Association of monocyte subsets with vulnerability characteristics of coronary plaques as assessed by 64-slice multidetector computed tomography in patients with stable angina pectoris

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between monocyte subsets and the presence, extent, and vulnerability characteristics of non-calcified coronary plaques (NCPs) as assessed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Methods: We studied 73 patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent MDCT. Two monocyte subsets (CD14(+)CD16(-) and CD14(+)CD16(+)) were measured by flow cytometry. Coronary artery plaques were assessed by 64-slice MDCT. We defined NCP vulnerability according to the presence of positive remodeling (remodeling index>1.05) and/or low CT attenuation plaques (<35 HU).

Results: A total of 40 (55%) patients had identifiable vulnerable plaques. The relative proportion of CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes was significantly greater in patients with 1 or multiple vulnerable plaques than in patients with no vulnerable plaques or control (healthy) subjects. In addition, the relative proportion of CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes was positively correlated with remodeling index (r=0.40, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with CT attenuation value (r=-0.34, P<0.01).

Conclusion: The present results suggest that an increased subset of CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes is related to coronary plaque vulnerability in patients with stable angina pectoris.