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Monocyte angiotensin converting enzyme expression may be associated with atherosclerosis rather than arteriosclerosis

Christof Ulrich1, Eric Seibert, Gunnar H Heine

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.

Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN
|December 4, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) expression on pro-inflammatory Mo2 monocytes is linked to atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients. This finding suggests ACE-expressing monocytes may promote plaque buildup, contributing to cardiovascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Circulating monocytes, specifically CD14(++)CD16(+) (Mo2) cells, are associated with cardiovascular risks in hemodialysis patients.
  • These Mo2 cells express angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and are implicated in chronic inflammation and cardiovascular disease in kidney patients.
  • Cardiovascular morbidity stems from atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, but the role of ACE-expressing monocytes in these conditions was unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between ACE expression on Mo2 monocytes and the presence of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis.
  • To determine if ACE-expressing Mo2 cells are associated with plaque formation or arterial stiffening in hemodialysis patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study screened 60 chronic hemodialysis patients.
  • Atherosclerosis was assessed using carotid artery ultrasound.
  • Arteriosclerosis was measured by pulse pressure, and Mo2 cell ACE expression was quantified via flow cytometry.

Main Results:

  • ACE expression on Mo2 monocytes was significantly higher in patients with severe carotid atherosclerosis compared to those with minimal or no atherosclerosis.
  • Mo2 cell ACE expression correlated with a quantitative atherosclerosis score and independently predicted carotid plaques.
  • No significant relationship was found between Mo2 cell ACE expression and pulse pressure, indicating no association with arteriosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • ACE expression on Mo2 monocytes may contribute to cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease patients primarily through the enhancement of atherosclerosis.
  • These findings suggest that targeting ACE-expressing Mo2 cells could be a strategy to mitigate atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients.
Abstract

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