CXC-chemokines, a new group of cytokines in congestive heart failure--possible role of platelets and monocytes

Cardiovasc Res. 2000 Jan 14;45(2):428-36. doi: 10.1016/s0008-6363(99)00262-x.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to examine the circulating levels of CXC-chemokines in patients with various degree of congestive heart failure (CHF).

Background: CXC-chemokines may be important mediators in the persistent immune activation observed in CHF patients by activation of circulating neutrophils, T-cells and monocytes and possibly by the recruitment of these cells into the failing myocardium.

Methods: Levels of interleukin (IL)-8, growth-regulated oncogene (GRO) alpha and epithelial neutrophil activating peptide (ENA)-78 were measured both in serum and in platelet-free plasma by enzyme immunoassay in 47 patients with CHF and in 20 healthy controls.

Results: (i) CHF patients had significantly elevated levels of all the three CXC-chemokines with IL-8 and GRO alpha showing a gradual increase along with increasing NYHA class. (ii) There was an inverse correlation between IL-8 and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and cardiac index (CI). (iii) Both unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes from CHF patients released markedly elevated amounts of all three CXC-chemokines. (iv) Platelets from patients with severe CHF were characterised by decreased content of GRO alpha and ENA-78 as well as decreased release of these chemokines upon thrombin receptor stimulation. (v) Activated platelets stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro to enhanced release of IL-8, and neutralising antibodies against ENA-78 inhibited this interaction.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates for the first time elevated levels of CXC-chemokines in CHF, which may be of importance for progression of heart failure. Our findings further suggest that activated monocytes and platelets may contribute to enhanced CXC-chemokine levels in CHF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chemokine CXCL1
  • Chemokine CXCL5
  • Chemokines, CXC / blood*
  • Chemotactic Factors / blood
  • Female
  • Growth Substances / blood
  • Heart Failure / blood*
  • Heart Failure / immunology
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins*
  • Interleukin-8 / analogs & derivatives
  • Interleukin-8 / blood
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Activation
  • Statistics, Nonparametric

Substances

  • CXCL1 protein, human
  • CXCL5 protein, human
  • Chemokine CXCL1
  • Chemokine CXCL5
  • Chemokines, CXC
  • Chemotactic Factors
  • Growth Substances
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Interleukin-8