Intermediate CD14⁺⁺CD16⁺ monocyte predicts severe coronary stenosis and extensive plaque involvement in asymptomatic...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Immunology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Circulating leukocyte subtypes and monocyte subsets are established predictors of cardiovascular events.
• Previous research suggests a link between specific leukocyte populations and cardiovascular pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between leukocyte subtypes, particularly monocyte subsets, and the severity of coronary artery stenosis and plaque burden in asymptomatic adults.
• To determine if intermediate CD14++CD16+ monocyte counts can independently predict severe coronary artery disease (CAD) and improve cardiovascular risk stratification.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical, laboratory, and coronary CT data from 588 asymptomatic adults.
• Assessment of leukocyte and monocyte subset counts, including classical (CD14++CD16-) and intermediate (CD14++CD16+) monocytes.
• Correlation of monocyte subset counts with mixed, calcified, and non-calcified plaque scores, and prediction of severe coronary stenosis and extensive plaque involvement, adjusted for Framingham Risk Score (FRS), metabolic syndrome, and C-reactive protein.

Main Results:

• Intermediate CD14++CD16+ monocyte count showed the strongest association with mixed and calcified plaque scores.
• Neutrophils and classical CD14++CD16- monocytes were associated with non-calcified plaque score.
• High intermediate CD14++CD16+ monocyte count (>12 cells/μL) independently predicted extensive plaque involvement (OR 3.16) and severe coronary stenosis (OR 3.67).
• Adding intermediate CD14++CD16+ monocyte count to FRS significantly improved risk reclassification for extensive plaque and severe stenosis, especially in the intermediate-risk group.

Conclusions:

• Intermediate CD14++CD16+ monocyte count is an independent predictor of severe coronary artery disease and extensive plaque involvement in asymptomatic individuals.
• This monocyte subset can enhance cardiovascular risk stratification when combined with traditional risk factors like the Framingham Risk Score.
• The findings suggest a potential role for monitoring intermediate CD14++CD16+ monocytes in early detection and management of cardiovascular disease.