Enhanced Neutrophil Expression of Annexin-1 in Coronary Artery Disease

• Background: A dysregulated cortisol response in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is related to systemic inflammatory activity. Moreover, a dysfunctional activation status of neutrophils in CAD has been discussed. The anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids are mediated by annexin-1 (ANXA1), a protein mainly expressed by innate immune cells. An altered expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and ANXA1 has been associated with glucocorticoid resistance. Methods and Results: Salivary cortisol levels were measured in the morning and evening during 3 consecutive days in 30 CAD patients and 30 healthy individuals. The neutrophil expression of GR and ANXA1 was determined by flow cytometry. The effect of exogenous ANXA1 was determined in neutrophil stimulation assays. The patients showed a flattened diurnal cortisol pattern compared to healthy subjects, involving higher levels in the evening. The neutrophil expression of GRtotal and GRα, as well as the ratio of GRα:GRβ expression was significantly decreased in patients, whereas the GRβ expression did not differ compared to controls. The neutrophil expression of ANXA1 was significantly increased in patients. Ex vivo, ANXA1 suppressed LTB4-induced ROS production in neutrophils from patients, but not from controls. On the other hand, ANXA1 impaired the LTB4-induced up-regulation of β2-integrins in both patients and controls. Conclusion: CAD patients displayed a more flattened diurnal cortisol rhythm caused by higher cortisol levels in the evening compared to healthy subjects. Our findings indicate a chronic overactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis but give no conclusive evidence for glucocorticoid resistance, as assessed by the neutrophil expression of GR and ANXA1. The data rather point towards an increased anti-inflammatory potential in neutrophils from patients with stable CAD.

Nyckelord

Coronary artery disease

cortisol

neutrophil

glucocorticoid receptor

annexin-1

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Medicine

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