Higher monocyte count independently predicted novel carotid plaque formation over 7 years, with the highest quartile having an increased risk compared to the lowest (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.41-2.43).
Cohort (n=2,610)
Does higher monocyte count predict novel plaque formation in persons without pre-existing carotid atherosclerosis?
Monocyte count is an independent predictor of future carotid plaque formation in individuals without pre-existing atherosclerosis, suggesting a role for monocyte activity in early atherogenesis.
Odds Ratio: 1.85 (95% CI 1.41–2.43)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Activation of monocytes and differentiation into lipid-laden macrophages are fundamental events in generation of atherosclerotic lesions. There exist few data on monocyte activity and the risk for atherosclerosis. In this prospective population-based study, we examined whether monocyte count in blood is a predictor of future plaque formation in persons without pre-existing carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: At baseline, we measured monocyte count, white cell count (WCC), fibrinogen, intima-media thickness (IMT), and traditional cardiovascular risk factors in 2610 men and women aged 25 to 82 years who on ultrasound had no plaque in their right carotid artery. After 7 years of follow-up, a new ultrasound screening was performed and the number of novel plaques was grouped as none, 1 plaque, and 2 or more plaques. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, monocyte count, age, sex, total cholesterol, current smoking, systolic blood pressure, and IMT were independent predictors of novel plaque formation. No significant association was found between plaque formation and either WCC or fibrinogen. For 1 standard deviation (0.17x10(9)) increase in monocyte count, the risk of being in a higher plaque category increased by 18% (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.29). In the highest monocyte quartile, the risk for having plaque compared with the lowest quartile was 1.85 (OR) (95% confidence interval, 1.41 to 2.43). Repeating the analysis without IMT did not change the monocyte estimate. Excluding subjects with cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus from analysis neither changed the monocyte estimate. CONCLUSIONS: Monocyte count is an independent predictor of future plaque formation in subjects without pre-existing carotid atherosclerosis.
Johnsen et al. (Fri,) conducted a cohort in No pre-existing carotid atherosclerosis (n=2,610). Monocyte count vs. Lowest monocyte quartile was evaluated on Novel plaque formation (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.43). Higher monocyte count independently predicted novel carotid plaque formation over 7 years, with the highest quartile having an increased risk compared to the lowest (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.41-2.43).