Analysis of Various Subsets of Circulating Mononuclear Cells in Asymptomatic Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between multiple cardiovascular risk factors (MCRFs) and circulating mononuclear cells (CMCs) in asymptomatic coronary artery disease patients. Design and Methods: 126 subjects (54 male), aged 48 to 62 years, with asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) documented previously with angiography, and 25 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. The flow cytometric technique was used for predictably distinguishing cell subsets that depend on the expression of CD14, CD34, Tie-2, CD45, and CD309 (VEGFR2). Results: The analysis of the outcome obtained shows a trend of an increase in circulating CD45⁻CD34⁺ CMCs and a reduction in CMC population defined as CD14⁺CD309⁺ and CD14⁺CD309⁺Tie²⁺ in known asymptomatic CAD patients in comparison with healthy volunteers. Substantial correlations between CD45⁻CD34⁺ and conventional cardiovascular risk factors (hs-CRP, T2DM, serum uric acid and hypertension) were found in the patient cohort. The concentrations of CD14⁺CD309⁺ and CD14⁺CD309⁺Tie²⁺ CMCs had effect on such factors as T2DM (RR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.10–1.40; p = 0.008), hs-CRP > 2.54 mg/L (RR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.12–1.58; p = 0.006), Agatston score index (RR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.15–1.27; p = 0.034), and occurrence of three and more cardiovascular risk factors (RR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.12–1.49; p = 0.008). Conclusion: It is postulated that the reduction in circulating CD14⁺CD309⁺ and CD14⁺CD309⁺Tei²⁺ CMCs is related to a number of cardiovascular risk factors in asymptomatic patients with known CAD.