炎性因子与急性冠状动脉综合征相关性研究

目的探讨可溶性CD40配体（sCD40L）、髓过氧化物酶（MPO）和高敏C反应蛋白（hs—CRP）等炎性指标与冠心病冠状动脉狭窄程度及病情严重度间的相关性。方法冠状动脉造影患者85例，按狭窄程度分无狭窄组、轻度狭窄组、中度狭窄组和重度狭窄组；按病情分为急性心梗（AMI）、不稳定型心绞痛（UAP）、稳定型心绞痛（SAP）和健康对照组。结果①血清sCD40L水平，AMI组[（16．42±4．66）ng／m1]与UAP组[（13．50±5．29）ng／m1]显著高于SAP组[（9．22±3．65）ng／m1]和对照组[（8．66±2．92）ng／m1]。②血清MPO水平，冠状动脉不同狭窄程度各组之间差异均存在显著统计学意义（F=25．95，P〈0．001），AMI组[（156．61±33．63）U／L]显著高于UAP组[（92．06±42．11）U／L]、SAP组[（80．02±20．28）U／L]和健康对照组[52．33±14．32）U／L]。③hs—CRP水平，重度狭窄组略高于与无狭窄组（3．61±0．64比1．41±0．55，P〈0．05）；AMI组hs—CRP水平[（5．74±1．09）mg／L]显著高于UAP组[（1．91±0．72）mg／L，P〈0．001]、SAP组[（2．61±0．60）mg／L，P〈0．01]和对照组[（1．47±0．47）mg／L，P〈0．001]。结论在冠心病不同程度冠脉狭窄组之间，血清MPO水平差异存在统计学意义，而sCD40L和hs—CRP水平差异无统计学意义；在冠心病不同程度病情组之间，血清sCD40L水平有统计学意义，而MPO和hs—CRP水平差异无统计学意义。     

Serial changes in circulating concentrations of soluble CD40 ligand and C-reactive protein in patients with unstable angina undergoing coronary stenting.

BACKGROUND: This study tested the hypothesis that serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) significantly reflect serial changes in patients with unstable angina, and thus the serum concentrations of these inflammatory biomarkers may be good candidates for predicting late restenosis after coronary stenting. METHODS AND RESULTS: The circulating concentrations of sCD40L and hs-CRP were prospectively measured (both pre-procedure, and on days 21, 90, and 180 after the procedure) in 77 consecutive patients with unstable angina undergoing coronary stenting. These inflammatory mediators were also evaluated in 30 healthy volunteers. The serum concentrations of sCD40L and hs-CRP were significantly higher pre-procedure in study patients than in normal control subjects (all p values < 0.0001). These inflammatory markers then declined to a substantially lower concentration by day 21 (all p values < 0.05). Circulating concentrations of hs-CRP in each patient then differed little from each other afterwards. However, the sCD40L concentration was once again raised significantly on days 90 and 180 as compared to day 21 (both p values < 0.05). This study found no significant link between raised circulating concentrations of sCD40L and hs-CRP and late restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating concentrations of sCD40L and hs-CRP were significantly increased in unstable angina patients pre-procedure and declined substantially thereafter. However, the circulating concentrations of these 2 inflammatory mediators were not useful in predicting late restenosis following coronary stenting.     

Increased plasma soluble CD40 ligand concentrations in systemic sclerosis and association with pulmonary arterial hypertension and digital ulcers

BACKGROUND: Increased expression of CD40L has been reported on activated CD4+ T lymphocytes in systemic sclerosis. CD40L can be expressed in soluble form (sCD40L). OBJECTIVE: To compare sCD40L concentrations in patients with systemic sclerosis and healthy controls. METHODS: Quantitative sandwich ELISA was used to measure plasma sCD40L in systemic sclerosis (n = 50) and matched healthy controls (n = 20). Patients with systemic sclerosis had limited cutaneous disease (29), digital ulcers (14), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (10), pulmonary fibrosis on CT (23), positive anti-Scl70 (14), and anti-centromere antibodies (10). Calcium channel blockers were discontinued 72 hours before measurements. RESULTS: Median (range) sCD40L concentration (pg/ml) was higher in systemic sclerosis than in controls (495 (10 to 7720) v 79 (50 to 118); p = 0.003), in limited cutaneous disease v diffuse disease (620 (20 to 7720) v 250 (10 to 2690); p = 0.005), in patients with digital ulcers v those without (1430 (36 to 7720) v 370 (10 to 2320); p = 0.002), and in those with PAH v those without (995 (15 to 3850) v 400 (10 to 7720); p = 0.048). sCD40L correlated with pulmonary arterial pressure estimated by Doppler echocardiography (r = 0.41; p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The soluble form of CD40L is increased in plasma in systemic sclerosis and may be associated with vascular complications of the disease.     

