Decreased red blood cell membrane deformability in smokers and non-smokers with atherosclerosis

Abstract

This study determined whether the extent of atherosclerotic plaque buildup, smoking history, or serum cholesterol level could be correlated with red cell membrane deformability as determined by the micropipette aspiration technique. Smoking and non-smoking subjects 40 to 70 years old were grouped by atherosclerotic plaque thickness. A 50% increase (p≤0.01) in red cell membrane shear elastic modulus was seen in the advanced atherosclerosis group (plaque thickness = 2.0–4.0 mm). This increase was independent of the smoking history of the subjects. An increase in shear elastic modulus indicates a decrease in red blood cell membrane deformability. Other variables tested including age and serum cholesterol level were not significantly correlated with red blood cell shear elastic modulus. Such changes in red cell deformability may play an important role in the pathophysiology of vascular occlusion and cerebral ischemia in patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis.