Circulating Leukocyte-Derived Microparticles Predict Subclinical Atherosclerosis Burden in Asymptomatic Subjects

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Abstract
Objective— To clarify circulating microparticles (MP) relationships with preclinical atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— In 216 subjects without cardiovascular disease, we assessed: (1) annexin V-positive, platelet-derived, endothelium-derived and leukocyte-derived circulating MP by capture on annexin V, anti-GPIb, anti-CD105, and anti-CD11a antibody-coated wells, respectively; (2) Framingham risk, metabolic syndrome, and low-grade inflammation by risk factors measurement including hsCRP; and (3) subclinical atherosclerosis by ultrasound examination of carotid, abdominal aorta, and femoral arteries. Number of sites with plaque ranged from 0 to 3 and plaque burden was classified into 0 to 1 or 2 to 3 sites disease. Leukocyte-derived MP level was higher in the presence than in the absence of moderate to high Framingham risk (PPPPPPPPPPConclusions— Leukocyte-derived MP, identified by affinity for CD11a, are increased in subjects with ultrasound evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis, unveiling new directions for atherosclerosis research. Circulating leukocyte-derived microparticles (MP) were related to Framingham risk, metabolic syndrome, CRP, and presence and extent of preclinical atherosclerosis in 216 primary prevention subjects. These relationships of leukocyte-derived MP with atherosclerosis were independent of all risk markers, leukocyte count, and concomitant drugs. These data unveil new directions for atherosclerosis research.