Enhanced levels of soluble CD40 ligand and C-reactive protein in a total of 312 patients with metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with a systemic inflammatory response that plays an important pathogenetic role in atherothrombotic disease. Increasing evidence indicates that CD40-CD40 ligand interactions constitute an important mediator for vascular inflammation. The purpose of this study was to assess whether high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels were increased in patients with MS. During the study period from January 2004 to August 2004, 312 patients with MS and 98 control subjects were included. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure assessment, electrocardiography, and blood measurements including fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, glycated hemoglobin, white blood cell (WBC), platelets, hs-CRP, and sCD40L were performed. Patients with MS were divided into 3 groups based upon their glucose tolerance (group 1, normal glucose tolerance; group 2, prediabetic group; and group 3, diabetes mellitus). Patients with MS showed a significant increase of WBC, hs-CRP, and sCD40L levels compared with control subjects. The levels of both hs-CRP and sCD40L were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI). High-sensitivity CRP levels were also positively correlated with waist circumferences, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin, and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In patients with MS, both hs-CRP and sCD40L levels were positively correlated with WBC count. We found a positive correlation between sCD40L and platelets. Among the subgroups of patients with MS, the mean levels of WBC, hs-CRP, and sCD40L did not show any significant differences. In conclusion, elevated levels of WBC, hs-CRP, and sCD40L in MS patients provide further insight into the relationship between MS and inflammation. In our study, positive correlations between BMI and both hs-CRP and sCD40L levels suggest that BMI is an important determinant of a chronic inflammatory state in patients with MS. Moreover, this study reports significantly increased levels of WBC, hs-CRP, and sCD40L not only in diabetic subjects with MS but also in prediabetic subjects and nondiabetic subjects with MS compared with control subjects. Our data suggest that MS patients have proinflammatory state independent of their glucose tolerance status. In our study, the positive correlation between the levels of sCD40L and platelets in patients with MS supports previous reports indicating that sCD40L are derived predominantly from platelets.     

阿托伐他汀钙片对心绞痛患者血清可溶性CD40配体与C反应蛋白的干预研究

目的 探讨阿托伐他汀钙片对心绞痛患者血清可溶性CD40配体(CD40L)与高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)的干预作用.方法 65例冠心病患者,其中稳定型心绞痛患者30例(SA组),不稳定型心绞痛患者35例(UA组),所有患者于入院当天清晨、治疗后2、4、6周静脉血,测定血清hsCRP、血清可溶性CD40L水平,并对两组结果进行比较.结果 治疗前UA组血清可溶性CD40L、hs-CRP浓度分别为(20.52±2.91)μg/L、(7.96±1.69) mg/L,明显高于SA组(7.96±1.35)μg/L、(1.58±0.91) mg/L(t=21.705、18.493,均P＜0.05),而两组治疗后血清可溶性CD40L、hs-CRP浓度均较治疗前明显降低(均P＜0.01).结论 血清可溶性CD40L、hs-CRP参与了不稳定型心绞痛的病理生理过程,可以作为反映易损斑块的指标,阿托伐他汀钙片可通过降低血清可溶性CD40L、hs-CRP而加强粥样硬化斑块的稳定性.     

