Serum Periostin as a Potential Biomarker in Pediatric Patients with Primary Hypertension

Experimental studies suggest that periostin is involved in tissue repair and remodeling. The study aimed to evaluate serum periostin concentration as potential biomarker in pediatric patients with primary hypertension (PH). We measured serum periostin, blood pressure, arterial damage, biochemical, and clinical data in 50 children with PH and 20 age-matched healthy controls. In univariate analysis, children with PH had significantly lower serum periostin compared to healthy peers (35.42 +/- 10.43 vs. 42.16 +/- 12.82 [ng/mL], p = 0.038). In the entire group of 70 children serum periostin concentration correlated negatively with peripheral, central, and ambulatory blood pressure, as well as with aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV). In multivariate analysis, periostin level significantly correlated with age (beta = -0.614, [95% confidence interval (CI), -0.831--0.398]), uric acid (beta = 0.328, [95%CI, 0.124-0.533]), body mass index (BMI) Z-score (beta = -0.293, [95%CI, -0.492--0.095]), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (beta = 0.235, [95%CI, 0.054-0.416]), and triglycerides (beta = -0.198, [95%CI, -0.394--0.002]). Neither the presence of hypertension nor blood pressure and aPWV influenced periostin level. To conclude, the role of serum periostin as a biomarker of elevated blood pressure and arterial damage in pediatric patients with primary hypertension is yet to be unmasked. Age, body mass index, uric acid, and lipid concentrations are key factors influencing periostin level in pediatric patients.

Automated summary

Experimental studies suggest that periostin may play a role in tissue repair and remodeling. This study aimed to assess serum periostin levels as a potential biomarker in pediatric patients with primary hypertension. The findings showed that periostin levels were lower in children with primary hypertension compared to healthy controls, and were correlated with age, BMI, uric acid, and lipid concentrations. The presence of hypertension and blood pressure levels did not significantly impact periostin levels.