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Updated: Jan 3, 2026
On-Chip Endothelial Inflammatory Phenotyping
Published on: July 21, 2012
Reproducibility of endothelial microparticles in children and adolescents
Elise F Northrop1, Liming C Milbauer2, Kyle D Rudser1,3
1Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Abstract:
Aim: We assessed reproducibility of endothelial microparticles (EMPs) enumeration among youth. Methods & results: Four microparticle (MP) indices - total MP per microliter platelet free plasma (PFP), total EMPs per microliter PFP, percent activated EMPs and percent lactadherin positive (LACT[+]) of total EMPs - were measured at two visits (baseline and 7 ± 3 days follow-up) to determine reproducibility overall and by obesity status. We examined CD31+ or CD144+ with CD41-EMP events of size 0.3-1.0 μm. No statistically significant differences were observed between visits for any of the four MP indices. The within-participant and between-participant coefficient of variation was acceptable (range: 1.13-2.37) with good intraclass-correlation coefficient for all indices except total MP per microliter (range: 0.10-1.00). Conclusion: Total EMPs per microliter PFP, percent-activated EMPs and percent LACT(+) of total EMPs are reproducible among youth.
Insights
Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) enumeration is reproducible in youth. Measurements of total EMPs, activated EMPs, and lactadherin-positive EMPs show reliable results for research and clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomarker Discovery
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are emerging biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction.
- Accurate and reproducible enumeration of EMPs is crucial for their clinical application, especially in pediatric populations.
- Reproducibility studies are needed to validate measurement techniques for EMPs in youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reproducibility of endothelial microparticle (EMPs) enumeration in a youth cohort.
- To evaluate the reliability of different microparticle (MP) indices, including total EMPs and activated EMPs.
- To determine if reproducibility varies based on obesity status in adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Four MP indices were measured at two visits (baseline and 7 ± 3 days follow-up).
- Indices included total MP/µL PFP, total EMPs/µL PFP, % activated EMPs, and % lactadherin-positive (LACT[+]) EMPs.
- EMPs were identified as CD31+ or CD144+ with CD41+ events (size 0.3-1.0 µm).
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were found between the two measurement visits for any MP index.
- Acceptable within-participant and between-participant coefficients of variation (1.13-2.37) were observed.
- Good intraclass-correlation coefficients (0.10-1.00) indicated reliability for most indices, except total MP/µL PFP.
Conclusions:
- Total EMPs/µL PFP, percent-activated EMPs, and percent LACT(+) EMPs are reproducible measures in youth.
- These specific EMP indices demonstrate reliable enumeration, supporting their use in pediatric research.
- The findings support the utility of these EMP measures for assessing endothelial health in adolescents.
