Circulating Interleukin-36 Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Interleukin-37 Levels in Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess whether circulating interleukin (IL)-36α, IL-36β, IL-36γ, and IL-37 levels were higher in patients with chronic coronary syndrome compared with healthy controls.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study, with recruitment conducted from August 2022 to February 2023. After undergoing coronary angiography, patients were assessed in the hemodynamics laboratory according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. For those who met these criteria, the study was explained, and they were invited to participate. Clinical characteristics were collected via interview, followed by a blood sample for the measurement of ILs. Serum IL levels were quantified using a sandwich ELISA assay (R&D Systems, USA), according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The present study was submitted to and approved by the institutional research ethics committee.

Results: A total of 100 patients were recruited (mean age: 58 ± 6.2 years; 59% male, 41% female) along with 100 healthy controls (mean age: 56 ± 4.6 years, 59% male, 41% female). Comparative analyses of circulating IL-36 family levels between patients and healthy controls revealed the following: IL-36α, 6.25 pg/mL (2.25–81.68) vs. 6.25 pg/mL (6.25–127.6) (P = 0.6); IL-36β, 9.68 pg/mL (6.25–36.39) vs. 6.25 pg/mL (6.25–6.25) (P = 0.006); and IL-36γ, 3,212 pg/mL (2,091–5,761) vs. 89.1 pg/mL (30.98–145.29) (P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions: Circulating IL-36α and IL-36β levels were higher in patients with chronic coronary syndrome compared with healthy controls. These ILs may be involved in the development of coronary atherosclerosis. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of these ILs.