Increased plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels in patients with isolated low high-density lipoprotein...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular research
• Inflammation and immunity
• Lipid metabolism

Background:

• High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) plays a role in inhibiting inflammation during atherosclerotic plaque development.
• Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between plasma MCP-1 levels and low HDL-C in individuals without pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Main Methods:

• The study compared 55 patients with low HDL-C (≤ 35 mg/dL) to 33 age- and sex-matched controls with normal HDL-C (> 35 mg/dL).
• Evaluated plasma MCP-1, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), uric acid, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels.

Main Results:

• Patients with low HDL-C exhibited significantly lower HDL-C levels compared to controls (p < 0.001).
• Elevated MCP-1 levels were observed in the low HDL-C group versus controls (p < 0.01).
• Increased NLR, uric acid, and hs-CRP levels were also noted in patients with low HDL-C.

Conclusions:

• Elevated plasma MCP-1 and heightened inflammation markers are potentially associated with increased cardiovascular risk in individuals with low HDL-C.
• These findings highlight a potential link between low HDL-C, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk in a non-CVD population.