Monocyte Phenotypes and Physical Activity in Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Immunology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis involves low-grade inflammation driven by circulating monocytes.
• Intermediate pro-inflammatory monocytes correlate with cardiovascular mortality and ischemic stroke risk.
• Physical activity (PA) is known to reduce inflammation, stroke incidence, and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of physical activity on circulating monocyte phenotype in patients with significant carotid stenosis.
• To assess the relationship between physical activity levels, monocyte subsets, and oxidative stress markers.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 29 patients with carotid stenosis > 50%.
• Physical activity assessed using the GPAQ questionnaire (MET.min/week).
• Monocyte phenotypes (classical, intermediate, non-classical) analyzed via flow cytometry; antioxidant/oxidative markers measured.

Main Results:

• Patients exhibited reduced antioxidant capacity and increased oxidative damage.
• Moderate PA was associated with decreased classical and intermediate monocytes compared to non-active and highly active groups.
• Non-classical monocyte levels increased in moderately active patients; intense PA seemed to diminish moderate PA's benefits.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity may benefit patients with carotid stenosis by modulating monocyte profiles.
• Moderate PA might reduce ischemic stroke risk by lowering intermediate monocytes and promoting lesion healing via non-classical monocytes.
• Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and the impact of intense PA.