Abnormal cytokine profiles in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and their asymptomatic relatives.

Abstract

Immunological abnormalities in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) include an increase in soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, disease specific cardiac autoantibodies, an HLA-DR4 association, and familial aggregation of disease; however, cytokine profiles have not been defined. Serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12 were measured in patients with DCM (WHO criteria), relatives with asymptomatic left ventricular enlargement (LVE), patients with ischaemic heart failure (IHD), and healthy controls. Serum from 20 individuals from each of the four groups was assayed for cytokine concentrations by a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. IL-2 concentrations were abnormally increased in DCM patients and relatives with LVE. Concentrations of IL-10 were increased in DCM patients. Concentrations of IL-4 and IL-12 were not increased in any of the groups. These abnormalities may reflect defective/inappropriate T cell function in patients with DCM and in their relatives with LVE.