Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
Published on: September 6, 2024
Soluble CD40 ligand levels in acute pulmonary embolism: a prospective, randomized, controlled study
Zeynettin Kaya1, Kurtulus Ozdemir, Mehmet Kayrak
1Department of Cardiology, Meram School of University, Selcuk University, Meram Tip Fakultesi, Kardiyoloji Sekreterligi, Meram, 42090, Konya, Turkey.
Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), a molecule linked to cardiovascular events, is significantly higher in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). This finding suggests sCD40L may play a role in PE development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Thromboembolism Research
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- CD40 ligand (CD40L) is a thromboinflammatory molecule associated with cardiovascular events.
- Platelets are a primary source of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), influencing platelet activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels in patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism (PE).
Main Methods:
- Enrolled 65 acute PE patients and 29 healthy controls.
- Measured sCD40L levels using ELISA.
- Utilized pulmonary computed tomography and echocardiography to assess PE and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction.
Main Results:
- sCD40L levels were significantly elevated in acute PE patients compared to healthy controls (5.3 ng/ml vs. 1.4 ng/ml, p < 0.001).
- No significant difference in sCD40L levels was observed between PE patients with and without RV dysfunction.
- Correlation analysis revealed no significant association between echocardiographic findings and sCD40L levels.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence for a role of sCD40L in the pathogenesis of pulmonary embolism.
- Further research is warranted to determine the predictive and prognostic significance of sCD40L in acute PE.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
