Background: The novel chemokine CXCL16 is involved in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the role of CXCL16 in atherosclerosis remains uncertain. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between CXCL16 and the severity of coronary artery stenosis.
Methods: Using ELISA, we assayed the plasma CXCL16 concentration in 16 stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients, 53 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, and 19 control patients. All patients underwent coronary angiography after admission. They were divided into four groups according to the quartile of CXCL16 level. Characteristics and the relationship between CXCL16 and the elements were studied in each group.
Results: CXCL16 levels in the ACS group were higher than controls and SAP group (p <0.01 vs. controls; p <0.05 vs. SAP group). Gensini score in the highest quartile group of CXCL16 level (group IV, CXCL16 >2.21 ng/mL) was significantly higher than in the lowest quartile group of CXCL16 level (group I, CXCL16 < or = 1.43 ng/mL) (p <0.001). Gensini score in group II (1.43 ng/mL <CXCL16 < or = 1.72 ng/mL) and group III (1.72 ng/mL<CXCL16 < or = 2.21 ng/mL) were also higher than in group I (p <0.05, p <0.01). In addition, CXCL16 level had a positive correlation with Gensini score (r = 0.519, p <0.001).
Conclusions: CXCL16 levels are positively associated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis. Activity level of CXCL16 in human plasma appears to be a good biomarker for epidemiological and clinical application in CAD.