Circulating level of microparticles and their correlation with arterial elasticity and endothelium-dependent dilation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveThis study was designed to measure the circulating level of microparticles (MP) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus versus healthy volunteers and to evaluate their correlation with arterial elasticity and endothelium-dependent dilation.MethodsFlow cytometry was used to measure the circulating levels of MP, including annexinV+MP, platelet-derived microparticles (PMP), leukocyte-derived microparticles (LMP) and endothelial microparticles (EMP), in 63 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 29 healthy volunteers. Brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery were also measured.ResultsThe levels of annexinV+MP, PMP, LMP, CD31+/CD42−EMP and CD51+EMP increased significantly in diabetic patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed that HbA1c was positively correlated to CD31+/CD42−EMP (rs = 0.337, P = 0.008) and CD51+EMP (rs = 0.266, P = 0.038). FMD in diabetic patients was significantly lower than that in healthy individuals (P = 0.007). FMD was negatively correlated to CD31+/CD42−EMP (rs = −0.441, P = 0.008) and CD51+EMP (rs = −0.405, P = 0.016). baPWV level in diabetic patients was significantly higher than that in healthy individuals (P < 0.001). baPWV was positively correlated to CD31+/CD42−EMP (rs = 0.497, P < 0.001) and CD51+EMP (rs = 0.428, P = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that EMP was an independent risk factor of FMD and baPWV.ConclusionsThe circulating level of microparticles increases in patients with type 2 diabetes. The level of endothelial microparticles is closely associated with vascular dysfunction.