The Serum Levels of IL-36 in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Their Correlation with the Serum Levels of IL-32, IL-6, TNF-α, and Oxidative Stress

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process maintained during all stages of the disease by several proinflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. Interleukin (IL)-36 cytokines are proinflammatory and have an essential role in innate and adaptive immunity, but the role of IL-36 has not been determined in coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to measure the serum levels of IL-36 in patients with CAD and their association with the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-32 and also investigate their correlation with the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP).A total of 168 subjects (84 CAD and 84 control subjects) were examined in this research. The total serum levels of IL-36 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, some oxidative stress parameters were evaluated by FRAP and MDA assays in the serum.The serum levels of IL-36 and MDA were significantly higher, and FRAP was significantly lower in the CAD group compared to the controls. Furthermore, the serum levels of IL-36, MDA, and FRAP significantly correlated with the CAD group's cardiac arterial stenosis. Also, the serum levels of IL-36 had a positive and significant correlation with the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-32, and biochemical parameters in the CAD group.Higher serum levels of IL-36 and its association with the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-32, and IL-6 may play a key role in the pathogenesis of CAD, leading to an increased risk of clogged arteries and oxidative stress.