Stromal cell-derived factor-1α as a novel biomarker for hyperlipidemia

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is expressed in a wide variety of organs, such as heart, and plays a pivotal role in the mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in bone marrow. SDF-1α, a common subtype of SDF-1, may control hematopoiesis and angiogenesis, but its role in the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the role of SDF-1α in the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia. First, log-transformed SDF-1α serum levels (logSDF-1α) were significantly higher in male patients with borderline high lipid profile (BHLP; n=28; 2.15±0.08 ng/ml) compared to control subjects (n=37; 1.94±0.06 ng/ml; P<0.01). The logSDF-1α in male patients with high lipid profile (HLP; n=33; 1.95±0.08 ng/ml) were lower than BHLP patients (P<0.01). The logSDF-1α was positively associated with HDL-C only in female patients (n=125; r=0.379, P=0.016). These results suggest the different pathophysiology in male and female patients with hyperlipidemia. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis showed that expression of the SDF-1α receptor, CXC-chemokine receptor 4, was lower in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with BHLP (n=10) and HLP (n=10), compared to control subjects (n=10; P<0.001). Lastly, peripheral blood leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were higher in BHLP patients (n=62; P<0.05). Taken together, we suggest SDF-1α as a biomarker of hyperlipidemia that may be helpful to uncover the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia.