Association of serum IgG4 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels with epicardial adipose tissue and coronary artery calcification

Objectives: Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related immuno-inflammation may play a role in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). We analyzed the association of serum IgG4 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels with epicardial fat volume (EFV) and coronary artery calcification (CAC). Methods: Serum IgG4 and sIL-2R levels were measured in 267 patients who underwent 320-slice cardiac computed tomography. Results: The median serum levels of IgG4 and sIL-2R were higher in patients with CAD than in those without. Serum IgG4 levels were significantly greater in patients with EFV within the second and fourth quartile (75 mL) than in those with low EFV (<75 mL) (33.5 mg/dL vs. 22.5 mg/dL). On the other hand, serum sIL-2R levels were significantly higher in patients with CAC than in those without (409 U/mL vs. 345 U/mL). In age- and gender-adjusted logistic regression analysis, the fourth quartile of IgG4 (>= 56.7 mg/dL) was associated with EFV within the second and fourth quartile (>= 75 mL) with an odds ratio of 3.13. Conclusion: Serum IgG4 levels were greater in patients with EFV within the second and fourth quartile, whereas serum sIL-2R levels were increased in patients with CAC. These two biomarkers may reflect different mechanisms underlying development of cardiovascular remodeling. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.