Circulating microparticles may influence early carotid artery remodeling
Gilles N Chironi1, Alain Simon, Chantal M Boulanger
1AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Service de Cardiologie Préventive, Paris, France.
Journal of Hypertension
|December 25, 2009
Summary
Increased leukocyte and endothelial microparticles correlate with inward carotid artery remodeling in individuals with the greatest intima-media thickness (IMT) before atherosclerosis is detectable. These findings suggest early markers for vascular changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomarkers
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Circulating microparticles (MPs) are cell-derived vesicles implicated in various physiological and pathological processes.
- Early detection of vascular changes, such as large artery remodeling, is crucial for preventing atherosclerosis.
- The association between specific microparticle types and early arterial remodeling remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between circulating microparticles of platelet, endothelial, and leukocyte origin and large artery remodeling in asymptomatic individuals.
- To determine if these microparticles are associated with intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid artery dimensions before detectable atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 232 untreated, symptom-free individuals was studied.
- Microparticles (platelet-derived, endothelial-derived, leukocyte-derived) were quantified using specific antibody markers (anti-GPIb, anti-CD105, anti-CD11a).
- Common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), internal diameter, and external diameter were measured using ultrasound.
Main Results:
- Leukocyte and endothelial-derived microparticles showed significant interactions with IMT, influencing carotid artery diameters.
- Individuals with higher levels of leukocyte (CD11a) and endothelial (CD105) microparticles exhibited inward carotid remodeling (decreased diameter) in the presence of increased IMT.
- Specific correlations were observed between microparticle levels and IMT, internal diameter, external diameter, and IMT-to-lumen ratio (IMT/D).
Conclusions:
- Elevated levels of leukocyte- and endothelial-derived microparticles are associated with carotid artery inward remodeling.
- These microparticles may serve as early indicators of vascular changes preceding detectable atherosclerosis.
- The findings highlight the potential of microparticles as biomarkers for subclinical cardiovascular disease.
