Cytokine pattern in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with the interleukin-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab
Woxholt, Sindre; Ueland, Thor; Aukrust, Pål; Anstensrud, Anne Kristine; Broch, Kaspar; Tøllefsen, Ingvild Maria; Ryan, Liv; Bendz, Bjørn; Hopp, Einar; Kløw, Nils-Einar; Seljeflot, Ingebjørg; Halvorsen, Bente; Dahl, Tuva Børresdatter; Huse, Camilla; Andersen, Geir Øystein; Gullestad, Lars; Wiseth, Rune; Amundsen, Brage H.; Damås, Jan Kristian; Kleveland, Ola
Peer reviewed, Journal article
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Date
2023Metadata
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Abstract
Background Tocilizumab improves myocardial salvage index (MSI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but its mechanisms of action are unclear. Here, we explored how cytokines were affected by tocilizumab and their correlations with neutrophils, C-reactive protein (CRP), troponin T, MSI and infarct size.
Methods STEMI patients were randomised to receive a single dose of 280 mg tocilizumab (n=101) or placebo (n=98) before percutaneous coronary intervention. Blood samples were collected before infusion of tocilizumab or placebo at baseline, during follow-up at 24–36, 72–168 hours, 3 and 6 months. 27 cytokines were analysed using a multiplex cytokine assay. Cardiac MRI was performed during hospitalisation and 6 months.
Results Repeated measures analysis of variance showed significant (p<0.001) between-group difference in changes for IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1ra due to an increase in the tocilizumab group during hospitalisation. IL-6 and IL-8 correlated to neutrophils in the placebo group (r=0.73, 0.68, respectively), which was attenuated in the tocilizumab group (r=0.28, 0.27, respectively). A similar pattern was seen for MSI and IL-6 and IL-8 in the placebo group (r=−0.29, –0.25, respectively) in patients presenting ≤3 hours from symptom onset, which was attenuated in the tocilizumab group (r=−0.09,–0.14, respectively).
Conclusions Tocilizumab increases IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1ra in STEMI. IL-6 and IL-8 show correlations to neutrophils/CRP and markers of cardiac injury in the placebo group that was attenuated in the tocilizumab group. This may suggest a beneficial effect of tocilizumab on the ischaemia-reperfusion injury in STEMI patients.