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Published on: February 20, 2015
Diagnostic role of endothelial microparticles in vasculitis
U Erdbruegger1, M Grossheim, B Hertel
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany. erdbruegger.uta@mh-hannover.de
Objective:
Endothelial cells play a central pathogenetic role in ANCA-associated small-vessel vasculitis (AAV). Circulating endothelial cells (CECs), as a marker of endothelial damage, have been shown to be elevated in vasculitis. More recently, endothelial microparticles (EMPs) were found to be increased in active childhood vasculitis. The role of EMP in adult AAV and the relationship between EMP and CEC is unclear.
Patients And Methods:
We studied 26 patients with AAV, 12 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with IgA nephropathy as disease control. Platelet-poor plasma was ultracentrifuged. MPs were identified and enumerated with flow cytometry, Annexin V, CD62E and CD105 antibodies. Leucocyte- and platelet-derived MPs were also measured. CEC were isolated and enumerated with CD146-driven immuno-magnetic isolation.
Results:
EMPs are significantly elevated in patients with active vasculitis (CD62E: mean 248 MP/microl +/- 198 s.d.; CD105: 121 +/- 135/microl) compared with patients in remission/partial remission (CD62E: 55 +/- 30/microl, P = 0.001; CD105: 16 +/- 12/microl, P = 0.002) and healthy volunteers (CD62E: 66 +/- 33/microl, P = 0.002; CD105: 25 +/- 26/microl, P = 0.007). The MP count correlates with disease activity measured by the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) (CD62E: r = 0.703; CD105: r = 0.445, P < 0.023).
Conclusion:
EMPs are elevated in active adult AAV. EMP levels correlate with disease activity and might serve as a marker of endothelial activation and damage. Differential detection of endothelial, platelet- and leucocyte-derived MPs may provide more insight in to the pathogenesis of AAV.
Insights
Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are elevated in active ANCA-associated small-vessel vasculitis (AAV) and correlate with disease activity. This suggests EMPs may indicate endothelial damage in adult AAV.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Endothelial cells are key in ANCA-associated small-vessel vasculitis (AAV).
- Elevated circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) indicate endothelial damage in vasculitis.
- The role of EMPs in adult AAV and their relation to CECs is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of EMPs in adult AAV.
- To determine the relationship between EMPs and CECs in adult AAV.
- To assess EMPs as potential biomarkers for endothelial activation and damage in AAV.
Main Methods:
- Studied 26 adult AAV patients, 12 healthy volunteers, and 10 IgA nephropathy patients.
- Measured EMPs using flow cytometry with Annexin V, CD62E, and CD105 antibodies.
- Isolated and enumerated CECs using CD146-driven immuno-magnetic isolation.
Main Results:
- EMPs (CD62E and CD105) were significantly elevated in active AAV patients compared to those in remission and healthy controls.
- EMP levels positively correlated with disease activity, as measured by the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS).
- Leukocyte- and platelet-derived microparticles were also measured.
Conclusions:
- EMPs are elevated in active adult AAV, indicating endothelial activation and damage.
- EMP levels correlate with disease activity, suggesting their potential as a biomarker.
- Differentiating microparticle origins may offer deeper insights into AAV pathogenesis.
