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Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Published on: September 27, 2024
Microparticles as biomarkers of vascular dysfunction in metabolic syndrome and its individual components
Abdelali Agouni, Ramaroson Andriantsitohaina, Maria C Martinez1
1INSERM, U1063, Stress oxydant et pathologies metaboliques, Universite d'Angers, Rue des Capucins, Angers, F-49100, France. carmen.martinez@univ-angers.fr.
Abstract:
Heterogeneous in size (0.1-1 µm), microparticles are small membrane vesicles released from activated and/or apoptotic cells. Although described since 1967 by Wolf, it is only since the 1990's that microparticles have been considered as biomarkers as well as potential mediators of biological messages between cells by acting as paracrine and endocrine vectors. Detection of microparticles has been performed in biological fluids (blood, synovial fluid, saliva for instance) and some solid tissues but also from the culture medium. Levels of circulating microparticles are enhanced in a large number of pathological states including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders associated with insulin resistance and this has been linked to deleterious effects on cells from the vascular wall, mainly, endothelial cells. This review highlights the increasing impact of microparticles in major cardiovascular pathological situations associated with metabolic derangements.
Insights
Microparticles, small vesicles from cells, are increasingly recognized as biomarkers and mediators in cardiovascular diseases. Elevated levels are linked to insulin resistance and damage to vascular endothelial cells.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane vesicles (0.1-1 µm) released from activated or apoptotic cells.
- Initially described in 1967, their roles as biomarkers and intercellular communication vectors (paracrine/endocrine) gained attention in the 1990s.
- MPs are detectable in various biological fluids and tissues, and from cell culture media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significant impact of microparticles in cardiovascular pathologies.
- To highlight the association between microparticles and metabolic derangements.
- To underscore the role of microparticles in conditions involving insulin resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on microparticle detection and roles.
- Analysis of studies linking microparticle levels to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
- Examination of microparticle effects on vascular wall cells, particularly endothelial cells.
Main Results:
- Circulating microparticle levels are elevated in numerous pathological states.
- Increased microparticle levels are notably associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance.
- Microparticles exert deleterious effects on vascular endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Microparticles are increasingly important in understanding cardiovascular diseases with metabolic components.
- Their role as biomarkers and mediators in these conditions is significant.
- Further research into microparticle mechanisms is warranted for therapeutic strategies.
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