Serum Cytokine Levels and Heart Rate Variability in the Frequency Domain in Patients With Chronic Chagas Heart...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Immunology
• Parasitology

Background:

• The serum cytokine profile in chronic Chagas heart disease (CCHD) is known, but its link to heart rate variability (HRV) is unclear.
• CCHD involves cardiac abnormalities, and HRV analysis can reveal autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between plasma cytokine levels and frequency-domain HRV parameters in CCHD patients.
• To identify potential cytokine biomarkers associated with autonomic dysfunction in CCHD.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from CCHD patients and healthy controls were analyzed for cytokine levels using ELISA.
• Frequency-domain HRV analysis was performed to assess sympathetic and parasympathetic function.
• Statistical analysis correlated cytokine levels with HRV indices.

Main Results:

• Patients with CCHD exhibited higher serum cytokine levels compared to controls.
• No significant correlation was found between most tested cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-8, IL-2, IL-7, TGF-β, IL-17) and HRV indices.
• A significant negative correlation was observed between serum IL-23 levels and HRV high-frequency component (p = 0.044).

Conclusions:

• While most cytokines did not correlate with HRV in CCHD, elevated IL-23 showed a negative association with parasympathetic activity.
• Further research is needed to determine the specific role of IL-23 in the pathogenesis of CCHD.