The Labile Iron Pool in Monocytes Reflects the Activity of the Atherosclerotic Process in Men With Chronic Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

The study investigates the relationship between the labile iron pool (LIP) in circulating monocytes and markers of iron metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and arterial elasticity in patients with chronic cardiovascular disease and in healthy volunteers. The patients with a history of CVEs had significantly higher LIP values than did the control group (1.94+/-0.46 microM vs. 1.62+/-0.49 microM, p=0.02). Except for the leukocyte number (WBCs), the groups did not differ in other inflammatory markers (CRPus, CD 163, MPO, MMP-1). Similarly, there were no differences in the markers of endothelial dysfunction (ICAM, VCAM, E-selectin, vWF). The CVE group had higher pulse pressures, levels of markers of impaired arterial elasticity (AI, Young´s modulus, pulsatility, stiffness index), IMT values and ABI values. The LIP concentration was significantly correlated with the transferrin receptor/ferritin ratio, hepcidin levels, VFT content and the ABI and ET values. Patients with a history of CVE have significantly higher concentrations of iron in their intracellular LIP in circulating monocytes than do healthy controls. The independent and significant correlation of LIP with markers of the progression of atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness suggests LIP as a possible novel marker of atherosclerotic activity.