The oxygen stress index and levels of circulating interleukin-10 and interleukin-6 in patients with chronic heart failure

Objectives: We sought to study circulating levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines together with the oxygen stress index in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Background: Patients with CHF exhibit elevated levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines but the relative level of these cytokines with the oxygen stress index have not been reported. Methods: Twenty-two patients with CHF and 10 control subjects were studied. Plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were determined and the oxygen stress index was evaluated by urine 8-iso-PGF2α estimations. Results: Plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in CHF patients were significantly higher than those observed in the control subjects. Patients with more advanced disease (higher NYHA class) showed higher concentrations of IL-10 and IL-6 than those with less serious disease. 8-iso-PGF2α urine concentration (and therefore the oxygen stress index) was significantly higher in patients with CHF in comparison with control subjects. IL-6 plasma levels, but not IL-10 concentrations, correlated significantly with 8-iso-PGF2α levels in urine. Conclusions: Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, as well as the oxidative stress index, are increased in patients with chronic heart failure. Inflammatory cytokine IL-6, but not anti-inflammatory cytokine Il-10, levels correlated significantly with the oxygen stress index.