Changes of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in patients with acute coronary syndrome and the effects of atorvastatin.
The function of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the effects of atorvastatin were investigated. Forty-eight patients with ACS were randomly divided into two groups: group C receiving conventional therapy (n=24), and group C+A receiving conventional therapy+atorvastatin (10 mg/day, n=24). T lymphocytes from ACS patients (before and 2 weeks after the treatment) or 18 healthy subjects were separated and the flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of Treg. The inhibitory ability of Treg on effector T cells was determined by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of cytokines (IL-10, TGF-beta1 and IFN-gamma) before and after treatment. The results showed that as compared with normal control group, Treg percentage was decreased significantly (P<0.01), the inhibitory ability of Treg on the T lymphocytes proliferation was reduced (P<0.01), IFN-gamma levels were increased and IL-10 and TGF-beta1 levels were lowered in ACS patients. After treatment with atorvastatin, Treg percentage and the inhibitory ability of Treg on T lymphocytes proliferation were significantly increased in ACS patients. Serum IFN-gamma was decreased significantly, while IL-10 and TGF-beta1 were elevated significantly as compared with the non-atorvastatin group. The number of Treg was positively correlated with serum TGF-beta1, but negatively with serum IFN-gamma and CRP. It was concluded that ACS was associated with decreased number and defected function of Treg, which may play an important role in initiating immune-inflammatory response in ACS. The inhibitory effects of atorvastatin on inflammation in ACS may be due to its beneficial effects on Treg and restoration of immune homeostasis.
Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. huzhenping@medmail.com
Zhenping
Z
Hu
Dazhu
D
Li
Yingfeng
Y
Hu
Keping
K
Yang
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D000368:Aged; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D011758:Pyrroles; D000069059:Atorvastatin