Association of blood monocyte and platelet markers with carotid artery characteristics: The atherosclerosis risk in communities carotid MRI study

N. Matijevic, K. K. Wu, A. G. Howard, B. Wasserman, W. Y.W. Wang, A. R. Folsom, A. R. Sharrett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Atherosclerosis is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells from circulating blood. Blood cell activation could play an important role in plaque formation. Methods: We analyzed the relationship between blood cellular markers and quantitative measures of carotid wall components in 1,546 participants from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Carotid MRI Study. Carotid imaging was performed using a gadolinium contrast-enhanced MRI and cellular phenotyping by flow cytometry. Results: Monocyte Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 is associated with larger plaques, while CD14, myeloperoxidase, and TLR-4 associate with smaller. Platelet CD40L is associated with smaller plaques and thinner caps, while P-selectin is associated with smaller core size. Conclusions: Blood cell activation is significantly associated with atherosclerotic changes of the carotid wall.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)552-558
Number of pages7
JournalCerebrovascular Diseases
Volume31
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Flow cytometry
  • Magnetic resonance imaging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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