Influence of maternal smoking on neonatal aortic intima-media thickness, serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have reported associations between a range of cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking and intima-media thickness (IMT). Some reports indicate that the maternal tobacco smoking causes disturbances of the endocrine status of the foetus. There are several potential mechanisms by which insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) could modify atherosclerotic processes either locally or in a systemic manner. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of maternal smoking on neonatal aortic IMT (aIMT), serum IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels. Aortic intima-media thickness was measured in 28 neonates whose mothers smoked during the pregnancy and 28 control neonates. Mean and weight-adjusted aIMT were significantly greater in the neonates whose mothers smoked (0.455 +/- 0.009 mm and 0.151 +/- 0.005 mm/kg, respectively) than in controls (0.403 +/- 0.029 mm and 0.118 +/- 0.014 mm/kg, respectively). Birth-weight of newborns whose mothers smoked was less than that of the controls. The decreases in serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 observed in the infants whose mothers smoked were non-significant. Mean aIMT was negatively associated with birth-weight and IGF-I level. In conclusion, neonates whose mothers smoked have significantly increased aIMT. It might play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in adult life.

Neonatal Arterial Morphology Is Related to Body Size in Abnormal Human Fetal Growth

“…[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Our findings are inconsistent with studies reporting an increase in arterial wall layer thickness in LGA neonates 26,27 but in concordance with previous autopsy studies on SGA neonates. 21 Moreover, our reported arterial layer thicknesses are much thinner than those previously reported, indicating an important difference in methodology attributable improved axial resolution, as recently discussed.…”

“…Assessing the vascular phenotype during the early stages of life is necessary for distinguishing longitudinal changes taking place before and after birth. Increased sonographic IMTs [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] and normal histological IMTs 21 have been reported in SGA neonates. Smaller arterial lumen diameters (LDs) and reduced microvasculature have also been reported in this population.…”

Ethnic Differences in Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Between UK Children of Black African-Caribbean and White European Origin

“…56,57 However, in the UK population, South Asians rather than black AfricanCaribbeans have the lowest mean birth weight and the highest prevalence of low birth weight. 58 Maternal factors, particularly maternal cigarette smoking and low maternal energy intake, are associated with increased offspring cIMT 38,59 and need further exploration. Genetic factors could also be important, although their role remains uncertain.…”

The evaluation of right and left ventricular functions in children with episodic wheezing exposed to environmental tobacco smoke

“…It was reported that carotid intima-media thickness increased with passive smoking in adults [24][25][26] . Moreover, it was demonstrated that aortic intima-media thickness in newborns exposed to cigarette smoke during pregnancy and carotid intimamedia thickness in young adults increased 9,10 .…”

“…Although there are many studies showing the effect of the environmental tobacco smoke exposure on the vascular functions in children [8][9][10] , there are no studies showing its effects on the right and left ventricular functions. The objective of this study is to examine the right and left ventricular functions in children with episodic wheezing at the age of 1-3 exposed to ETS.…”