Concentrations of interleukins, interferon, and C-reactive protein in stable and unstable angina pectoris.

We analyzed the concentrations of interleukins (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-18, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in 40 patients with unstable angina (UAP), 39 patients with stable angina (SAP), and 52 age- and gender-matched controls. Compared with the control group, IL-12 concentrations were significantly higher in both the SAP and UAP groups, especially in the UAP group, and the IL-18 concentrations tended to be higher in the UAP group. Conversely, IL-10 concentrations were significantly lower in the SAP and UAP groups. Both IL-6 and hsCRP concentrations were significantly higher in the UAP group. The levels of hsCRP were positively correlated with inflammatory or proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12, and IL-18), and negatively correlated with anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Moreover, the levels of IL-12 were positively correlated with IL-18, and negatively correlated with IL-10, and the results revealed the T-helper 1 dominant state. These results suggested that the inflammatory response was strongly associated with coronary atherosclerosis and angina pectoris, and that the T-helper 1 dominance may play an important role in these diseases.