Our data and systematic literature analysis revealed that neither epidemiological nor experimental evidence seems to exist linking prenatal underfeeding, low birthweight, IUGR, or decreased placental flow in rats (Lig-model) as independent risk factors to increased metabolic syndrome risk in later life. Rather, pre- and/or neonatal overfeeding,

elevated birthweight, rapid neonatal weight gain, and especially increased adiposity during critical periods of perinatal life may increase long-term risks. Perinatally acquired microstructural and epigenomic alterations in regulatory systems of metabolism and body weight seem to be critical, leading to a cardiometabolic risk disposition throughout life. While experimental data in Lig-offspring seem to be considerably BIBW2992 biased, prenatal stress and postnatal overfeeding/rapid neonatal weight gain might be causally linked to a long-term deleterious outcome in growth restricted newborns. From a clinical point of view, prevention of causes of IUGR, as well as avoidance of perinatal overnourishment, might be prophylactic approaches Akt inhibitor to avoid perinatal programming of cardiometabolic risks. “
“Please cite this paper as: Bang C,

Fiedler J, Thum T. Cardiovascular importance of the microRNA-23/27/24 family. Microcirculation19: 208–214, 2012. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of highly conserved, noncoding short RNA molecules that regulate gene expression on the post-transcriptional level. MiRNAs are involved in a variety of processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Deregulated expression of miRNAs has been linked to the development of diseases including cardiovascular disorders. Recently, the miR-23/27/24 cluster has been shown to be

involved in angiogenesis and endothelial apoptosis in cardiac ischemia and retinal vascular development. In the present review, we summarize and discuss the role and importance of the miRNA-23/27/24 cluster during cardiovascular angiogenesis. Moreover, we illustrate a novel therapeutic Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase application of the miRNA-23/27/24 cluster in vascular disorders and ischemic heart disease. “
“Microcirculation (2010) 17, 358–366. doi: 10.1111/j.1549-8719.2010.00037.x Objective:  Microcirculatory dysfunction contributes to morbidity and mortality in vascular diseases. Here, we aimed at establishing a sensitive and valid method to measure microvascular reactivity during post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) using scanning laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) of the forearm. Methods:  In a first series, LDPI was methodologically evaluated on the volar forearm of healthy volunteers (n = 10) before and after one to five minutes of upper arm occlusion. In a second series, readings were performed in 20 healthy subjects and 20 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).