Circulating Leukocyte-Derived Microparticles Predict Subclinical Atherosclerosis Burden in Asymptomatic Subjects

Abstract

Objective-To clarify circulating microparticles (MP) relationships with preclinical atherosclerosis. Methods and Results-In 216 subjects without cardiovascular disease, we assessed: (1) annexin V-positive, plateletderived, endothelium-derived and leukocyte-derived circulating MP by capture on annexin V, anti-GPIb, anti-CD105, and anti-CD11a antibody-coated wells, respectively; (2) Framingham risk, metabolic syndrome, and low-grade inflammation by risk factors measurement including hsCRP; and (3) subclinical atherosclerosis by ultrasound examination of carotid, abdominal aorta, and femoral arteries. Number of sites with plaque ranged from 0 to 3 and plaque burden was classified into 0 to 1 or 2 to 3 sites disease.

Microparticles as Biomarkers of Vascular Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome and its Individual Components

“…Arteaga et al [71] reported endothelial-cell microparticle release, platelet and leukocyte activation and increased binding of microparticles from endothelial cells and platelets to leukocytes in patients with the MetS, whereas Ueba et al [72] reported that platelet microparticle levels were predictive of MetS. Chironi and colleagues [73] showed that…”

“…For the moment, standardization of the method of isolation and detection of microparticles is needed [80]. [14,69] [ 72,73] …”

Short-term very low-calorie diet in obese females improves the haemostatic balance through the reduction of leptin levels, PAI-1 concentrations and a diminished release of platelet and leukocyte-derived microparticles

“…5 Notably, in healthy individuals, leukocyte-derived MPs were found to be associated with the component of metabolic syndrome or the Framingham risk score and were predictive of the extent of infra-clinical atheroma independently of traditional risk factors. 19 With respect to the current knowledge, we believed that the demonstration of the reduction of leukocytesderived MPs is potentially meaningful on a pathophysiological point of view. Indeed, when considering the intricate mechanisms of thrombosis, several lines of evidences pointed at a key role for leukocyte-derived MPs.…”

Microparticles in endothelial cell and vascular homeostasis: are they really noxious?

“…17,18 For instance, in newly menopausal women, procoagulant microparticle levels increase with the decline of endogenous estrogen concentration, and thus may be indicative of the cardiovascular risk at menopause. 19 Elevation of plasma EMP levels particularly reflects cellular injury and now appears as a marker of vascular dysfunction.…”