Abnormal cytokine profiles in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and their asymptomatic relatives

Objectives-Immunological abnormalities in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) include an increase in soluble interleukin(IL)-2 receptor, disease specific cardiac autoantibodies, an HLADR4 association, and familial aggregation of disease; however, cytokine profiles have not been defined. Serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12 were measured in patients with DCM (WHO criteria), relatives with asymptomatic left ventricular enlargement (LVE), patients with ischaemic heart failure (IHD), and healthy controls. Design-Serum from 20 individuals from each of the four groups was assayed for cytokine concentrations by a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results-IL-2 concentrations were abnormally increased in DCM patients and relatives with LVE. Concentrations of IL-10 were increased in DCM patients. Concentrations ofIL-4 and IL-12 were not increased in any of the groups. Conclusion-These abnormalities may reflect defective/inappropriate T cell function in patients with DCM and in their relatives with LVE. (Heart 1996;75:287-290)