Association of the increased circulating CD62LloCXCR4hi neutrophil count with carotid atherosclerosis

Abstract

Introduction. The role of neutrophils in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis as well as in the development of its complications has received scientific attention only in the recent years. Today, there is growing evidence to support a role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in sustained inflammation during different chronic inflammatory diseases by retaining neutrophils at inflammatory sites.The aim of the study is to assess the diagnostic and prognostic significance of circulating CD62LloCXCR4hi neutrophils in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Materials and methods. A total of 75 patients (52% of men and 48% of women) aged 40 to 64 years were examined. None of them were diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. All the patients underwent carotid artery duplex scanning. The flow cytometry and CD16, CD11b, CD62L, CD182 (CXCR2) and CD184 (CXCR4) conjugated monoclonal antibodies were used for phenotyping and differentiation of neutrophil subpopulations.Results. Atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries were detected in 72% of the patients; most of the patients were diagnosed with stenosis development in more than one of the carotid arteries (CA). The elevated levels of circulating CXCR4hi neutrophils were associated with the levels of total cholesterol (r = 0.377; p = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (r = 0.293; p = 0.014) and triglycerides (r = 0.388; p = 0.003). The study revealed direct correlation between the circulating CXCR4hi neutrophil count and the cumulative percentage of CA stenosis (r = 0.300; p = 0.011), including the number of stenosed CA (r = 0.291; p = 0.034). It was also found that CXCR4hi neutrophil counts demonstrated a statistically significant increase along with the increased number of stenosed CA (p = 0.025). The ROC analysis findings show that the elevated CXCR4hi neutrophil counts ≥260 cells/μL made it possible to diagnose stenotic lesion of 4 CAs with a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity reaching 76.6%.Conclusion. In patients with carotid atherosclerosis, the increased count of circulating CD62LloCXCR4hi neutrophils was associated with the increased number of stenosed CAs, while no significant changes were observed in the other examined subpopulations of neutrophil granulocytes. The increased CD62LloCXCR4hi neutrophil count made it possible to diagnose stenotic lesion of 4 CAs with a sufficient sensitivity and specificity.

Circulating Ageing Neutrophils as a Marker of Asymptomatic Polyvascular Atherosclerosis in Statin-Naïve Patients without Established Cardiovascular Disease

“…In a previous study conducted on a small mixed-sample of patients, we were able to establish the existence of relationships between an increase in the number of CD62L lo CXCR4 hi -neutrophils and the extent of carotid atherosclerosis [ 36 ]. The present study has served to significantly expand on the previously obtained data with regard to the diagnostic value of aging neutrophils in relation to subclinical polyvascular atherosclerosis in statin-naïve patients aged 40 to 64.…”

Breaking Down the Barrier: The Role of Cervical Infection and Inflammation in Preterm Birth

“…The cervix increases pro-inflammatory cytokine production to help fight off infection. Pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis or cervicitis have higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in their cervical mucus compared to patients with normal pregnancies ( 98 – 100 ). Bacterial and viral infections can also elicit a type 1 T-helper lymphocyte response in the cervix.…”

“…The type of cervical infection and the specific cellular and immunologic responses of the cervix against infections can be used as biomarkers for diagnosing infections and prognosticating pregnancy outcomes ( 98 , 100 ). Previous studies have shown some potential biomarkers associated with cervical infections that may be useful in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.…”