Influence of transforming growth factor-β on endothelial dysfunction in children with arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND: Chronic non-communicable cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, started in childhood and adolescence. The presence and severity of early arterial changes is associated with the presence and severity of standard risk factors. Structural and functional disorders of the vascular bed in hypertension are represented by dysfunction of the compensatory dilating ability of the endothelium, a violation of the thickness of the intima-media complex of the common carotid arteries and a violation of the humoral, metabolic and myogenic regulation of vascular tone. AIM: To assess the severity of endothelial dysfunction and determine the significance of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in its development in children with hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods: 122 children with hypertension were examined. Along with a complete clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination, the concentration of TGF-β and ET-1 in the blood serum was determined. RESULTS: It was found that endothelial dysfunction was detected in children with hypertension, most pronounced in children with hypertension and metabolic disorders, the level of which increases with stabilization of the disease. Assessment is given as to possible development and progression of the disease and its favorable course depending on the dynamics of TGF-β profiles. Positive statistically significant correlations were obtained between the level of ET-1 and body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, and disease duration. CONCLUSIONS: The revealed results suggest that endothelial dysfunction in children with hypertension is involved in the formation and progression of hypertension and metabolic syndrome against the background of chronic inflammation processes.