Endothelium-derived Microparticles Are Increased in Teenagers With Cobalamin Deficiency

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin B 12 (cobalamin) deficiency may be a significant cause of hyperhomocysteinemia, and high homocysteine (Hcy) levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Endothelium-derived microparticles (EMPs) are a new marker in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, which play a role in cardiovascular diseases' pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the EMPs, the markers of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, and lipid profile in teenagers with cobalamin deficiency.

Materials and methods: This prospective study included 143 teenagers, 75 vitamin B 12 deficient patients and 68 healthy controls between 11 and 18 years of age. Routine laboratory tests, hemogram, vitamin B 12 , folic acid, ferritin, Hcy, lipid profile and EMPs were examined and compared. EMP subgroups were analyzed by flow cytometry method according to the expression of membrane-specific antigens. The microparticles released from the endothelium studied were VE-cadherin (CD144), S-endo1 (CD146), and Endoglin (CD105).

Results: The present study demonstrates that circulating CD105+ EMP, CD144+ EMP, CD146+ EMPs, and Hcy were increased, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was reduced in teenagers with cobalamin deficiency. Vitamin B 12 showed a negative correlation with EMPs and Hcy, positive correlation with folate and HDL. All EMPs showed a significant positive correlation with triglyceride, vitamin B 12 , and HDL.

Conclusion: Vitamin B 12 deficiency may predispose to endothelial damage and atherosclerosis by increasing EMPs and harms lipid metabolism in the long term.