Serotonin, 5-HIAA, and membrane serotonin transporter in blood as biomarkers of familial hypercholesterolemia in immature low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice

Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death and disability in the world population. Serotonin plays a significant role in the development and progression of atherosclerotic processes due to its two classical functions – platelet aggregation and smooth muscle cell proliferation. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the level of serotonin, its metabolite and membrane transporter of serotonin in blood plasma and platelets as a biomarker of atherosclerotic vascular lesions. Material and methods. The study was conducted on 48 C57BL/6JGpt-Ldlrem1Cd82/Gpt (Ldlr+/–) mice aged 5–7 weeks (main group) and 36 C57BL/6 mice of the corresponding age and sex (control group). Laboratory research methods included: complete blood count, determination of total cholesterol level in blood serum, determination of serotonin concentration, its metabolite in blood plasma and platelets, membrane transporter in platelets. Results. In mice with low-density lipoprotein receptor deficiency, a significant increase in the level of total cholesterol in the blood serum was determined. The concentration of serotonin and its metabolite in blood plasma and platelets, membrane transporter was statistically significantly higher in animals of the main group. Positive correlations were found between the concentration of serotonin and its metabolite, transporter, total cholesterol and a negative correlation with the level of platelets. Conclusion. Serotonin, its metabolite and transporter may become new biomarkers for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of progression of atherosclerotic vascular lesions in children and adults