Effect of low birth weight on inflammation biomarkers and autonomic function in healthy young adults (1074.4)

Abstract

A number of epidemiological studies have reported an association between birth weight (BW) and hypertension in adulthood. Low‐grade inflammation and deterioration of autonomic regulation play an important role in hypertension. However, the association with BW is unclear, and few relevant studies have been performed in healthy young adults. We examined the association of BW and hypertension risks in a high‐risk Mongolian population. We performed electrocardiography in 20 Mongolian subjects aged 23‐34 years and investigated blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability at rest and during postural change from a supine to a sitting position. Leukocyte count, platelet count, total cholesterol, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, triglycerides and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (Hs‐CRP) were measured. BW was inversely related to both leukocyte (r = ‐0.49) and platelet counts (r = ‐0.49). BMI was positively related to systolic BP (SBP; r = 0.58), LF/HF (r = 0.47), the atherosclerotic index (r = 0.53) and Hs‐CRP (r = 0.55). Following postural change, the normal BW group (2,500 g 蠄 BW < 4,000 g) showed a significant increase in heart rate, SBP, and LF/HF, whereas the low BW (BW < 2,500 g) and high BW groups (BW 蠅 4,000 g) showed no significant responses. These results suggest that low BW may be an essential predictor of an increase in low‐grade inflammation and deteriorating of autonomic regulation in Mongolian healthy adults.