Association of the Total White Blood Cell, Neutrophils, and Monocytes Count With the Presence, Severity, and Types of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have indicated that white blood cells (WBCs) might contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. However, the associations of WBCs and WBC subgroups with carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) have not been compared. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 3,569 healthy Chinese adults was conducted between January 2016 and December 2018 in Zhengzhou, China, to explore the associations of WBC and WBC subtypes with the presence, severity, and types of CAPs. Fasting peripheral venous blood was collected for measurement of the total WBC and WBC subtype counts. The size, composition, and types of CAPs in the common carotid artery, the internal carotid artery, and the external carotid artery were measured bilaterally using B-mode ultrasound. Results: The total WBC, neutrophil, and monocyte counts showed significant associations with the presence of CAPs in men, but not in women, with the adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) in the highest (compared to the lowest) quartile 1.99 (1.33–2.97), 1.65 (1.10–2.47), and 2.17 (1.41–3.18) ( P trend = 0.004, P trend = 0.004, and P trend < 0.001), respectively. The three leukocyte counts were also significantly associated with the severity of CAPs, as judged by the count of CAPs, maximal internal carotid plaque thickness, and the plaque score (all P < 0.01, P trend < 0.05). Compared with individuals without CAPs, those with echolucent plaques had significantly increased total WBC and neutrophil counts, whereas those with polytype plaques had a significantly increased monocyte count. Conclusion: WBC, neutrophil, and monocyte counts were significantly associated with the presence, severity, and types of CAPs in a healthy Chinese population.

Impact of Acute and Chronic Psychosocial Stress on Vascular Inflammation

“…In line with their mechanistic function in the pathology of atherosclerosis, high levels of neutrophils in plasma and inside atherosclerotic lesions have been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events ( 63 , 94 ). Indeed, a recent analysis of five large randomized clinical trials showed that the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio is a readily available inflammatory biomarker that predicts cardiovascular outcomes ( 2 ).…”

Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio is associated with carotid intraplaque neovascularization in asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients

“…Neutrophils could secrete large amounts of inflammatory cytokines to mediate the inflammatory response. 22 Furthermore, various enzymes released by neutrophils, including myeloperoxidase and superoxide radicals, might accelerate the inflammatory response. In contrast, lymphocytes play the most critical role in anti-inflammation and endothelium protection among the immune system.…”

“…An increased NLR includes increased neutrophil counts and/or decreased lymphocyte counts, reflecting the imbalanced inflammation status. Neutrophils could secrete large amounts of inflammatory cytokines to mediate the inflammatory response 22 . Furthermore, various enzymes released by neutrophils, including myeloperoxidase and superoxide radicals, might accelerate the inflammatory response.…”

The Association Pattern between Ambient Temperature Change and Leukocyte Counts

“…Peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count is an easy-accessed marker, representing the severity of systematic response to inflammation or stress. Meanwhile, we note many previous studies have reported the associations between peripheral WBC count and incidence of disease, morbidity and mortality, such as atrial fibrillation [ 23 ], stroke [ 24 , 25 , 26 ], myocardium infarction [ 27 , 28 ], respiratory disease [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ], acute kidney disease [ 34 ], diabetes mellitus [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ], etc. However, few studies explore the relationship of air temperature and peripheral WBC count.…”