IL-23 gene expression in PBMCs of patients with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Both adaptive and innate immune systems are involved in coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to evaluate TH17 cytokines expression profiles in un-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBMCs) of patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: Expression profiles of IL-17, IL-23, and TGF-ß1 were determined in individuals with and without CAD using Real-time PCR. RESULTS: A significant decrease in IL-23 gene expression in un-stimulated PBMCs of patients with CAD compared to those without CAD was found (p=0.003, OR=0.045, 95% CI: 0.006-0.355). CONCLUSION: Our data reinforce the potential role of the IL-23 as a critical regulatory molecule that bridges the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system in the complex mechanisms associated with the development of atherosclerosis.