Background/Aim: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which many immune cells are accumulated. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the dominant immune cells in advanced atherosclerotic lesions, exert their activity via proapoptotic protease granzyme B (GZB). However, increased GZB was detected in atherosclerotic lesions, its exact role and contribution toward atherosclerosis-related key regulatory processes yet unclear.
Method: GZB mRNA expression was quantified in peripheral blood of 15 apparently healthy controls and 58 atherosclerotic patients divided into 23 non-diabetic and 35 diabetic patients by Taqman RT-PCR. Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein and insulin levels were estimated by ELISA.
Results: There is a significant 3-fold increase in GZB mRNA in atherosclerotic patients compared to control (P<0.001). Moreover, GZB mRNA levels were positively correlated with cardiovascular risk ratios, markers of inflammation and insulin resistance. Multiple regression analysis revealed that DM and current smoking were significant predictors for GZB gene expression.
Conclusions: GZB might have a role in inflammation and insulin resistance processes associated with atherosclerosis development and progression.