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Gerald S Berenson
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ABSTRACT: Epidemiologic studies have established that cardiovascular (CV) risk factors including obesity are identifiable in childhood. Childhood risk factors are predictive of adult cardiac risk and even premature death [Franks et al. (2010) N Engl J Med 362:485-493]. In the United States, CV diseases remains the leading causes of death. In fact, heart disease has become the major cause of death worldwide, surpassing undernutrition and infectious diseases, largely related to obesity in childhood [Wang and Lobstein (2006) Int J Pediatr Obes 1:11-25]. The concept that adult heart diseases begin in childhood is an outgrowth of extensive long-term epidemiologic studies in youth, that is, the Bogalusa Heart Study [Berenson et al. (1986) Causation of cardiovascular risk factors in children: Perspectives on cardiovascular risk in early life, Raven Press Books Ltd].
Pediatric Blood & Cancer 01/2012; 58(1):117-21. · 1.89 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The Bogalusa Heart Study is a long-term study on cardiovascular disease and has followed a biracial (black/white) population from childhood. Risk factor data pertaining to many patients have been collected over 35 years, and the time course of hypertension has been documented by repeated examinations and measurements. Considerable sex and racial differences have been found to be related to cardiovascular disease. Urinary angiotensinogen (UAGT) is a novel biomarker for the intrarenal activity of the renin-angiotensin system in hypertension and kidney disease. We aimed to determine the relationship of UAGT with traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors in asymptomatic young adults in this biracial population.
We recruited 251 individuals and collected a single random spot urine sample from each one. Because UAGT is significantly increased in diabetic patients and the use of antihypertensive drugs affects UAGT levels, we excluded patients who had diabetes, who were receiving antihypertensive treatment, or both. Consequently, 190 participants were included for this analysis.
UAGT levels did not differ with race or sex, but were significantly correlated with SBP (r = +0.23, P = 0.0015) and DBP (r = +0.24, P = 0.0012). Moreover, high correlations were shown in men, especially in black men (SBP, r = +0.85, P = 0.0005 and DBP, r = +0.72, P = 0.0079). Thus, UAGT is correlated with blood pressure in men, even when they do not show overt proteinuria or albuminuria.
The biomarker, UAGT, may facilitate the identification of individuals that are at increased risk for the development of hypertension and early asymptomatic renal disease.
Journal of hypertension 04/2010; 28(7):1422-8. · 4.02 Impact Factor
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Gerald S Berenson
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ABSTRACT: Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in childhood result in a lifetime burden on the CV system. The Bogalusa Heart Study, a prevention program for children, addresses behaviors and lifestyles associated with CV risk. This prevention program utilizes the substructure of a Parish (County) that can be a model for other areas. All aspects in educating school children-the classroom, physical activity, cafeteria, teachers, and parents with community involvement-are included. The program requires cooperation of parents, schools, physicians, and political and business personnel. Their collaboration helps implement and sustain the program. Understanding the origin of coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, and now the obesity epidemic shows the need to develop a framework for improving lifestyles and behaviors beginning in childhood. In addition to nutrition and exercise, the program addresses tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, and societal problems such as dropping out of school, violent behavior, and teenage pregnancy. An initial accomplishment is the entry into all elementary schools, representing approximately 7000 children. Early results show reduction in obesity, increased physical activity, improved decision making, and healthy attitudes. This public health model is inexpensive by utilizing prior research findings and integrating into community resources. Health education of children is an important aspect of preventive cardiology with a need for pediatric and adult cardiologists' involvement.
Preventive Cardiology 01/2010; 13(1):23-8.
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ABSTRACT: An ascending chromatographic method was used to identify acidic mucopolysaccharides. On silica-gel-treated glass papers, a displacement type of chromatography with ethanol-salt solutions separated seven mucopolysaccharides. The compounds were located by charring with sulfuric acid or different staining technics. The method is convenient, reproducible, and rapid and can be used to identify small quantities of mucopolysaccharides in mixtures. Certain difficulties as and identification procedure were observed, however, and are discussed. Observations on glass-fiber papers are useful in studying different reactions of mucopolysaccharides with various salts and stains.
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 04/1962; · 4.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The effect of the Shwartzman phenomenon on the metabolism of the acid mucopolysaccharides (MPS), hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, from rabbits with localized lesions was studied. Quantitative changes of MPS were observed by two techniques-the in vivo incorporation of glucose C(14) into the MPS and the in vitro dilution of C(14)-labeled MPS. The results indicate an increased concentration of both MPS fractions in the skin lesions and suggest an increased biosynthesis of the compounds at the site of the lesions. Deposition of chondroitin sulfate from blood may have contributed in part to the concentration of this substance in the lesions. The MPS contribute to the inflammatory state of the Shwartzman phenomenon but the specific roles of these compounds need to be defined by further study.
Journal of Experimental Medicine 09/1960; 112(4):713-24. · 13.85 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A study of the urinary excretion of mucopolysaccharides indicates a normal excretion of approx. 5–10 mg/24 h of a mixture of compounds. Although the major compounds normally excreted are the chondroitin sulfates (A, B, C), evidence is presented for the excretion of chondroitin, heparitin sulfate, and keratosulfate. The excretion appears to be somewhat greater in males and is increased around puberty. In the Marfan syndrome there is a two- to four-fold greater excretion but this is qualitatively similar to that for normal individuals. The mucopolysaccharide excreted in urine represents a small fraction relative to the amount metabolized in the body's connective tissue.
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Mucoproteins and Mucopolysaccharides.
