The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasiae

Abstract

Background/Aim. Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is considered as a variant of atherosclerosis. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are among the sensitive markers of systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of the cytokines; TNF- and IL-6 in CAE patients. Methods. Plasma concentrations of TNF- and IL-6 were measured in 36 patients with CAE (28 males, mean age: 58.2±12 years), and results were compared with age and sex-matched controls (n = 32) without coronary artery ectasia. TNF- and IL-6 concentrations in blood were assesed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. TNF- and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in CAE group than controls (15.6±11.2 pg/mL versus 7.8±3.7 pg/mL, P