Total cholesterol content of erythrocyte membranes is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease and the therapeutic effect of rosuvastatin

Abstract

Introduction. Numerous studies suggest that total cholesterol content of erythrocyte membranes (CEM) might play a critical role in atherosclerotic plaque progression and instability. However, the exact role of CEM in atherosclerosis remains obscure. Our study was designed to investigate the association between CEM and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), and to assess the effect of rosuvastatin on CEM levels.Methods. CEM levels were assessed in 136 participants, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTEACS) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)), stable angina pectoris (SAP), and controls. The Gensini score was used to estimate the severity of CAD. Additionally, 54 patients with CAD were medicated with rosuvastatin, 5 or 10 mg once daily, and then checked at 6 months.Results. The highest level of CEM was found in the STEMI group, followed by the NSTEACS, the SAP, and the control groups. Gensini score in group IV (CEM > 141.6 μg/mg) was markedly higher compared with group I (CEM ≤77.6 μg/mg). Gensini scores in group II (77.6 < CEM ≤111.1 μg/mg) and group III (111.1 < CEM ≤141.6 μg/mg) were also higher than in group I (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between CEM levels and Gensini score (r = 0.714, P < 0.001). CEM levels were dose-dependently reduced by rosuvastatin therapy.Conclusions. CEM levels are positively associated with the severity of CAD, meaning that CEM might contribute to the development of CAD. Importantly, rosuvastatin could decrease CEM levels in patients with CAD and might effectively help to attenuate the progression of CAD.

Red Cell Distribution Width Is Associated With Incident Myocardial Infarction in a General Population: The Tromsø Study

“… 42 An association between the total cholesterol content of the erythrocyte membrane and the severity of coronary artery disease has also been reported. 43 The mechanisms whereby RDW could influence development of atherosclerosis remain unsettled.…”

“…The concept is supported by higher levels of total cholesterol in the erythrocyte membrane from patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome compared with patients with chronic stable angina and a positive association between cholesterol content of erythrocyte membranes and RDW values in patients with coronary disease . An association between the total cholesterol content of the erythrocyte membrane and the severity of coronary artery disease has also been reported . The mechanisms whereby RDW could influence development of atherosclerosis remain unsettled.…”

Red Blood Cell Distribution Width: A Novel Predictive Indicator for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

“…The level of cholesterol from the erythrocyte membrane has been affirmed to have a positive association with RDW level in patients with coronary disease [ 109 ]. Zhong et al [ 110 ] also verified that the level of total cholesterol correlated with the severity of coronary artery disease. Presumably, the effect of RDW on MI might be supported by the cholesterol pathway.…”

Relationship between the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction

“…Recently, the total content of RBC membranous cholesterol was found to be correlated with coronary instability. Therefore, membranous cholesterol in RBCs has been proposed to be a new marker of acute coronary syndrome 17) . Furthermore, the content of membranous cholesterol in RBCs determines the plasticity of the RBC membrane and the morphology and dimensions of the cell.…”