Immune signatures in primary hypertension: The roles of IL-10, IgM, and IgG

Hypertension (HTN) is the leading modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Implicated immunological mechanisms are of great interest nowadays. This study aimed to assess the role of B cells by measuring serum immunoglobulin (IgG) and IgM levels, regulatory T cell levels, and interleukin (IL)-10 levels in hypertensive patients. This observational case-control study included 100 subjects. Sixty newly diagnosed untreated HTN patients were subdivided into three equal groups based on HTN severity. Another twenty patients controlled on their antihypertensive medications over the past three months were enrolled. Patients were compared to twenty apparently healthy subjects. Serum IgG, IgM, and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), along with complete labs, including complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, S-creatinine, C-reactive protein, lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin, glomerular filtration rate, fundus examination, echocardiography, and carotid duplex, which were performed for all participants. IL10 levels were significantly lower among patients (54.84±9.91 pg/ml) compared to the control group (91.12±12.24 pg/ml) (p < 0.001). The lowest level was among the mild HTN group. Serum IgG and IgM levels were not significantly higher in patients than in the healthy group. (p = 0.71 and 0.31, respectively). Significant correlation was detected in the moderate HTN group; IL10 was negatively correlated with right common carotid artery intima media thickness (RTCCA IMT) (r = -0.44, p = 0.05). In conclusion, IL10 is significantly lower among patients with HTN. Dysregulation of immune mechanisms may be associated with HTN. Further studies are needed to reveal nature of this relationship.