Increased serum neopterin in patients with nonrheumatic aortic valve stenosis.

BACKGROUND

Inflammation and immunity play an intrinsic role in the pathogenesis of NR-AS. Neopterin is mainly produced by activated macrophages.

METHODS

We examined serum neopterin levels in 51 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery [37 NR-AS and 14 aortic regurgitation (AR)].

RESULTS

Serum neopterin levels were significantly higher in patients with NR-AS than in those with AR and age matched controls, whereas serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels did not differ among three groups. Moreover, serum neopterin levels were not different between NR-AS patients with and without coronary artery disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum neopterin levels appear to be a useful maker in patients with NR-AS.