Higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood have been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty plaques in the blood vessels. These plaques can narrow the blood vessels and potentially block them, leading to cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that early exposure, particularly intermittent exposure to a high-fat Western-style diet, can lead to greater development of plaques in mice compared to later continuous exposure. This childhood exposure to cholesterol can impact future risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, as demonstrated in a cohort study conducted in Finland.
A recent study involving an international team of researchers looked at cholesterol levels in mice and people in Finland. The researchers found that early exposure to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol accelerated the risk of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries in mid-life compared to later continuous exposure. The findings of this study suggest that early testing for cholesterol could identify individuals who may be at risk of heart disease in the future, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment of high cholesterol. Ziad Mallat, MD, PhD, the corresponding author of the study, emphasized the importance of considering both cholesterol concentration and exposure duration over time in assessing cardiovascular disease risk.
The researchers investigated the impact of the timing and duration of cholesterol exposure on the development of atherosclerosis. They used mouse models of familial hypocholesterolemia, a genetic condition that leads to elevated LDL cholesterol levels and early-onset atherosclerosis. The study compared the effects of a late continuous high-fat, cholesterol-rich diet with an early intermittent Western-type diet on the development of atherosclerotic plaques in mice. The results showed that early intermittent exposure to cholesterol resulted in larger plaques compared to later continuous exposure, indicating a potential influence of timing on disease progression.
Further analysis of data from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study revealed that higher LDL cholesterol exposure across different life stages was associated with a greater risk of plaque presence in the carotid arteries. The study also found that elevated LDL cholesterol levels in early life contributed to the development of atherosclerosis in mid-adulthood, supporting the notion that childhood exposure to cholesterol can impact future cardiovascular health. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist, highlighted the potential effects of early intermittent exposure to high cholesterol on macrophage cells, which play a role in the accumulation of atherosclerosis in the arteries.
Jayne Morgan, MD, a cardiologist, emphasized the significance of early exposure to high cholesterol in children, as it may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems later in life. Autopsy results of children in Western countries have shown signs of fatty deposits in the arteries at a young age, indicating the potential long-term impact of childhood cholesterol exposure. The type of dietary fat consumed, such as saturated fats and processed foods, can influence LDL receptor levels in the liver, affecting cholesterol removal from the bloodstream. This can lead to increased LDL levels and fatty deposits in the arteries, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis.
Overall, the findings of this research highlight the importance of considering the timing and duration of cholesterol exposure in assessing cardiovascular disease risk. Early exposure to high LDL cholesterol, particularly in childhood, can have long-term implications for atherosclerosis development and cardiovascular health. Future studies are needed to further explore the link between early cholesterol exposure and the progression of atherosclerosis in adulthood, as well as the role of different dietary fats in influencing LDL receptor function and cholesterol metabolism.
