Donate Help Contact The AHA Sign In Home
American Heart Association
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
Search: search_blue_button Advanced Search
Published Online
on May 30, 2002

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 2002
Published online before print May 30, 2002, doi: 10.1161/01.ATV.0000024222.06463.21
A more recent version of this article appeared on August 1, 2002
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow All Versions of this Article:
22/8/1323    most recent
01.ATV.0000024222.06463.21v1
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Järvisalo, M. J.
Right arrow Articles by Raitakari, O. T.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by Järvisalo, M. J.
Right arrow Articles by Raitakari, O. T.
Related Collections
Right arrow Health policy and outcome research
Right arrow Deep vein thrombosis

Submitted on March 14, 2002
Accepted on May 10, 2002

Elevated Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels and Early Arterial Changes in Healthy Children

Mikko J. Järvisalo ; Aimo Harmoinen ; Maarit Hakanen ; Ulla Paakkunainen ; Jorma Viikari ; Jaakko Hartiala ; Terho Lehtimäki ; Olli Simell ; and Olli T. Raitakari *

From the Department of Clinical Physiology (M.J.J., J.H., O.T.R.), Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (M.J.J., M.H., U.P.), Department of Medicine (J.V.), Department of Pediatrics (M.H., U.P., O.S.), and Turku PET Centre (O.T.R.), University of Turku, Turku, Finland, and the Laboratory of Atherosclerosis Genetics (A.H., T.L.), Department of Clinical Chemistry, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, Tampere University Hospital and University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: olli.raitakari{at}utu.fi.

Objective—Elevated serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) predicts cardiovascular events in adults. Because atherosclerosis begins in childhood, we undertook a study to determine whether changes in brachial artery endothelial function and the thickness of the carotid intima-media complex, 2 markers of early atherosclerosis, are related to CRP levels in healthy children.

Methods and Results—Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured with ultrasound in 79 children (aged 10.5±1.1 years). Compared with the children with CRP levels under the detection limit (<0.1 mg/L, n=40, group 1), the children with higher CRP (0.1 mg/L<=CRP<=0.7 mg/L, n=20, group 2; CRP >0.7 mg/L, n=19, group 3) had lower FMD (9.0±4.4% versus 7.8±3.3% versus 6.5±2.6%, respectively; P=0.015 for trend) and greater carotid IMT (0.45±0.03 versus 0.46±0.04 versus 0.49±0.06 mm, respectively, P=0.002 for trend). CRP level remained a statistically significant independent predictor for brachial FMD and carotid IMT in multivariate analyses.

Conclusions—These data suggest that CRP affects the arteries of healthy children by disturbing endothelial function and promoting intima-media thickening. The findings support the hypothesis that CRP plays a role in the pathogenesis of early atherosclerosis.


Key words: atherosclerosis • endothelial function • inflammation • ultrasound




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
JPEN J Parenter Enteral NutrHome page
J. Sacheck
Pediatric Obesity: An Inflammatory Condition?
JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, November 1, 2008; 32(6): 633 - 637.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
J. R. Ruiz, F. B. Ortega, J. Warnberg, L. A. Moreno, J. J. Carrero, M. Gonzalez-Gross, A. Marcos, A. Gutierrez, and M. Sjostrom
Inflammatory Proteins and Muscle Strength in Adolescents: The AVENA Study
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, May 1, 2008; 162(5): 462 - 468.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Br. J. Sports. Med.Home page
N-E Thomas, J S Baker, M R Graham, S-M Cooper, and B Davies
C-reactive protein in schoolchildren and its relation to adiposity, physical activity, aerobic fitness and habitual diet
Br. J. Sports Med., May 1, 2008; 42(5): 357 - 360.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
RadiologyHome page
J. Gonzalez, J. C. Wood, F. J. Dorey, T. A. L. Wren, and V. Gilsanz
Reproducibility of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Measurements in Young Adults
Radiology, May 1, 2008; 247(2): 465 - 471.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci.Home page
M. Gurven, H. Kaplan, J. Winking, C. Finch, and E. M. Crimmins
Aging and Inflammation in Two Epidemiological Worlds
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., February 1, 2008; 63(2): 196 - 199.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
M. Odermarsky, A. Nilsson, A. Lernmark, S. Sjoblad, and P. Liuba
Atherogenic vascular and lipid phenotypes in young patients with Type 1 diabetes are associated with diabetes high-risk HLA genotype
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, November 1, 2007; 293(5): H3175 - H3179.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
K. Kallio, E. Jokinen, O. T. Raitakari, M. Hamalainen, M. Siltala, I. Volanen, T. Kaitosaari, J. Viikari, T. Ronnemaa, and O. Simell
Tobacco Smoke Exposure Is Associated With Attenuated Endothelial Function in 11-Year-Old Healthy Children
Circulation, June 26, 2007; 115(25): 3205 - 3212.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
B. W. McCrindle, E. M. Urbina, B. A. Dennison, M. S. Jacobson, J. Steinberger, A. P. Rocchini, L. L. Hayman, and S. R. Daniels
Drug Therapy of High-Risk Lipid Abnormalities in Children and Adolescents: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, and Obesity in Youth Committee, Council of Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, With the Council on Cardiovascular Nursing
Circulation, April 10, 2007; 115(14): 1948 - 1967.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arch. Dis. Child.Home page
J. Jose Diaz, J. Arguelles, I. Malaga, C. Perillan, A. Dieguez, M. Vijande, and S. Malaga
C-reactive protein is elevated in the offspring of parents with essential hypertension
Arch. Dis. Child., April 1, 2007; 92(4): 304 - 308.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
A. A. Meyer, G. Kundt, U. Lenschow, P. Schuff-Werner, and W. Kienast
Improvement of Early Vascular Changes and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Children After a Six-Month Exercise Program
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 7, 2006; 48(9): 1865 - 1870.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
A. S. Pena, E. Wiltshire, K. MacKenzie, R. Gent, L. Piotto, C. Hirte, and J. Couper
Vascular Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Function Relates to Body Mass Index and Glucose in Obese and Nonobese Children
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., November 1, 2006; 91(11): 4467 - 4471.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CJASNHome page
R. Becker-Cohen, A. Nir, C. Rinat, S. Feinstein, N. Algur, B. Farber, and Y. Frishberg
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Children and Young Adults after Renal Transplantation
Clin. J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., November 1, 2006; 1(6): 1284 - 1292.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
S. Kapiotis, G. Holzer, G. Schaller, M. Haumer, H. Widhalm, D. Weghuber, B. Jilma, G. Roggla, M. Wolzt, K. Widhalm, et al.
A Proinflammatory State Is Detectable in Obese Children and Is Accompanied by Functional and Morphological Vascular Changes
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., November 1, 2006; 26(11): 2541 - 2546.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
PediatricsHome page
J. A. Groner, M. Joshi, and J. A. Bauer
Pediatric Precursors of Adult Cardiovascular Disease: Noninvasive Assessment of Early Vascular Changes in Children and Adolescents
Pediatrics, October 1, 2006; 118(4): 1683 - 1691.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
J. Warnberg, E. Nova, L. A Moreno, J. Romeo, M. I Mesana, J. R Ruiz, F. B Ortega, M. Sjostrom, M. Bueno, A. Marcos, et al.
Inflammatory proteins are related to total and abdominal adiposity in a healthy adolescent population: the AVENA Study.
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, September 1, 2006; 84(3): 505 - 512.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
M. Juonala, J. S.A. Viikari, T. Ronnemaa, L. Taittonen, J. Marniemi, and O. T. Raitakari
Childhood C-Reactive Protein in Predicting CRP and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Adulthood: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., August 1, 2006; 26(8): 1883 - 1888.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
R. Lautamaki, R. Borra, P. Iozzo, M. Komu, T. Lehtimaki, M. Salmi, S. Jalkanen, K. E. J. Airaksinen, J. Knuuti, R. Parkkola, et al.
Liver steatosis coexists with myocardial insulin resistance and coronary dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, August 1, 2006; 291(2): E282 - E290.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
PediatricsHome page
K. E. MacKenzie, E. J. Wiltshire, R. Gent, C. Hirte, L. Piotto, and J. J. Couper
Folate and Vitamin B6 Rapidly Normalize Endothelial Dysfunction In Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Pediatrics, July 1, 2006; 118(1): 242 - 253.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
