BLOOD LEVELS OF INTERLEUKIN-17A IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COURSE OF DISEASE

Abstract

Objective: One of the most important links in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension (AH) is currently considered to be the activation of subclinical inflammation. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by cells of the immune system, predominantly Th17 lymphocytes. The objective of the study was to evaluate the changes in blood levels of IL-17A in patients with AH and its relationship with the characteristics of the course of the disease. Design and method: The study involved 65 patients with grade 2-3 AH (34 men and 31 women aged 37 to 59 years) and 22 practically healthy individuals in the control group (12 men and 10 women aged 19 to 47 years). Patients were examined using standard clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods. The scope of the study also included the determination of blood levels of IL-17A and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) by the enzyme immunoassay. Examination of all patients and persons of the control group was carried out before the start of the war in Ukraine. Results: A significant increase in blood levels of IL-17A was established in general in the group of patients with 2-3 degree AH ((7.12 [4.74;10.67]) pg/mL, P <0.05) in comparison with practically healthy individuals ((3.24 [0,96;4,59]) pg/mL). The highest blood levels of IL-17A were found in patients with AH with a more pronounced increase in blood pressure (BP) up to the 3rd degree of AH ((9.87 [5.98;13.56]) pg/mL, P<0.05) compared with the levels of this factor in patients with 2nd degree of AH ((5.85 [3,66;8,12]) pg/mL). Significant positive correlations were found between blood levels of IL-17A and hsCRP (P = 0,023), left ventricular mass index (P = 0,027) and systolic BP (P = 0,036). Conclusions: In patients with grade 2-3 AH, a significant increase in blood levels of proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A and its relationship with indicators of activation of subclinical inflammation, the severity of hypertrophic remodeling of the heart, and the severity of hypertension were found.