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.
Hu
Zhenping
Z
Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. huzhenping@medmail.com
Li
Dazhu
D
Hu
Yingfeng
Y
Yang
Keping
K
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