Soluble CD40 ligand, platelet surface CD40 ligand, and total platelet CD40 ligand in atrial fibrillation: relationship to soluble P-selectin, stroke risk factors, and risk factor intervention

BACKGROUND: Abnormal levels of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) have been reported in patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and stroke, all of which are conditions that are associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized the following: (1) CD40 ligand (CD40L)-related indexes (ie, platelet surface expressed CD40L, the soluble fragment of CD40L [sCD40L], and the total amount of CD40L per platelet [pCD40L]) are elevated in patients with AF compared to control subjects; (2) these indexes correlate with soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), which is an established platelet marker; and (3) these indexes differentiate "high-risk" from "low-risk" subjects. METHODS: We performed a case-control study of 121 AF patients, 71 "disease control subjects," and 56 "healthy control subjects." Peripheral venous levels of platelet surface-expressed CD40L were analyzed by flow cytometry, while levels of sCD40L, pCD40L, and sP-selectin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: AF patients had significantly higher sCD40L levels compared to healthy control subjects (p = 0.042), with no difference in platelet surface CD40L and pCD40L levels. A positive correlation was noted between levels of sCD40L and pCD40L, and not with sP-selectin. CD40L-related indexes failed to distinguish between high-risk and low-risk AF patients. AF patients receiving optimal antithrombotic therapy had significantly lower pCD40L levels (p < 0.001) compared to control subjects. Optimized AF management also resulted in significant reductions in the levels of sCD40L (p = 0.023) and pCD40L (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CD40L-related indexes are not useful in the risk stratification of AF patients, and abnormal sCD40L levels can be reduced by intense multifactorial risk management. While there is a significant, albeit modest, excess of platelet activation in AF patients (as measured by sCD40L levels) compared to healthy control subjects, this is not in excess of that seen in patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases.     

Diverse associations of microalbuminuria with C-reactive protein, interleukin-18 and soluble CD 40 ligand in male essential hypertensive subjects

BACKGROUND: Microalbuminuria (MA) and low-grade inflammation constitute emerging markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. We investigated whether urinary albumin excretion, expressed as the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), is associated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-18, and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), in hypertensive subjects. METHODS: The study population consisted of 108 nondiabetic male patients with newly diagnosed untreated stage I to II essential hypertension (aged 44.6 years, office blood pressure [BP] 148/95 mm Hg). According to ACR values determined as the average of two nonconsecutive overnight spot urine samples, subjects were divided into microalbuminurics (n = 28) (mean ACR = 30 to 300 mg/g) and normoalbuminurics (n = 80) (mean ACR <30 mg/g). RESULTS: Although microalbuminurics as compared to normoalbuminuric hypertensives had greater hs-CRP levels (2.55 +/- 1.18 v 1.45 +/- 0.52 mg/L, P < .0001), independently of confounding factors, these two groups did not differ regarding IL-18 and sCD40L values (P = not significant [NS] for both cases). In the entire population, ACR exhibited a positive correlation with hs-CRP (r = 0.623, P < .0001), whereas there was no association with both IL-18 and sCD40L (P = NS for both cases). When multiple linear regression analysis was performed, it was revealed that age, body mass index, office systolic BP, total cholesterol, and hs-CRP levels were significant independent predictors of the ACR (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In essential hypertensive subjects, MA is accompanied by elevated hs-CRP levels, but not by augmented IL-18 and sCD40L concentrations, suggesting activation of different inflammatory pathways in the progression of renal and cardiovascular atherosclerotic disease. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of these associations remain to be further elucidated in future studies.     

Coronary artery disease progression is associated with C-reactive protein and conventional risk factors but not soluble CD40 ligand

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death worldwide. Epidemiological studies have documented conventional risk factors; however, no studies to date have addressed the roles of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and there have been few reports on other novel risk factors in CAD progression. The aim of the present study was to explore the roles of novel and conventional risk factors in CAD progression. METHODS: Patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent repeat coronary angiograms and had serum samples at the time of their first catheterization between March 1999 and January 2004 were enrolled. Those who had progression of coronary atherosclerosis were classified into the progression group (n = 66). Those who did not have CAD progression were classified into the nonprogression group (n = 124). RESULTS: There were more cases of diabetes mellitus (36% versus 20%; P = 0.024) and more men (92% versus 81%; P = 0.040) in the CAD progression group than in the nonprogression group, respectively. The progression group also had poorer lipid profiles than the nonprogression group, including higher total cholesterol (188+/-42 mg/dL versus 173+/-39 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.014) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (122+/-38 mg/dL versus 112+/-36 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.025). In terms of inflammatory markers, progression patients had higher baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations (P = 0.018), which was also related to the subsequent angiographic severity score changes; however, sCD40L (6182+/-4352 pg/mL versus 6244+/-4602 pg/mL; P = 0.961), MCP-1 (427+/-540 pg/mL versus 341+/-128 pg/mL; P = 0.580) and adhesion molecules concentrations were indifferent between the progression group and the nonprogression group, respectively. Using a multivariate logistical regression model, the ORs for predicting progression were 2.19 for diabetes mellitus, 2.04 for hypercholesterolemia and 1.52 for hs-CRP (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the present study, only conventional risk factors, and particularly hs-CRP, were markers for predicting CAD progression. Novel risk factors, such as concentrations of sCD40L, MCP-1 and adhesion molecules, did not play significant roles.     

