Endothelium-derived Microparticles Are Increased in Teenagers With Cobalamin Deficiency

Vitamin B 12 (cobalamin) deficiency may be a significant cause of hyperhomocysteinemia, and high homocysteine (Hcy) levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Endothelium-derived microparticles (EMPs) are a new marker in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, which play a role in cardiovascular diseases' pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the EMPs, the markers of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, and lipid profile in teenagers with cobalamin deficiency.

This prospective study included 143 teenagers, 75 vitamin B 12 deficient patients and 68 healthy controls between 11 and 18 years of age. Routine laboratory tests, hemogram, vitamin B 12 , folic acid, ferritin, Hcy, lipid profile and EMPs were examined and compared. EMP subgroups were analyzed by flow cytometry method according to the expression of membrane-specific antigens. The microparticles released from the endothelium studied were VE-cadherin (CD144), S-endo1 (CD146), and Endoglin (CD105).

The present study demonstrates that circulating CD105+ EMP, CD144+ EMP, CD146+ EMPs, and Hcy were increased, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was reduced in teenagers with cobalamin deficiency. Vitamin B 12 showed a negative correlation with EMPs and Hcy, positive correlation with folate and HDL. All EMPs showed a significant positive correlation with triglyceride, vitamin B 12 , and HDL.

Vitamin B 12 deficiency may predispose to endothelial damage and atherosclerosis by increasing EMPs and harms lipid metabolism in the long term.