Potential role of cytotoxic CD4+CD28null T lymphocytes and circulating endothelial cells in cardiovascular risk assessment.

Aim. To analyze usability of circulating endothelial cells’ (CECs) and CD4 + CD28null Т cells’ blood levels along with classic factors for cardiovascular risk stratification in healthy individuals. Methods. 31 healthy adults aged 43.9±8.5 yrs. without the coronary artery disease (CAD) were scrutinized in order to assess a cardiovascular risk profile and measure the levels of systemic inflammation marker high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Using flow cytometry, we measured CECs and CD4 + CD28null Т cells’ concentrations. Results. Excessive body mass/obesity occupied the 1 st place (54.8 %) among all the risk factors. 38.7 % of the individuals suffered from dyslipidemia. BP level correlated both with BMI (p sp. = 0.465; p = 0.008) and hsCRP concentration (p sp. = 0375, p = 0.031). The level of CD4+CD28null Т cells was higher in the persons with LDL-cholesterol concentration that exceeded Me (3.29 mmol/l): 2.48 ± 1.64 vs. 5.13 ± 3.78 % (p = 0.020). The frequency of CECs varied from 0 to 5 760 cells in 1 ml, BMI being higher in adults with CECs detection: 26.9 ± 0.5 vs. 24.5 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 (p = 0,048). Conclusions. Excessive body mass/obesity and dyslipidemia are associated with endothelial dysfunction markers CD4 + CD28null Т cells и CECs allowing to discuss their significance in primary CAD prevention.