Activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes in the peripheral blood of patients with ischemic heart and brain conditions correspond to the presence of multiple risk factors for atherothrombosis

Objective: Risk factors like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and smoking contribute to the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis. We investig ated whether the multiplicity of risk factors for atherothrombosis is assoc iated with leukocyte activation. Methods: We examined the availability of C D11b/CD18 antigen on the surface of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leuk ocytes and monocytes in patients with acute ischemic heart and brain condit ions. Results: There was a highly significant (p < 0.00001) increment in th e availability of the CD11b/CD18 antigen on the surface of the polymorphonu clear leukocytes in patients with multiple (2 or more) vascular risk factor s [mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) +/- SD, 210 +/- 102] as opposed to ind ividuals with none or 1 risk factor for atherothrombosis (MFI 159 +/- 73). Similar results were observed on the monocytes: 309 +/- 151 and 235 +/- 97, respectively (p < 0.00001). Conclusion: The multiplicity of risk factors f or atherothrombosis is associated with the up-regulation of CD11b/CD18 anti gen on the surface of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes and mon ocytes, suggesting the presence of an increased inflammatory response and l eukocyte activation in these individuals. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.