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Published on: April 3, 2017
Circulating procoagulant microparticles in obesity
B Goichot1, L Grunebaum, D Desprez
1Service de Médecine Interne et Nutrition, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires, 67098 Strasbourg Cedex, France. bernard.goichot@chru-strasbourg.fr
Aim:
Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and venous thromboembolism. Circulating procoagulant microparticles (MP) have been described in various clinical situations associated with thrombosis and in diabetic patients. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the presence of MP in obese patients without any other vascular risk factor in particular diabetes.
Methods:
Fifty-eight obese women <50 year-old without other cardiovascular risk factors were recruited from a single out-patient nutrition clinic. They were compared to 45 age-matched healthy normal weight controls. Main outcome was MP levels in patients and controls. Relationships between MP concentrations and parameters reflecting insulin resistance in patients were also studied.
Results:
Obese patients were 33.3 +/- 1.2 years old and had a mean BMI of 42.4 +/- 0.9 kg/m2. There vas a greater proportion of smokers in the obese group (34.5 vs 15.6%). Mean MP levels were markedly higher in obese patients compared to controls (10.6 +/- 0.5 vs 3.2 +/- 0.3 nMPSeq, P < 0.001). There was no difference in MP concentrations between smokers and non smokers. In the obese group, there was a negative correlation between MP and BMI (r = -0.265, P < 0.05) but no relationship could be established between MP concentrations and markers of insulin resistance.
Conclusion:
This increase in circulating MP levels reflects cell activation and could account for the increased risk of thrombotic complications in obesity. Further studies are ongoing to explore the relationships between MP levels and coagulation markers and to assess the effect of weight reduction.
Insights
Obese individuals exhibit significantly higher levels of circulating procoagulant microparticles (MP), a potential indicator of thrombotic risk. This preliminary study highlights MP as a marker for obesity-associated vascular complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Hematology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and venous thromboembolism.
- Circulating procoagulant microparticles (MP) are implicated in thrombosis and observed in diabetic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of MP in obese patients without other vascular risk factors, specifically excluding diabetes.
- To evaluate MP levels as a potential biomarker in obesity-related thrombotic risk.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 58 obese women under 50 without cardiovascular risk factors was compared to 45 age-matched healthy controls.
- MP levels were quantified and compared between groups.
- Correlations between MP concentrations and insulin resistance markers were assessed in obese patients.
Main Results:
- Obese patients (mean BMI 42.4 kg/m2) showed markedly higher MP levels than controls (10.6 vs 3.2 nMPSeq, P < 0.001).
- A negative correlation was observed between MP levels and BMI in the obese group (r = -0.265, P < 0.05).
- No significant relationship was found between MP concentrations and markers of insulin resistance.
Conclusions:
- Elevated circulating MP levels in obesity suggest increased cell activation.
- These findings indicate that MP may contribute to the heightened thrombotic risk associated with obesity.
- Further research is warranted to explore MP relationships with coagulation and the impact of weight reduction.
