RESUMO
In this study we analyzed the concentration of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), PCSK9-Lp(a) complexes and the circulating monocyte subsets in coronary atherosclerosis. For this study, 257 patients with coronary atherosclerosis and 68 patients without stenotic atherosclerosis in the coronary, carotid and lower extremity arteries (control group) were enrolled. The monocyte subpopulations (classical CD14++CD16-, intermediate CD14++CD16+ and non-classical CD14+CD16++) were analyzed by direct immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The Lp(a) and PCSK9-Lp(a) complexes in the serum were detected by ELISA. The concentration of Lp(a) was higher in the coronary atherosclerosis group compared with the controls (23.0 (9.1; 73.3) mg/dL versus 10.7 (4.7; 25.0) mg/dL, p < 0.05). No correlations between the level of Lp(a) and the concentration of the PCSK9-Lp(a) complexes, nor between the level of Lp(a) or PCSK9 and the total number of monocytes, were observed in either group. A slight positive correlation between the concentration of PCSK9-Lp(a) complexes and the absolute level of monocytes was obtained (r = 0.20, p = 0.002) in the patients with atherosclerosis due to the intermediate monocyte subsets (r = 0.33, p = 0.04). According to regression analysis, both the PCSK9-Lp(a) complexes concentration and BMI were related to the absolute number of blood monocytes in patients with atherosclerosis. Further studies are required to determine the pathogenetic contribution of PCSK9-Lp(a) complexes to the development of atherosclerosis.
RESUMO
Aims: The authors examined the phenotype of circulating monocytes in patients with coronary atherosclerosis depending on age. Methods: A total of 121 patients were categorized into three groups according to the severity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed by angiography and into two groups depending on age above/below the median 60.0 (range: 56.0-66.0). Classical CD14++CD16-, intermediate CD14++CD16+ and non-classical CD14+CD16+ monocytes were analyzed via direct immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Results and conclusions: In patients >60 years of age, the severity of atherosclerosis was associated with the decreased number of classical monocytes in the blood. In patients under 60 years of age, this relationship was not observed. The authors hypothesize that the contribution of different subtypes of blood monocytes to the development of atherosclerosis may vary with age.
RESUMO
Objective. Immune processes play a significant role in atherosclerosis plaque progression. Regulatory T cells and T helpers 17 were shown to possess anti- and pro-atherogenic activity, respectively. We aimed to investigate the balance of circulating Treg and Th17 in stable angina patients with different stages of coronary atherosclerosis. Methods. Treg, Th17 and Th1 cell frequencies were studied in 117 patients via direct immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Group 1 had intact coronary arteries. Group 2 and Group 3 had undergone previous coronary stenting; in Group 2 no coronary atherosclerosis progression was found, in Group 3 patients had disease progression in non-invaded coronary arteries. Group 4 had severe coronary atherosclerosis. Results. The frequencies of CD4+CD25highCD127low, CD4+foxp3+, and CD4+IL10 + T cells were decreased, and CD4+IL17 + T cells frequencies were increased in group 4 vs. 1. Treg/Th17 ratios were declined in groups 3 and 4 vs. groups 1 and 2. IL-10 level was lower while hsCRP and sCD25 levels were higher in group 4 vs. 1. Conclusion. We assume that the imbalance in pro- and anti-inflammatory/atherogenic lymphocyte subpopulations is associated with atherosclerosis progression.
Assuntos
Aterosclerose/imunologia , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/citologia , Células Th17/citologia , Idoso , Aterosclerose/patologia , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/patologia , Vasos Coronários/patologia , Citocinas/metabolismo , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Citometria de Fluxo , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/metabolismo , Humanos , Imunossupressores/uso terapêutico , Inflamação/patologia , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Interleucina-17/metabolismo , Subunidade alfa de Receptor de Interleucina-2/metabolismo , Subunidade alfa de Receptor de Interleucina-7/metabolismo , Masculino , Microscopia de Fluorescência , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Rapamycin contributes to the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in vitro. We investigated CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127(low) Treg level dynamics as well as the major parameters of cell immunity and sCD25 and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations in the blood of patients after coronary stenting (CS) with sirolimus (rapamycin)-eluting stents (SES; n = 43). The relation between initial Treg values and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis was observed. Treg and sCD25 levels were increased 1 month after CS versus baseline values and versus data in the control group (coronary angiography [CA], n = 20). A positive correlation between Treg and sCD25 levels was reported, whereas no relation was observed with the length of SES implanted. HsCRP level was increased during the first 7 days and returned to baseline values 1 month after CS/CA. Treg content is lower in patients with multivessel CAD. Elevated levels of Tregs and sCD25 after SES implantation might occur because of the immunomodulating effect of rapamycin.
