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Leukocyte count is associated with reduced endothelial reactivity
Mitchell S V Elkind1, Robert R Sciacca, Bernadette Boden-Albala
1Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the Columbia University Medical Center of New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA. msel3@columbia.edu
Atherosclerosis
|July 26, 2005
Summary
Elevated white blood cell counts are linked to reduced endothelial reactivity, a key indicator of cardiovascular health. This finding suggests inflammation may play a role in atherosclerosis and stroke risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Vascular biology
- Inflammation and disease
Background:
- Leukocyte count is a known risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
- Endothelial reactivity is crucial for maintaining vascular health.
- The relationship between white blood cell count and endothelial function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between white blood cell count and endothelial reactivity.
- To determine if elevated leukocyte counts correlate with impaired flow-mediated dilation (FMD).
Main Methods:
- A sample of 868 stroke-free community participants underwent brachial artery testing for endothelial reactivity.
- Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed using high-resolution B-mode ultrasound.
- Multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for atherosclerosis risk factors.
Main Results:
- Each unit increase in leukocyte count was associated with a 0.18% decrease in FMD (p=0.01).
- This association persisted after adjusting for risk factors (0.17% decrease, p=0.02).
- A linear decrease in FMD was observed across quartiles of leukocyte count (p=0.0014).
Conclusions:
- Higher leukocyte counts are significantly associated with reduced brachial artery endothelial reactivity.
- Findings support inflammatory hypotheses for atherosclerosis and stroke risk.
- Interactions between leukocyte count and demographic/risk factors warrant further study.