Serum CXCL10 and CXCL12 chemokine levels are associated with the severity of coronary artery disease and coronary artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease constitutes a major cause of death worldwide. Inflammation plays an important role in atherosclerosis formation, coronary artery disease progression, acute coronary thrombosis and occlusion. Chemokines are inflammatory mediators disposing several bio-functions, as leukocyte migration towards inflammatory signals and vascular injuries. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential correlation between serum levels of chemokines CXCL-10 and CXCL-12 and the degree of coronary artery occlusion.

METHODS

Eighty eight patient candidates for coronary angiography with coronary artery disease symptoms and potentially high risk of coronary artery occlusion were recruited. Chemokine serum levels were measured with the ELISA method and patients underwent coronary angiography. All patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were divided into four groups according to the Gensini score. Data were presented as mean±SD. All P values <0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Our demographic data showed that of the 88 patients, 46 were male and 42 female. The mean age of patients was 57.95±11.13. Following increased coronary artery occlusion the serum levels of chemokines were significantly increased (CXCL-10 and CXCL-12; P<0.0001 and P<0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this novel study, a significant correlation between the serum levels of CXCL-10 and CXCL-12 and the severity of coronary artery occlusion was found. This could be attributed to the role of these chemokines in the processes of angiogenesis and angiostasis, a biological phenomenon that can play key role in the development of collateral circulation.