title: Childhood obesity-related endothelial dysfunction: an update on pathophysiological mechanisms and diagnostic advancements.
abstract: Childhood obesity jeopardizes a healthy future for our society's children as it is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality later on in life. Endothelial dysfunction, the first step in the development of atherosclerosis, is already present in obese children and may well represent a targetable risk factor. Technological advancements in recent years have facilitated noninvasive measurements of endothelial homeostasis in children. Thereby this topic ultimately starts to get the attention it deserves. In this paper, we aim to summarize the latest insights on endothelial dysfunction in childhood obesity. We discuss methodological advancements in peripheral endothelial function measurement and newly identified diagnostic markers of vascular homeostasis. Finally, future challenges and perspectives are set forth on how to efficiently tackle the catastrophic rise in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that will be inflicted on obese children if they are not treated optimally.
authors: Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.|Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.|Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Pathophysiological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.|Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors: Luc
authors: 0000-0002-2315-9925
authors: L
authors: Bruyndonckx
authors: Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.|Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Pathophysiological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors: Vicky Y
authors: VY
authors: Hoymans
authors: Pharmacology, Department of Translational Pathophysiological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors: Katrien
authors: K
authors: Lemmens
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.|Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors: José
authors: J
authors: Ramet
authors: Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.|Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Pathophysiological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors: Christiaan J
authors: CJ
authors: Vrints
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015444:Exercise; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors