Expression of interferon-g and interleukin-4 production in CD4+ T cells in patients with chronic heart failure

Abstract

The prevalence of inflammation is high among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Reduced ejection fraction was associated with frequency of CD4(+) T cells of leukocytes. Therefore, we investigated inflammatory cytokines of expression markers in CD4(+) T cells in patients with CHF. Blood samples were obtained from 103 patients with CHF, from 83 patients with stable angina (SA), and from 57 controls. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-positive CD4(+) T cells and interleukin-4 (IL-4)-positive CD4(+) T cells were analyzed using 3-color flow cytometry. The frequency (%) of IFN-gamma-positive CD4(+) T cells increased in patients with CHF compared with those with SA and controls (CHF: 28.3 +/- 13.8, SA: 23.50 +/- 10.38, controls: 19.00 +/- 7.45, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the frequency of IL-4-positive CD4(+) T cells among the three groups. The frequencies of CD4(+) T cells that stained for IFN-gamma decreased from 32.37% +/- 16.40% on admission to 26.91% +/- 12.53% after 2 weeks in 26 patients with CHF. B-type natriuretic peptide (pg/ml) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/dl) levels decreased from 251.7 +/- 150.4 and 0.64 +/- 0.78 on admission to 208.2 +/- 166.4 and 0.36 +/- 0.34 after 2 weeks in the 26 patients with CHF. We have demonstrated expression of IFN-gamma production of CD4(+) T cells during CHF. Prevention of unwanted T cell activation could represent a new target in the treatment of CHF.

Increase of plasma IL-9 and decrease of plasma IL-5, IL-7, and IFN-γ in patients with chronic heart failure

“…IFN-γ is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by Th1 cells, that increases the expression of MHC class I and class II molecules. An increase in the percentage of IFN-γ-positive CD4 (+) T cells, has previously been described in patients with CHF [30]. Furthermore, an increase in IFN γ serum levels has also been described [31], in a mouse model, one week after MI, i.e.…”

CD4 + T Cells Promote the Transition From Hypertrophy to Heart Failure During Chronic Pressure Overload

“…These results are in agreement with observations made in clinical studies describing a positive correlation between T-cell polarization to Th1 and left ventricular dysfunction in patients with HF. 6,23 To date, the relationship between T-cell activation and the development of chronic HF has been poorly defined.…”

“…5 Recently, the percentage of circulating CD4 + T cells expressing inflammatory cytokines was positively correlated with left ventricular dysfunction in patients with HF. 6,7 However, the significance of these observations and the contribution of T cells to cardiovascular remodeling are still poorly understood.…”

The Effect of Beta‐Blockers on the Adaptive Immune System in Chronic Heart Failure

“…Several authors have explored the role of immune components in CHF and reported activation of the adaptive immune system, more specifically T cells. For example, the number of circulating interferon (IFN)‐γ+ CD4 T cells is increased in patients with CHF (determined by impaired left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF) [3]. These cells represent Th1 CD4 T cells, which constitutively display an inflammatory phenotype.…”