Cortisol is associated with low frequency of interleukin 10–producing B cells in patients with atherosclerosis

Abstract

It is accepted that inflammation plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis; the pathogenesis is not clear. B-cell-produced interleukin (IL) 10 is an immune regulatory cytokine that can inhibit immune inflammation. This study tests a hypothesis that a psychological stress hormone, cortisol, suppresses IL-10 expression in peripheral B cells of patients with atherosclerosis. Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis. B cells were isolated from the blood samples to be analyzed for the expression of IL-10 and micro RNA (miR) 98 by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We observed that the frequency of IL-10 B cell was less in patients with atherosclerosis than healthy controls. The serum cortisol levels were higher in the patients than that in healthy controls. Peripheral B-cell frequency was negatively correlated with the serum cortisol levels. Exposure of B cells to cortisol increased the expression of miR-98 in B cells. Cortisol also inhibited the expression of IL-10 in B cells, in which miR-98 played a critical role. Treating B cells from atherosclerosis patients with anti-miR-98 liposomes reversed the ability of expression of IL-10 in the cells. The expression of IL-10 is suppressed in peripheral B cells, which can be up regulated by anti-miR-98 liposomes.

Immunosuppressive Mechanisms of Regulatory B Cells

“…Both IL-10 and TGF-β have been found to be essential for antigen-specific tolerogenic properties of adoptively transferred TIM-1 + Bregs ( 52 , 91 , 498 – 500 ). The regulatory nature of TIM-1 + B cells was further validated in different models, as the transfer of these cells can reduce the severity of allergic airway inflammation ( 91 ) and colitis ( 501 ), while promoting tumor growth ( 183 , 502 ). These results support a role of TIM-1 as an encompassing IL-10 + and TGF-β + Breg marker with functional implications.…”

Activation of immunosuppressive network in the aging process

“…rheumatic arthritis, which might aggravate these diseases (Sakkas et al, 2019). Huo et al (2017) reported that the increased level of serum cortisol was associated with the reduced presence of the IL-10-producing B cells (Bregs) in atherosclerotic patients. Currently, the therapeutic inducers of Bregs are promising drug discovery targets i.e.…”

Stress and Inflammation in Coronary Artery Disease: A Review Psychoneuroendocrineimmunology-Based

“…Chronic psychological stress is associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and serum cortisol might be a reference marker for this disease. Huo et al, showed that serum cortisol levels were higher in the patients with atherosclerosis than in healthy controls, and high plasma cortisol concentrations negatively correlated with circulating immuno-regulatory IL-10, promoting plaque destabilization ( 87 ). Chronic job-related stress leads to metabolic syndrome.…”