Intense acute phase response in ischemic patients

The aim of this study was to estimate the qualitative and quantitative chan ges of acute phase proteins in patients suffering from coronary heart disea se. The study was carried out on 74 patients and 12 healthy volunteers. The patients were divided into three groups as follows: patients with myocardi al infarction (n=37), Group I-without heart failure, Group II-with heart fa ilure (II-III NYHA), Group III-patients with unstable angina pectoris (n=35 ); controls-healthy volunteers (n=12). The immunological measurements were performed at the beginning of hospitalisation (point 0), after 4, 8, 12 and 72 h, and after 6, 9 and 12 days of hospitalisation. The concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and alpha(1)-an tichymotrypsin (ACT) were measured using rocket immunoelectrophoresis accor ding to Laurell. Glycosylation profiles of AGP and ACT were determined usin g crossed affinity immunoelectrophoresis with Con A as ligand according to Bog-Hansen. Between Groups I and II statistically significant differences w ere observed for all investigated parameters. Highest concentration values were observed for Groups II and III; for Group II they appeared earlier tha n for Group III. The maximal values for reactivity coefficients (AGP-RC and ACT-PC) were observed earlier than the respective maximal values of concen trations. Continuous activation occurring In unstable angina leads to a mor e rapid increase in the concentrations of acute phase proteins and more mar ked alterations in their glycosylation profiles. In a way these patients se em to be 'primed' with constant stimulation, so that they respond dramatica lly to the stimulus of ischemia. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ire land Ltd. All rights reserved.