CXCL5 polymorphisms are associated with variable blood pressure in cardiovascular disease-free adults.

Objective: Leukocyte count has been associated with blood pressure, hypertension, and hypertensive complications. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in the CXCL5 gene, which encodes the neutrophilic chemokine ENA-78, are associated with blood pressure in cardiovascular disease (CVD)-free adults and that these polymorphisms are functional.

Methods And Results: A total of 192 community-dwelling participants without CVD or risk equivalents were enrolled.

Modulatory effect of fenofibrate on endothelial production of neutrophil chemokines IL-8 and ENA-78.

Purpose: The PPAR-alpha agonists (fibrates) are commonly used in the treatment of dyslipidemia. It has been hypothesized that the cardio-protective effects of fibrates are partially due to immunomodulatory effects. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the effect of fibrates on neutrophilic chemokines such as epithelial neutrophil activating protein (ENA-78) and interleukin (IL)-8.

Epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide (ENA-78), acute coronary syndrome prognosis, and modulatory effect of statins.

Endothelial inflammation with chemokine involvement contributes to acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We tested the hypothesis that variation in the chemokine gene CXCL5, which encodes epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide (ENA-78), is associated with ACS prognosis. We also investigated whether statin use, a potent modulator of inflammation, modifies CXCL5's association with outcomes and characterized the in vitro effect of atorvastatin on endothelial ENA-78 production.

Evaluation of hawthorn extract on immunomodulatory biomarkers in a pressure overload model of heart failure.

Background: Hawthorn extract (Crataegeus sp.) a botanical complementary and alternative medicine is often used to treat heart failure. The mechanism(s) by which hawthorn extract may treat heart failure is unknown but may include, theoretically, immunological effects.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among individuals participating in research: implications for research and practice.

Study Objectives: To determine the frequency and type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among healthy volunteers participating in research, and to investigate the potential for interactions between commonly used CAM modalities and various drugs.

Design: Prospective evaluation.

Setting: University general clinical research center.

Atorvastatin effect on circulating and leukocyte-produced CD40 ligand concentrations in people with normal cholesterol levels: a pilot study.

Study Objectives: To investigate whether atorvastatin decreases serum or leukocyte-produced CD40 ligand (CD40L) levels and whether these effects are dependent on reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels in people without overt dyslipidemia.

Design: Prospective pilot study.

Setting: University research center.

Development and cross-validation of sequencing-based assays for genotyping common polymorphisms of the CXCL5 gene.

Background: Epithelial neutrophil activating peptide (ENA-78) is encoded by the polymorphic CXCL5 gene and is a recruiter and activator of neutrophils. Furthermore, ENA-78 may be involved in pathological inflammatory processes and variable drug responses.

Methods: To facilitate future disease-gene and pharmacogenetic investigation of ENA-78, we developed and cross-validated medium- to high-throughput genotyping assays for 2 commonly occurring CXCL5 polymorphisms (rs352046 and rs425535).

Modulatory effects of atorvastatin on endothelial cell-derived chemokines, cytokines, and angiogenic factors.

Study Objective: To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) by determining whether atorvastatin alters the production of specific endothelium-derived immunoactive proteins and whether its treatment effects depend on its concentration and/or inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase.

Design: In vitro study using a multiplexing method for protein measurement.

Setting: University laboratory.