Plasma concentrations of soluble CD40 ligand in smokers with acute myocardial infarction: a pilot study

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is believed to be the single leading cause of death in both men and women in the world. Smoking is the most important risk factor for CAD. Smoking increases platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. CD40 ligand (CD40L) is a transmembrane glycoprotein derived from activated platelets. It participates in thrombus formation during the acute phase of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Elevation of CD40L identifies the patients who are at highest risk for cardiac events and who are likely to benefit from treatment with the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) receptor antagonists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate levels of CD40L in smokers with acute MI. Fifty-seven patients with acute MI were enrolled in this study. Thirty-one smokers were compared with 26 non-smokers. Soluble CD40L level in the plasma was determined by a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Circulating levels of CD40L were higher in the smokers’ group. Smokers with acute MI may have increased risk for thrombotic complications during acute MI, and optimal antiaggregant therapy should be administered.     

Inverse correlation between soluble CD40 ligand and soluble CD40 is absent in patients with unstable angina

The CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) system mediates inflammatory processes important in atherogenesis and plaque instability. The expression of CD40L on activated T cells was suppressed by soluble CD40 (sCD40) in vitro. However, the relationship between soluble CD40L (sCD40L) and sCD40 in unstable angina (UA) is still unknown. Thirty-seven consecutive patients with recent chest pain or discomfort were recruited. Patients with both Braunwald's class IB–IIIB and with coronary stenosis (or stenoses) of >75% were assigned to the UA group (n = 19, aged 67.2 ± 8.2 years), and the rest to the control group (n = 18, aged 63.4 ± 8.7 years). The serum levels of sCD40L and sCD40, and the plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A significantly inverse correlation between sCD40L and sCD40 was shown in the controls (r = −0.72, P = 0.0007), but was absent in the UA group (r = −0.16, P not significant), although there was no statistical significance between these groups in terms of serum levels of sCD40L or sCD40. The difference of the regression slopes of these regression lines was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Additionally, there was a significant correlation between sCD40 and plasma levels of MMP-9 in the patients with and without UA (r = 0.58, P = 0.0096), but no significant correlation between sCD40L and MMP-9 levels (r = 0.00, P not significant). The balance between CD40 and CD40L may be lost in patients with UA. Soluble CD40 expression may also be related to MMP-9 expression in atherosclerotic tissues.     

Cardiopulmonary bypass induces release of soluble CD40 ligand

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is known to induce platelet activation, thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and a systemic inflammatory response. It is known that CD40 ligand (CD40L) exists in platelets, that a soluble form of this protein (sCD40L) is released on platelet activation, that platelets are the primary source of sCD40L in blood, and that sCD40L is involved in thrombosis and inflammation. The present study was designed to determine whether sCD40L is released during CPB. Methods and Results- Blood was obtained from patients undergoing CPB-requiring surgery and analyzed for sCD40L, interleukin-6, and platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin (markers of platelet activation). Platelets were also isolated and analyzed for their levels of CD40L. Plasma levels of sCD40L increased >1.7-fold (from 0.29 to 0.51 ng/mL, P=0.001) within 1 hour on CPB and increased further to 3.7-fold (to 1.08 ng/mL, P=0.03) 2 hours after the procedure. Half of the released sCD40L was cleared in 2 hours, which allowed the sCD40L to return to approximately baseline levels 8 hours after the procedure. The platelet content of CD40L was decreased by 40% (2.675 to 1.64 ng/10(8) platelets, P=0.001) 1 hour after initiation of CPB and was similar to that observed for platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin. Interleukin-6, a marker of inflammation, also increased during CPB. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that CPB causes an increase in the concentration of plasma sCD40L. The corresponding decrease in platelet CD40L suggests that this prothrombotic and proinflammatory protein was derived primarily from platelets and may contribute to the thrombotic and inflammatory complications associated with CPB.     

