title: The red blood cell as a gender-associated biomarker in metabolic syndrome: a pilot study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Section of Cell Degeneration and Gender Medicine, Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Straface
authors.forename: Lucrezia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gambardella
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mattatelli
authors.forename: Emanuele
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Canali
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Boccalini
authors.forename: Luciano
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Agati
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Malorni