Chemokine expression in coronary circulation after coronary angioplasty asa prognostic factor for restenosis

Recent studies have clarified the significance of chemokines in cardiovascu lar diseases. such as development of atherosclerosis, atheromatous plaque r upture and restenosis after coronary angioplasty, We investigated changes i n chemokine expression in the coronary circulation induced by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and their clinical significance. W e examined 40 patients with angina pectoris who underwent elective PTCA for isolated stenotic lesions of the left coronary artery. Eight patients rece ived PTCA only. 14 percutaneous transluminal relational atherectomy and 18 stent implantation. Venous blood samples were obtained from the coronary si nus before, and immediately after as well as 4 and 24 h after PTCA. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-8, macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP)-1 were measured by enzyme-link ed immunosorbent assay. Plasma levels of M-CSF in the coronary sinus blood showed significant increases 4 and 24 h after PTCA. On the other hand, plas ma MCP-I levels did not change significantly during a 24-h observation peri od after PTCA. Immunoreactive IL-8 was not detected in any patients before or after PTCA. A significant positive correlation was found between plasma M-CSF levels 24 h after PTCA and late loss index 6 months after the procedu re. Plasma levels of M-CSF 24 h after PTCA were significantly higher in pat ients with than in those without late restenosis. PTCA induced increases in plasma levels of M-CSF in the coronary circulation. Increased M-CSF expres sion may be involved in neointima formation at injured vessels through acti vation of mononuclear phagocytes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. Al l rights reserved.