure levels and other asymptomatic vascular diseases with devastating effects. (AU)