Monocytes in Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Cholesterol Metabolism
Author Information
Author(s): Sandy Mosig, Knut Rennert, Petra Büttner, Siegfried Krause, Dieter Lütjohann, Muhidien Soufi, Regine Heller, Harald Funke
Primary Institution: Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena
Hypothesis
Do circulating monocytes from patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia show increased lipid content and differences in lipoprotein metabolism compared to healthy individuals?
Conclusion
Circulating monocytes from patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia show differences in cell physiology that may contribute to the early onset of atherosclerosis.
Supporting Evidence
- FH monocytes showed a significant up-regulation of 1,617 genes and a down-regulation of 701 genes compared to healthy controls.
- Plasma from FH patients contains elevated amounts of sterols and oxysterols.
- An increased uptake of oxidized and native LDL by FH monocytes was observed.
Takeaway
Monocytes from patients with a genetic condition that raises cholesterol levels have more fat inside them than those from healthy people, which might lead to heart problems.
Methodology
Monocytes were isolated and analyzed for gene expression profiles using microarrays, and cholesterol levels were measured using gas chromatography.
Limitations
Limited sample material restricted direct measurement of intracellular cholesterol content.
Participant Demographics
Participants included homozygous and heterozygous FH patients and healthy volunteers, with a total of 35 individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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