Neutrophil function in subjects with major coronary artery disease risk factors

ABSTRACT

In order to assess the neutrophil function in subjects with CAD risk factors without manifest ischemic heart disease, 60 males participated in the present study. Fifteen were healthy as a control with mean age of 28 +/- 6 years, fifteen were chronic smokers with mean age 50 +/- 8 years and fifteen were hypercholesterolemics with mean age of d39 +/- 12 years. Subjects with clinical or laboratory evidence of infection or intercurrent febrile illness, diabetes mellitus, hepatic or renal impairment, and /or history of drug intake that may affect neutrophil function were excluded. All subjects underwent; [1]. Clinical, some hematological and biochemical examination [2] neutrophil function assessment [chemotaxis assay and intracellular killing activity]. It was found that peripheral blood total and differential leukocytic counts were similar in the study groups. Neutrophil function was enhanced in smokers and hypercholesterolemics, whereas it was normal in hypertensives. Neutrophil function hyperactivity did not correlate with either duration of smoking or the number of cigarettes smoked per day, while it showed positive correlation with serum cholesterol level. It was suggested that neutrophil function may play a role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Moreover, suppression of hyperactive neutrophil may have a role in prevention of CAD in risky subjects: