SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT OF LDL-CONTAINING CIRCULATUNG IMMUNE COMPLEXES IN DIAGNOSTICS AND PROGNOSTICATION OF CAROTID ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Highlights Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)-containing circulating immune complexes (LDL-CIC) reflect impaired lipid metabolism and systemic inflammation. Serum level of LDL-CIC is sensitive and specific diagnostic and prognostic marker of carotid atherosclerosis. The combination of age and serum LDL-CIC is particularly valuable for the prognosis of carotid atherosclerosis. Aim. Recent studies suggested that increased level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)-containing circulating immune complexes (LDL-CIC) might have high diagnostic value in regards to clinical and asymptomatic atherosclerosis. The aim was to study prognostic significance of LDL-CIC. Methods. The two-year study included 98 men. Each included patient underwent the following studies: carotid intima-media thickness, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-CIC. Results. Among these parameters, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and LDL-CIC were significantly associated with severity and prognosis of carotid atherosclerosis. LDL-CIC has the highest sensitivity and specificity in diagnostics of carotid atherosclerosis when combined with age. Other parameters do not affect the prognostic significance of LDL-CIC. Conclusion. The results suggest that LDL-CIC can be used for diagnostics and prognosis of atherosclerosis.