Dissertation committee:
Ομότιμος Καθηγητής Δημήτριος Καφετζής, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής Σταμάτης Θεοχάρης, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια Αναστασία Γαρούφη
Summary:
Aim: To evaluate the importance of small, dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C), urotensin II
(U-II) and total antibodies against oxidized LDL-C (ox-LDL-Abs) in children
with dyslipidemia.
Methods: The study population consisted of 648 children (325 males), 4-18 years
old, 316 with LDL-C 130mg/dl and 332 with LDL-C <130mg/dl (controls).
Results: SdLDL-C levels were significantly higher in children with
dyslipidemia. Daily plant sterols’ consumption (2g) resulted in a significant
decrease of sdLDL-C levels. Children under hypolipidemic medication had
significantly higher sdLDL-C levels than controls. SdLDL-C levels were not
correlated with sex, age or BMI. U-II levels were significantly lower in
dyslipidemic children compared to controls, in girls and in overweight/obese
children; while there was no correlation with age. LDL-C, TC, non-HDL-C, TGs
and apoB had a significant negative effect on U-II levels; while HDL-C and
apoA-I had a significant positive effect. There were no differences of levels
of total ox-LDL-Abs between dyslipidemic children and controls. Finally, girls
had significantly higher ox-LDL-Abs levels than boys.
Conclusions: a) sdLDL-C levels could be a useful tool in the evaluation of
children with dyslipidemia and their response to therapeutic measures, b) More
studies are needed for the evaluation of U-II and c) Total ox-LDL-Abs do not
offer any useful information.
Keywords:
Dyslipidemia, Children, Plant sterols, SdLDL-C, Urotensin II
