Affiliations: Department of Medicine, University of Debrecen,
Medical and Health Science Center, Debrecen, Hungary | Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen,
Medical and Health Science Center, Debrecen, Hungary | Department of Neurology, County Hospital, Miskolc,
Hungary | Sanofi-Synthelabo Hungary Ltd., Medical Department,
Budapest, Hungary | Department of Neonatology, University of Debrecen,
Medical and Health Science Center, Debrecen, Hungary
Note: [] Corresponding author: Mária Tünde Magyar, M.D.,
Ph.D., Department of Neurology, Medical and Health Science Center, University
of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98., Debrecen, H-4012, Hungary. Tel.: +36 52 415
176; Fax: +36 52 453 590; E-mail: tundus@jaguar.unideb.hu
Abstract: Objective: Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) has been suggested as a key
mediator between inflammation and atherosclerosis, and the CD40-CD40L
interaction has a role in atherosclerotic lesion progression. We evaluated if
platelet released serum sCD40L and sCD40 levels differ between patients with
early onset occlusive carotid artery disease and age-matched controls. Methods: sCD40L and sCD40 levels were measured in serum samples of
60 patients with occlusive carotid artery disease and 30 age-matched controls
using ELISA. Degree of stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA), and
intima-media thickness (IMT) in the common carotid artery were measured by high
resolution ultrasound. Values are given as mean ± SD. Results: Mean age was 50.9 ± 3.5 and 50.1 ± 3.5 years
in the patient and control groups. IMT was significantly thicker in patients
than in controls (0.89 ± 0.14 vs. 0.78 ±0.12 mm, p=0.0003). Serum
levels of sCD40L were significantly higher (6.9 ± 5 vs. 4.5 ± 3.0
ng/mL, p=0.038) in patients, whereas sCD40 did not differ significantly between
patients and controls (85 ± 56.9 vs. 79.3 ± 18.7 pg/mL, p=0.34).
IMT did not correlate with sCD40L or sCD40 levels (R=−0.03, p=0.77; and
R=0.109, p=0.308, respectively). Conclusions: sCD40L but not sCD40 levels are significantly higher in
patients with occlusive carotid artery disease. Platelet derived sCD40L may be
a key mediator among inflammation, thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
