The Red Blood Cell as a Gender-Associated Biomarker in Metabolic Syndrome: A Pilot Study

In the present pilot study (56 patients), some red blood cell parameters in samples from patients with metabolic syndrome and subclinical atherosclerosis, but without any sign of coronary artery disease, have been analyzed. The main goal of this work was to determine, in this preclinical state, new...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Elisabetta Straface, Lucrezia Gambardella, Antonella Mattatelli, Emanuele Canali, Francesca Boccalini, Luciano Agati, Walter Malorni
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2011-01-01
Series:International Journal of Cell Biology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/204157
Description
Summary:In the present pilot study (56 patients), some red blood cell parameters in samples from patients with metabolic syndrome and subclinical atherosclerosis, but without any sign of coronary artery disease, have been analyzed. The main goal of this work was to determine, in this preclinical state, new peripheral gender-associated bioindicators of possible diagnostic or prognostic value. In particular, three different “indicators” of red blood cell injury and aging have been evaluated: glycophorin A, CD47, and phosphatidylserine externalization. Interestingly, all these determinants appeared significantly modified and displayed gender differences. These findings could provide novel and useful hints in the research for gender-based real-time bioindicators in the progression of metabolic syndrome towards coronary artery disease. Further, more extensive studies are, however, necessary in order to validate these findings.
ISSN:1687-8876
1687-8884