Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
Published on: October 17, 2017
Association between serum cystatin C, monocytes and other inflammatory markers
A A Evangelopoulos1, N G Vallianou, V Bountziouka
1Department of Internal Medicine, Polykliniki General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Insights
Serum cystatin C levels correlate with monocyte counts, suggesting a link between renal function markers and inflammation. This finding may help predict cardiovascular risk.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Cystatin C is a recognized marker for renal function.
- Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between cystatin C and inflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cystatin C and leukocyte counts.
- To explore potential links between cystatin C and other inflammatory markers.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed cystatin C, creatinine, hs-CRP, haptoglobin, ferritin, albumin, glucose, lipids, and leukocyte counts in 490 adults.
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate using the MDRD formula.
- Collected anthropometric and lifestyle data.
Main Results:
- Serum cystatin C showed a positive, independent relationship with monocyte count and white blood cell count after adjusting for confounders.
- Other inflammatory markers like hs-CRP and haptoglobin did not significantly influence cystatin C levels.
Conclusions:
- Monocytes, key players in chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis, are independently associated with cystatin C concentrations.
- This association may explain cystatin C's utility in predicting heightened cardiovascular risk.
Background:
Cystatin C is a marker of renal function that appears to be associated with inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is any relationship between cystatin C, total and differential leukocyte count and other inflammatory markers.
Methods:
Cystatin C, creatinine, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), haptoglobin, ferritin, serum albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides together with total and differential leukocyte count were determined in 490 adults (46 ± 16 years, 40% men) who underwent a typical health examination. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated by the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics were also recorded.
Results:
After adjustment for demographic risk factors, comorbid health conditions and renal function, a positive and independent relationship of serum cystatin C levels with peripheral monocyte blood count (regression coefficient ± SE: 12 ± 3.38, P < 0.001) and white blood count (0.616 ± 0.278, P= 0.027) was evident. In this multiple linear regression analysis, other inflammatory markers (i.e. hs-CRP, haptoglobin, ferritin, albumin) did not seem to affect cystatin C blood levels.
Conclusion:
The results of this study demonstrated that monocytes, which play an important role in chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis, were independently related with cystatin C concentrations. This finding may provide a plausible link for the usefulness of cystatin C in predicting increased cardiovascular risk.
