Circulating intermediate monocytes CD14++CD16+ are increased after elective percutaneous coronary intervention

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Immunology
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Inflammation is key in atherosclerosis and post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) complications.
• Intermediate monocytes (CD14++CD16+) are linked to adverse cardiovascular events.
• Monocyte subset changes after elective PCI are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate monocyte subset and humoral responses following elective PCI.
• To compare responses between drug-coated balloon (DCB) and drug-eluting stent (DES) groups.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 30 patients undergoing elective PCI.
• Blood samples analyzed at baseline, 4 hours, 2 weeks, and 2 months post-PCI.
• Monocyte subsets, gene expression (CD14+ leucocytes), and humoral biomarkers were assessed.

Main Results:

• Intermediate monocytes decreased at 4 hours, recovered at 2 weeks, and increased at 2 months post-PCI.
• Elevated intermediate monocytes persisted at 2 months in the DES group, but not the DCB group.
• Biomarkers IL6 and TNFα remained elevated until 2 months post-PCI.

Conclusions:

• Elective PCI leads to a significant increase in intermediate monocytes at 2 months.
• The PCI strategy (DES vs. DCB) may modulate the post-PCI inflammatory response.
• Intermediate monocyte elevation post-PCI, especially with DES, warrants further investigation.