Increased serum CXCL16 level is a marker for acute coronary syndromes

Background. CXCL16 is a transmembrane molecule combining scavenger receptor functions with the properties of an inflammatory chemokine. Accumulating evidence suggests that CXCL16 is involved in atherosclerosis; however, the role of circulating soluble CXCL16 in human coronary artery disease remains unclear. Methods. ELISA was used to examine the concentration of serum-soluble CXCL16 in 26 stable angina pectoris patients (SAP), 29 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and 21 control patients. Results. In patients with ACS, serum level of CXCL16 was significantly increased compared to control and SAP patients (p < 0.001 vs. control; p = 0.041 vs. SAP patients); serum levels of CXCL16 in patients with SAP were higher than in control patients although no statistical significance was found (p = 0.059). No significant association was found between serum CXCL16 and acute-phase reactants, TNF-alpha, or serum lipid parameters. In ACS patients, increased level of serum CXCL16 was not linked to either the severity of coronary stenosis or TIMI risk score, which is an early risk evaluation system for ACS. Conclusions. Increased level of serum-soluble CXCL16 was independently associated with ACS. (c) 2008 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc.