The innate immune system plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Recently, it was reported that monocytes can develop a long-lasting immunological memory after stimulation with various microorganisms, which has been termed 'trained innate immunity'. This memory is induced by epigenetic reprogramming, in particular trimethylation of lysine 4 at histone 3 (H3K4me3). In this study, the investigators aim to investigate the immunophenotype of circulating monocytes in patients with elevated LDL cholesterol levels and the effect of statins on this phenotype.
The innate immune system plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Recently, it was reported that monocytes can develop a long-lasting immunological memory after stimulation with various microorganisms, which has been termed 'trained innate immunity'. This memory is induced by epigenetic reprogramming, in particular trimethylation of lysine 4 at histone 3 (H3K4me3). The main objective is to study whether circulating monocytes of patients with elevated levels of LDL have a phenotype of trained innate immunity compared to control patients. Subsequently the investigators will study the effect of treatment with statins on the increased inflammatory response and epigenetic changes of the innate immune system.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
45
The patients with elevated LDL receive statin treatment in the context of normal patient care (so this is NOT an intervention of the study)
Radboud university medical center
Nijmegen, Netherlands
Cytokine production capacity
Cytokine production capacity of PBMC's at baseline in patients with elevated and normal cholesterol levels
Time frame: baseline
Cytokine production capacity
Cytokine production capacity of PBMC's at baseline in patients with elevated and normal cholesterol levels
Time frame: Three months after start of statin treatment
Epigenetic modifications in the promoter regions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes.
Epigenetic modifications in the promoter regions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes.
Time frame: baseline
Epigenetic modifications in the promoter regions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes.
Epigenetic modifications in the promoter regions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes.
Time frame: Three months after start of statin treatment
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