Early-Life Trauma May Increase Heart Disease Risk in Adults

Newswise — Bethesda, Md. (December 7, 2017)—Stress in early life may change the immune response in the kidneys, increasing the risk of heart disease later in life, according to a new study. The paper, published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology—Renal Physiology, was chosen as an APSselect article for December.

Previous research has shown that traumatic events in childhood may lead to high blood pressure in adults, often a precursor to heart disease. Animal studies suggest that early life stress may also increase markers of inflammation. The research team looked at the kidneys of rats separated from their mothers soon after birth. The kidneys are a major regulator of long-term blood pressure. The researchers found that male rats in the separated group had higher concentrations of T cells and neutrophils compared to a control group not separated from their mothers. T cells and neutrophils are white blood cells that are key components of the immune system; an increase in these cells can be a marker of inflammation. In addition, the separated rats’ kidneys had an increase in biomarkers that are indicative of inflammation and promoting immune responses.

These changes in the separated group “may play an important role in promoting cardiovascular disease earlier and more robustly in adulthood,” the researchers wrote.

The article, “Early life stress induces priming of the immune response in kidneys of adult male rats,” is published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology—Renal Physiology. It is highlighted as one of this month’s “best of the best” as part of the American Physiological Society’s APSselect program. Read all of this month’s selected research articles.

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: To schedule an interview with a member of the research team, please contact the APS Communications Office or 301-634-7209. Find more research highlights in the APS Press Room.

Physiology is the study of how molecules, cells, tissues and organs function in health and disease. Established in 1887, the American Physiological Society (APS) was the first U.S. society in the biomedical sciences field. The Society represents more than 10,500 members and publishes 15 peer-reviewed journals with a worldwide readership.