The genetic predisposition for cardiovascular disease seems to play an important role in atherogenesis. Atherosclerosis, which can be clinically asymptomatic for many years, begins early in life. Therefore finding markers of early atherosclerotic process would be of great importance for screening and early treatment of these children. As the result of endothelial dysfunction, the adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ELAM) are overexpressed. These molecules are shed from the surface and can be measured, as soluble forms in serum. Therefore they can be regarded as early markers of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to measure the serum levels of soluble adhesion molecules ELAM, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and plasma lipid profile - total (TC), LDL (LDL-C) and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) in children from families of high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Forty-eight children were studied, 24 children from high risk families, according to NCEP definition: one or two parents had clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease before the age of 65 years (mother) or 55 years (father). Twenty-four healthy children without familial history of cardiovascular disease were used as the control. Children of either group did not have any metabolic diseases. The concentration of sELAM, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were assessed using ELISA kits. Soluble ICAM-1 level was significantly higher in high risk group in comparison to control (p<0.02). The soluble VCAM-1 and ELAM levels did not differ significantly between the groups. There were no changes in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides between the groups. In normolipidemic children from families with high risk for atherosclerosis the soluble ICAM-1 levels are significantly higher as compared to control.

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