Risk of Chronic Diseases in Young Adults Born Preterm: Relationship With Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers.

The purpose of the HAPI project is to study the overall health of preterm infants once they reach adulthood. The investigators would like to compare the health of adults born preterm with that of adults born full-term. They would also like to find the early signs, or biomarkers, of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and chronic lung diseases. Such biomarkers would allow for early diagnosis and prevention. Furthermore, the investigators would like to understand why some people born preterm are more likely to develop chronic disease. They believe that inflammation and oxidative stress may play a part. Oxidative stress is present when the body is not able to defend itself against oxygen-derived products that can damage our cells. To carry out this study, the investigators will examine 6 aspects of the health: (1) heart and circulation, (2) kidneys, (3) lungs, (4) metabolism - sugars and fats in the blood, (5) bones, and (6) eyes.

The participants, from both groups will spend a whole day at St. Justine's hospital. Upon arrival after an overnight fast, vital signs and anthropometric measures are taken. Then blood and urine are obtained as well and a pregnancy test is performed for women. After inserting a intravenous catheter, around 55 mL of blood is taken and sent to the biochemistry department and to our laboratory. A oral glucose tolerance test is also performed with blood sampling over 2hours. Then a renal and carotid ultrasounds, as well as a osteodensitometry test (bone mineral density and body muscle/fat composition) are done. Ophtalmology exam is realized by ophtalmologist, including visual acuity, contrast and fundus photograph, then the participants are provided with a standardized light lunch. A thorough cardiac ultrasound, as well as assessment of major arteries (aorta, carotid, brachial) structure and function are performed. Pulmonary function tests are done before a fitness test for VO2 max, and repeated with bronchodilatator after the fitness test. Prior to leaving, participants are given a ambulatory blood pressure monitor for them to carry for 24 consecutive hours over the following 2 days. Prior to the study day, participants are sent questionnaires to be filled in advance by themselves and by each of their parent. During the study day, other questionnaires regarding their lifestyles and medical condition are also filled. Overall, information is obtained about: (1) Socio-economic status: Occupation, education level and income of participant and parents. (2) Family history: Parental health (including maternal pregnancies) and familial (1st and 2nd degree) premature history of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type-2 diabetes, chronic pulmonary or renal diseases. (3) Personal medical history: Current medication use (including anti-inflammatory medications), medical history, current symptoms, and growth parameters from birth to present (according to medical records and child health care booklet), age at menarche. (4) Health-related behaviors: (a) regular physical activities (Minnesota and Huet validated questionnaires) (b) Smoking and alcohol consumption. (c) Diet assessed through the validated and self-administered 73-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). (d) SF-36 Health Survey. In addition to the study protocol, the subjects are invited to contribute extra biosamples to our blood (3 ml) and urine (1 ml) biobank.