title: Early markers of cardiovascular disease.
abstract: Vascular endothelium function plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular pre-clinical markers. Nitric oxide secreted by the vascular endothelium has a vasodilatory effect that reduces blood pressure which, in turn, prevents increases of left ventricular mass and intima-media thickness and improves left ventricular relaxation. Modern ultrasound technique allows noninvasive assessment of endothelial function and permits identification of functional alteration prior to manifestation of anatomical changes in the cardiovascular system. However, effort is needed to improve the reliability and reproducibility of ultrasound derived measure of endothelial function. This article provides an overview of challenges of clinical determination of endothelium-dependent arterial dilatation. In addition, we highlight the necessity of targeting the pediatric population in studies aimed at preventing and treating cardiovascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Georgia Prevention Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912-4534, USA. gkapuku@mail.mcg.edu
authors.forename: Gaston K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Kapuku
authors.forename: Gregory A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Harshfield
authors.forename: Harry C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Frank A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Treiber
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services; D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D001685:Biological Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014664:Vasodilation
chemical_list: D001685:Biological Factors; D015415:Biomarkers; C067410:endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization factor; D009569:Nitric Oxide