Is plasma-soluble CD36 associated with density of atheromatous plaque and ankle–brachial index in early-onset coronary artery disease patients?

Abstract

A b s t r a c tBackground: CD36 is a major macrophage scavenger receptor for oxidised low-density lipoprotein particles. Soluble CD36 (sCD36) is circulating as a ligand-bound complex and may be present in microparticles shed from cells such as platelets, monocytes/macrophages, or adipocytes. Positive association of plasma sCD36 with insulin resistance has been reported, and it has been proposed that sCD36 might represent a marker of macrophage activation and inflammation leading to atherosclerosis. Recently we have identified an association between CD36 polymorphism and low thickness of atheromatous plaque, suggesting its protective effect against atherosclerosis development. Aim:To obtain insight into the relationship between plasma concentration of sCD36 and radiological parameters of atherosclerosis in patients with early-onset coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods:The study group comprised 70 clinically stable patients (18 women and 52 men) with early CAD (aged no more than 50 years for men and 55 years for women). Fasting blood sample was taken for serum glucose, lipid profile, ApoA1, ApoB, Lp(a), and plasma sCD36 protein measurements. Each subject's weight, height, waist and hip circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured, and the body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and mean arterial pressure were calculated. Doppler ultrasound examinations of carotid and peripheral arteries were performed in all patients. Thickness of intima-media complex (IMC) of common carotid (CCA) and brachial arteries, as well as density and thickness of atheromatous plaque at CCA bifurcation, were measured with M'Ath programme. Plasma concentrations of CD36 antigen were measured by ELISA. Correlations between quantitative variables and sCD36 plasma concentration were assessed with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (Rs). Associations between qualitative variables and sCD36 plasma concentration were tested with the Mann-Whitney U test. Results:We observed no significant correlations between sCD36 concentration and radiological parameters of atherosclerosis. We found only borderline significant negative correlation of sCD36 concentration with thickness of IMC of left brachial artery. We also observed a significantly negative correlation with CCA plaque density, but only in the female subgroup and on the right side. Borderline higher sCD36 plasma concentrations were observed in patients with lower ankle-brachial index value (< 0.9). Conclusions:The results of the study show no strong associations and do not prove either detrimental or beneficial influence of sCD36 on radiological parameters of atherosclerosis. Further research is necessary to assess the association of high plasma sCD36 concentrations with the risk of plaque instability in patients with early-onset CAD.

The Circulating Fatty Acid Transporter Soluble CD36 Is Not Associated with Carotid Atherosclerosis in Subjects with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…The atherosclerotic plaques analysed in that study differ from those of subjects in our study in that the latter were asymptomatic and that none of the plaques were stenotic in patients with early onset (<50 years) clinically stable coronary artery disease. In line with our findings, Rac et al found no relationship between sCD36 concentrations and radiological parameters of atherosclerosis (cIMT and plaque) [33]. Finally, discordant results have been reported on the association between sCD36 concentrations and the risk of incident CV events.…”

“…This could suggest a possible protective role of higher sCD36 concentration against subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in nondiabetic subjects. A recent study reported a possible protective effect of sCD36 concentration against metabolic syndrome components in patients with early coronary artery disease [30]. Several studies have analysed sCD36 concentrations in subjects with different atherosclerotic measures.…”

Low Levels of CD36 in Peripheral Blood Monocytes in Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Mexican Population

“…It has been reported the protective role of the CD36 polymorphism, G573A, in plaque thickness in patients with early coronary artery disease [21]. …”

New insights into oxidative stress and inflammation during diabetes mellitus-accelerated atherosclerosis

“…Ox-LDL induces the expression and release of inflammatory modulators, leading to promotion of monocyte migration, increased density of macrophage scavenger receptors, and increased uptake of ox-LDL during foam cells formation [74] , [75] ( Fig. 3 ).…”