Cytokine profiles and T cell function in acute coronary syndromes

• Published in: Atherosclerosis 2007-02, Vol.190 (2), p.443-451
• Main Authors: Steppich, Birgit A, Moog, Philipp, Matissek, Christoph, Wisniowski, Nicola, Kühle, Jan, Joghetaei, Nader, Neumann, Franz-Josef, Schomig, Albert, Ott, Ilka
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acute coronary syndrom; Acute Disease; Aged; Angina, Unstable - blood; Angina, Unstable - immunology; Atherosclerosis (general aspects, experimental research); Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Blood vessels and receptors; Cardiology. Vascular system; Cardiovascular; Chemokine CCL5 - blood; Coronary Disease - blood; Coronary Disease - immunology; Coronary heart disease; Cytokines; Cytokines - blood; Cytokines - immunology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Heart; Humans; Interleukins - blood; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction - blood; Myocardial Infarction - immunology; T cells; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Vertebrates: cardiovascular system
• ISSN: 0021-9150; 1879-1484
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2006.02.034

Abstract Aims In advanced human atherosclerotic plaques infiltrating T cells congregate at sites of plaque rupture. However, little is known about the systemic activation of circulating T cells in acute coronary syndromes as a prerequisite for recruitment to atherosclerotic lesions. Methods and results As a measure for specific lymphocyte activation we analyzed IFN-gamma production of T cells after stimulation with a superantigen and expression of CXCR-3 and CCR-3 in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), unstable angina (uAP) or stable angina (sAP). Furthermore, concentrations of the circulating cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12 p70 and RANTES that modify T cell function were measured. In uAP an increased Th1 and a decreased Th2 response was identified by enhanced interferon-gamma generation of T lymphocytes, increased levels of IL-1β, IL-12 p70 and RANTES and decreased expression of CCR3. In AMI a systemic inflammatory reaction predominates with enhanced expression of the early activation marker CD69 on T lymphocytes and elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-10 that suppress Th1 activation. Conclusion Interferon-gamma production of activated T cells in acute coronary syndromes may, therefore, be governed by the release of specific pro- and anti-lymphocyte activating cytokines.