Relationships Between Phenotype and Function of Blood CD4 < sup > + < /sup > T-Cells and Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: an Experimental Study

Introduction: Non-familial ascending thoracic aorta dilation and aneurysms (TAAs) are silent diseases in elderly patients. Histopathology revealed that functionally polarized infiltrating CD4+ T-cells play a key role in aortic wall weakening.Objective: To evaluate the possible associations between phenotype and cytokine production of circulating CD4+ T-lymphocytes and the presence of TAA in patients with aortic valve disease (AVD).Methods: We studied blood samples from 10 patients with TAA and 10 patients with AVD. Flow cytometry was used to quantify: a) CD4+ T-lymphocytes surface expression of CD25, CD28, and chem ...
Source: Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research