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Inverse correlation between macrophage-colony stimulating factor, cholesterol and high density lipoprotein
Y Shikishima1, Y Kawano, H Shirai
1Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan.
Insights
Macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) is elevated in acute Kawasaki disease (KD), correlating with lower cholesterol levels. This suggests M-CSF may contribute to KD vasculitis by activating immune cells and disrupting lipid metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Kawasaki disease (KD) is a critical childhood illness affecting blood vessels.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying KD pathogenesis is essential for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and lipid profiles in acute and convalescent phases of Kawasaki disease.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from KD patients and infectious disease controls were analyzed.
- Concentrations of M-CSF, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were measured.
Main Results:
- Acute-phase KD patients exhibited significantly higher M-CSF levels compared to controls.
- Total and HDL cholesterol levels were lower in acute KD patients.
- Elevated M-CSF levels correlated inversely with total and HDL cholesterol concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Overproduction of M-CSF in KD may activate macrophages and monocytes.
- M-CSF-induced changes in lipid metabolism could contribute to the vasculitis observed in Kawasaki disease.
Abstract:
Kawasaki disease (KD) is a childhood-onset vascular disease. We assessed the concentrations of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and those of lipids in sera from patients with KD. The M-CSF concentration in patients with acute-phase KD was 2,914+/-159 U/ml, significantly higher than that in control subjects with Infectious diseases (1,241+/-96 U/ml). The elevated levels of this cytokine in the acute phase fell to 1,319+/-138 U/ml in the convalescent phase. Total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in acute phase KD (113.8+/-8.4 and 21.5+/-2.3 mg/dl, respectively) were lower than in the infectious disease controls (195.8+/-7.0 and 62.5+/-1.8 mg/dl). The elevation of M-CSF correlated with the decrease of total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Overproduction of macrophage-colony stimulating factor activates macrophages and monocytes and may disturb the lipid metabolism. Both effects could contribute to vasculitis in KD.