Deficiency of Tregs in hypertension-associated left ventricular hypertrophy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiology
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common complication of hypertension.
• Regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) play a crucial role in immune system regulation.
• Abnormal Treg function is implicated in immune disorders and potentially LVH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of circulating Tregs in hypertensive patients with and without LVH.
• To analyze the association between Treg levels, cytokine profiles, and LVH.
• To explore the relationship between Tregs, blood pressure, and demographic factors in hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples analyzed from 83 hypertensive patients without LVH (EH), 91 with LVH, and 69 controls (CG).
• Quantification of circulating Tregs using flow cytometry.
• Measurement of serum cytokines (IL-10, TGFβ1, IL-6) via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Main Results:

• Circulating Tregs were significantly lower in hypertensive patients compared to controls, and further reduced in the LVH group versus the EH group.
• Treg levels showed no correlation with blood pressure regulation in EH or LVH patients.
• Tregs negatively correlated with left ventricular mass index (LVMI), creatine kinase, LDL cholesterol, apoprotein B, and hs-CRP.
• Serum IL-10 and TGFβ1 were decreased, while IL-6 was increased in hypertensive patients, particularly in the LVH group.

Conclusions:

• Hypertensive patients with LVH exhibit significantly decreased circulating Tregs, independent of blood pressure.
• Reduced Tregs in LVH are associated with specific inflammatory markers and cardiac remodeling.
• Cytokine profiles (IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β1) are altered in hypertensive LVH, suggesting immune dysregulation's role.