Effects of statins on TH1 modulating cytokines in human subjects.

ABSTRACT: Background. Activation of the innate immune system by cholesterol accelerates atherosclerosis. High levels or modified forms of cholesterol stimulate release of the inflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IL-18 that synergistically stimulate T lymphocytes to produce the atherogenic cytokine interferon-γ. While activation of the innate immune system by cholesterol is well-described in animal models and human subjects with high cholesterol levels or known atherosclerotic disease, the interaction of cholesterol and lipoproteins with the innate immune system in human subjects without known atherosclerosis is less well-described. The goal of our study was to assess the TH1 modulating cytokines IL-12 p40 and IL-18, and their counter regulatory cytokines IL-18 binding protein and IL-27, to determine if

SUBMITTER: Cimato TR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4327442 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature