[Comparative study of T cell proliferative response in different types of coronary heart diseases]

Hua Zheng1, Sai-zhu Wu, Wen-yan Lai

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.

Di 1 Jun Yi Da Xue Xue Bao = Academic Journal of the First Medical College of PLA
|April 20, 2004
PubMed

Insights

T cell proliferation, particularly in response to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), is heightened in acute coronary syndromes, indicating a role for cellular immunity in plaque instability.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) involves plaque instability.
  • The role of cellular immunity in CHD pathogenesis is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between T cell proliferative responses and coronary plaque stability.
  • To investigate T cell reactivity to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in different CHD patient groups.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 66 subjects: 13 acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 22 unstable angina pectoris (UAP), 15 stable angina pectoris (SAP), and 16 controls.
  • Assessed T cell proliferation to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), oxLDL, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) using MTS/PMS assay.

Main Results:

  • T cell responses to PHA and oxLDL were significantly stronger in AMI and UAP groups compared to SAP and control groups.
  • T cell proliferation to oxLDL was significantly greater than to LDL in AMI and UAP patients.

Conclusions:

  • T cell-mediated immunity, especially the response to oxLDL, is implicated in plaque instability.
  • Immune responses to oxLDL may contribute to the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Abstract