Stimulated cellular immune system in patients with congestive heart failure.
In this cross-sectional study, we analysed serum concentrations of soluble markers of cellular immune activation, namely, interferon-gamma, neopterin (a product of activated macrophages), soluble interleukin-2 receptor, and soluble CD8, in 25 patients with congestive heart failure. Ten (40%) patients showed increased concentrations (i.e. above the reference ranges of healthy controls) of neopterin, 14 (56%) showed increased soluble interleukin-2 receptor, and 6 (24%) showed increased soluble CD8. Endogenous interferon-gamma was detectable in 10 patients (40%). In addition, we found significant correlations between neopterin and interferon-gamma (rs = 0.417, p < 0.05), and between neopterin and soluble CD8 concentrations (rs = 0.430, p < 0.05). All patients with increased soluble CD8 also had increased soluble interleukin-2 receptor. However, no significant correlations of soluble interleukin-2 receptor with soluble CD8 or any of the other quantities were observed. Increased concentrations of soluble interleukin-2 receptors, soluble CD8 and neopterin indicate that cellular immunity is stimulated in patients with congestive heart failure. Activated CD8-positive T-lymphocytes may represent the source of increased soluble CD8. Endogenous interferon-gamma, which is derived from activated T-cells, may induce neopterin release by monocytes/macrophages.
Fuchs
D
D
Institut für Medizinische Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Innsbruck, Austria.
Samsonov
M
M
Tilz
G P
GP
Reibnegger
G
G
Belenkov
J N
JN
Nassonov
E L
EL
Wachter
H
H
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001708:Biopterins / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019798:Neopterin; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis*
D015415:Biomarkers; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D001708:Biopterins; D019798:Neopterin; D007371:Interferon-gamma