Monocyte subset recruitment marker profile is inversely associated with blood apoa1 levels

Dyslipidemia promotes development of the atherosclerotic plaques that characterise cardiovascular disease. Plaque progression requires the influx of monocytes into the vessel wall, but whether dyslipidemia is associated with an increased potential of monocytes to extravasate is largely unknown. Here (using flow cytometry) we examined recruitment marker expression on monocytes from generally healthy individuals who differed in lipid profile. Comparisons were made between monocyte subsets, participants and relative to participants’ lipid levels. Monocyte subsets differed significantly in their expression of recruitment markers, with highest expression being on either the classical or non-classical subsets. However, these inter-subset differences were largely overshadowed by considerable inter-participant differences with some participants having higher levels of recruitment markers on all three monocyte subsets. Furthermore, when the expression of one recruitment marker was high, so too was that of most of the other markers, with substantial correlations evident between the markers. The inter-participant differences were explained by lipid levels. Most notably, there was a significant inverse correlation for most markers with ApoA1 levels. Our results indicate that dyslipidemia, in particular low levels of ApoA1, is associated with an increased potential of all monocyte subsets to extravasate, and to do so using a wider repertoire of recruitment markers than currently appreciated

Monocyte inflammatory profile is specific for individuals and associated with altered blood lipid levels

Background and aims Atherogenesis is dependent upon monocyte influx into the vessel wall. In humans, three monocyte subsets exist, the number and function of which are significantly altered in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether such alterations arise in individuals with a perturbed lipid profile remains largely unanswered, but is important to delineate, as adoption of a pro-inflammatory state may promote plaque formation. Here, we compared the inflammatory status of monocyte subsets and determined whether monocyte inflammatory changes are evident in individuals with a perturbed lipid profile. Methods Monocyte subset cytokine production, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory marker expression were determined by whole blood flow cytometry and related to participants' lipid levels. Results The intermediate and non-classical monocytes were more inflammatory than classicals as seen by their higher cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and M1 marker (CD86) expression, but lower levels of M2 markers (CD93, CD163). More importantly, a considerable variation was seen between participants, with all monocytes of one individual being more inflammatory than those of another. Many inter-individual differences were related to participants' lipid levels. IL-1β production correlated negatively with Apo A1 and HDL-C. CD86 and TLR2 correlated positively with Chol:HDL-C but negatively with HDL-C and Apo A1:Apo B. Interestingly, CD163 expression correlated positively with Chol:HDL-C but negatively with Apo A1:Apo B. Conclusions Our data indicates that priming of all monocytes to an inflammatory state occurs in individuals with a perturbed lipid profile, overriding the normal functional distinction attributed to the different monocyte subsets. As such, all monocytes may be important in CVD

Evaluation of the Accuracy, Credibility, and Readability of Statin-Related Websites: Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the greatest burden of mortality worldwide, and statins are the most commonly prescribed drug in its management. A wealth of information pertaining to statins and their side effects is on the internet; however, to date, no assessment of the accuracy, credibility, and readability of this information has been undertaken. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the quality (accuracy, credibility, and readability) of websites likely to be visited by the general public undertaking a Google search of the side effects and use of statin medications. MethodsFollowing a Google web search, we reviewed the top 20 consumer-focused websites with statin information. Website accuracy, credibility, and readability were assessed based on website category (commercial, not-for-profit, and media), website rank, and the presence or absence of the Health on the Net Code of Conduct (HONcode) seal. Accuracy and credibility were assessed following the development of checklists (with 20 and 13 items, respectively). Readability was assessed using the Simple Measure of Gobbledegook scores. ResultsOverall, the accuracy score was low (mean 14.35 out of 20). While side effects were comprehensively covered by 18 websites, there was little information about statin use in primary and secondary prevention. None of the websites met all criteria on the credibility checklist (mean 7.8 out of 13). The median Simple Measure of Gobbledegook score was 9.65 (IQR 8.825-10.85), with none of the websites meeting the recommended reading grade of 6, even the media websites. A website bearing the HONcode seal did not mean that the website was more comprehensive or readable. ConclusionsThe quality of statin-related websites tended to be poor. Although the information contained was accurate, it was not comprehensive and was presented at a reading level that was too difficult for an average reader to fully comprehend. As such, consumers risk being uninformed about this pharmacotherapy