K. S. Dyson, J. K. Shoemaker, and R. L. Hughson
Effect of acute sympathetic nervous system activation on flow-mediated dilation of brachial artery
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, April 1, 2006; 290(4): H1446 - H1453.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Nephrol Dial TransplantHome page
A. Covic, N. Mardare, P. Gusbeth-Tatomir, O. Brumaru, C. Gavrilovici, M. Munteanu, O. Prisada, and D. J. A. Goldsmith
Increased arterial stiffness in children on haemodialysis
Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., March 1, 2006; 21(3): 729 - 735.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
I. Volanen, M. J. Jarvisalo, R. Vainionpaa, M. Arffman, K. Kallio, S. Angle, T. Ronnemaa, J. Viikari, J. Marniemi, O. T. Raitakari, et al.
Increased Aortic Intima-Media Thickness in 11-Year-Old Healthy Children With Persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae Seropositivity
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., March 1, 2006; 26(3): 649 - 655.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
A. M. Ladeia, E. Stefanelli, C. Ladeia-Frota, A. Moreira, A. Hiltner, and L. Adan
Association Between Elevated Serum C-Reactive Protein and Triglyceride Levels in Young Subjects With Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes Care, February 1, 2006; 29(2): 424 - 426.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
J P J Halcox and J E Deanfield
Childhood origins of endothelial dysfunction
Heart, October 1, 2005; 91(10): 1272 - 1274.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
A. Moran, L. M. Steffen, D. R. Jacobs Jr., J. Steinberger, J. S. Pankow, C.-P. Hong, R. P. Tracy, and A. R. Sinaiko
Relation of C-Reactive Protein to Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Youth
Diabetes Care, July 1, 2005; 28(7): 1763 - 1768.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
A. W. Zieske, R. P. Tracy, C. A. McMahan, E. E. Herderick, S. Homma, G. T. Malcom, H. C. McGill Jr, J. P. Strong, and for the Pathobiological Determinants of Atheroscle
Elevated Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels and Advanced Atherosclerosis in Youth
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., June 1, 2005; 25(6): 1237 - 1243.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Nephrol Dial TransplantHome page
M. Barton
Ageing as a determinant of renal and vascular disease: role of endothelial factors
Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., March 1, 2005; 20(3): 485 - 490.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
NEJMHome page
S. E. Nissen, E. M. Tuzcu, P. Schoenhagen, T. Crowe, W. J. Sasiela, J. Tsai, J. Orazem, R. D. Magorien, C. O'Shaughnessy, P. Ganz, et al.
Statin Therapy, LDL Cholesterol, C-Reactive Protein, and Coronary Artery Disease
N. Engl. J. Med., January 6, 2005; 352(1): 29 - 38.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
P. D. Reaven, T. Traustadottir, J. Brennan, and P. R. Nader
Cardiovascular Risk Factors Associated With Insulin Resistance in Children Persist Into Late Adolescence
Diabetes Care, January 1, 2005; 28(1): 148 - 150.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
Y F Cheung, M H K Ho, S C F Tam, and T C Yung
Increased high sensitivity C reactive protein concentrations and increased arterial stiffness in children with a history of Kawasaki disease
Heart, November 1, 2004; 90(11): 1281 - 1285.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
S. Verma, C.-H. Wang, E. Lonn, F. Charbonneau, J. Buithieu, L. M. Title, M. Fung, S. Edworthy, A. C. Robertson, T. J. Anderson, et al.
Cross-sectional evaluation of brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation and C-reactive protein in healthy individuals
Eur. Heart J., October 1, 2004; 25(19): 1754 - 1760.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
S. P. Zhao, L. Liu, Y. C. Cheng, M. H. Shishehbor, M. H. Liu, D. Q. Peng, and Y. L. Li
Xuezhikang, an Extract of Cholestin, Protects Endothelial Function Through Antiinflammatory and Lipid-Lowering Mechanisms in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease
Circulation, August 24, 2004; 110(8): 915 - 920.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
A. H. Slyper
What Vascular Ultrasound Testing Has Revealed about Pediatric Atherogenesis, and a Potential Clinical Role for Ultrasound in Pediatric Risk Assessment
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., July 1, 2004; 89(7): 3089 - 3095.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
M. J. Jarvisalo, M. Raitakari, J. O. Toikka, A. Putto-Laurila, R. Rontu, S. Laine, T. Lehtimaki, T. Ronnemaa, J. Viikari, and O. T. Raitakari
Endothelial Dysfunction and Increased Arterial Intima-Media Thickness in Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Circulation, April 13, 2004; 109(14): 1750 - 1755.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
M. Raitakari, T. Ilvonen, M. Ahotupa, T. Lehtimaki, A. Harmoinen, P. Suominen, J. Elo, J. Hartiala, and O. T. Raitakari
Weight Reduction With Very-Low-Caloric Diet and Endothelial Function in Overweight Adults: Role of Plasma Glucose
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., January 1, 2004; 24(1): 124 - 128.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
E. S. Ford
C-Reactive Protein Concentration and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Children: Findings From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000
Circulation, September 2, 2003; 108(9): 1053 - 1058.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Clin. Chem.Home page
E. S. Ford, W. H. Giles, G. L. Myers, N. Rifai, P. M. Ridker, and D. M. Mannino
C-reactive Protein Concentration Distribution among US Children and Young Adults: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2000
Clin. Chem., August 1, 2003; 49(8): 1353 - 1357.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Int J EpidemiolHome page
P. Greenland, S. S Gidding, and R. P Tracy
Commentary: Lifelong prevention of atherosclerosis: the critical importance of major risk factor exposures
Int. J. Epidemiol., December 1, 2002; 31(6): 1129 - 1134.
[Full Text]