High sensitivity cytokine detection in acute coronary syndrome reveals up-regulation of Interferon Gamma and Interleukin-10 post Myocardial Infarction

Inflammation is an important element in the development and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. Using a high sensitivity multiplex assay, previously untested in the context of atherosclerotic disease, we determined serum concentrations of GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-10, IL-12p70, TNF α, IL-6, and IL-8 in 48 Myocardial Infarction (MI) patients, 14 Unstable Angina (UA) patients and 12 healthy controls. IFNγ levels were significantly higher in MI compared to UA (p = 0.0091) and Control groups (p = 0.0014). IL-10 also showed higher expression levels between MI, UA groups and Controls (p = 0.0299).This up-regulation may reflect the extent of plaque instability and/or rupture in MI patients.Our observations provide evidence that IFNγ and IL-10 merit further investigation in atherosclerotic disease states as potential markers of disease and therapeutic targets.