Analysis of apoptotic markers Fas/FasL (CD95/CD95L) expression on the lymphocytes in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Acute coronary syndromes are caused by the rupture or erosion of an atherosclerotic plaque which by secreting a variety of proteases is capable of degrading pericellular matrix components induces death of endothelial cells. This mechanism plays the main role in apoptosis.

AIM

To estimate expression of apoptotic Fas/FasL (CD95/CD95L) on lymphocytes in the peripheral blood.

METHODS

We examined patients with acute myocardial infarction (n=18, mean age 62+/-8 years), in unstable angina pectoris (n=31, mean age 62+/-10 years) and in a control group (n=20, mean age 62+/-9 years) without coronary risk factors and inflammatory condition. All investigations of Fas/FasL were performed by flow cytometry. Inflammatory parameters and standard risk factors were investigated by standard methods (ELISA).

RESULTS

The analysis revealed a higher expression of Fas and FasL molecules on the lymphocytes from patients with acute myocardial infarction (p<0.001, p<0.002) and unstable angina (p<0.01, p<0.02) compared to the control group. Moreover we found a statistically significant positive correlation between the level of LDL cholesterol and hypertension and prevalence of CD95 (p<0.001, p<0.01) and CD95L (p<0.02, p<0.03) in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher expression of apoptotic molecules (Fas and FasL) on lymphocytes occurs before the onset of acute ischaemia and contributes to the plaque rupture and acute coronary syndrome. Furthermore, antiapoptotic therapy leads to plaque stabilisation.