Increased concentration of soluble CD40 ligand in preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia has been associated with increased platelet activation detected before disease onset. Platelets are involved in hemostasis and also directly initiate an inflammatory response of the vessel wall. Inappropriate activation of platelets may be involved in pathogenesis in preeclampsia by promoting coagulation and thrombosis, and also as a mediator of inflammation. Platelets may release inflammatory mediators such as soluble CD40 ligand. The plasma level of soluble CD40 ligand was investigated during preeclamptic (n =20) and normal pregnancies (n = 20) to emphasize inflammatory response in preeclampsia. The mean soluble CD40 ligand levels were 1.08 +/- 0.43 ng/mL in patients with preeclampsia and 0.76 +/- 0.24 ng/mL in healthy pregnant women, which was statistically significant (P = .01). To clarify whether inflammation may cause inappropriate endothelial cell activation or inappropriate endothelial cell activation may start this inflammatory response, future studies are needed in a larger study population.     

Soluble CD40 ligand levels in patients with hypertension

CD40 ligand interaction with its receptor (CD40) not only mediates lymphocyte communication, but also associates with chronic inflammation and atherothrombosis. High soluble CD40L (sCD40L) levels were reported in dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and coronary disease. So far, there are no data about sCD40L levels in hypertension. We investigated sCD40L and high sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in 30 nonobese young hypertensive men and 30 matched controls. sCD40L and hsCRP levels were not different, and there were no correlations between blood pressure and sCD40L or hsCRP levels. These results might indicate lack of any inflammatory state in new onset hypertension.     

From atherosclerosis to acute coronary syndromes: the role of soluble CD40 ligand

The binding of CD40 ligand (CD40L) to CD40 stimulates inflammatory processes including the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the expression of adhesion molecules implying a role in atherosclerosis. Patients exhibiting hypercholesterolemia, unstable angina, or acute myocardial infarction present with increased CD40L levels. Novel data suggest that elevated soluble CD40L levels not only represent a risk factor for cardiovascular disease but also predict future adverse events, especially in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Examination of the potential role of the genetic variability on CD40/CD40L genes in ACS, as regards the regulation of CD40L, appears to be of great interest. Moreover, several therapeutic approaches such as statins, antihypertensive agents, and antiplatelet agents have been suggested as potential modulators of CD40L levels anticipating a positive impact on the outcomes of patients with ACS. Whether specific agents target the CD40/CD40L system as well as its pathogenic role in ACS remains to be elucidated by large-scale studies in the future.     

不稳定性心绞痛患者基质金属蛋白酶-1与细胞分化抗原40配体的研究

目的探讨自细胞分化抗原40配体（CD40L）介导基质金属蛋白酶-1（MMP-1）的表达与分泌在不稳定性心绞痛（UA）发病机制中所起的作用，以及MMP-1在UA患者危险度分层及预后价值中的作用。方法选择UA患者组64例，并按Braunwald分级分为Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ级，选择稳定性心绞痛（SA）患者组56例及健康对照组40例，采用酶联免疫吸附法分别测定各组血清可溶性CD40L（sCD40L）、MMP-1的水平，分析UA组MMP-1与sCD40L之间的相关性，同时分析MMP-1水平与心血管事件发生率的相关性。结果（1）UA患者组MMP-1水平（53．53±18．25）μg／L显著高于SA患者组（31．28±13．64）μg／L（P〈0.01）及对照组（11．58±9．83）μg／L（P〈0．05）；sCD40L水平（3．21±2．78）μg／L显著高于sA患者组（1．83±1．37）μg／L（P〈0.01）及对照组（1．19±1．05）μg／L（P〈0．01）。（2）UA患者组MMP-1与sCD40L水平之间呈显著正相关（r=0．642，P〈0．01）。（3）UA患者组MMP-1水平升高组发生心血管事件明显高于MMP-1水平低者组（P〈0．01）。结论（1）UA患者外周血sCD40L、MMP-1水平升高，MMP-1与CD40L之间呈显著正相关，提示冠状动脉粥样硬化斑块的破裂可能与CD40L介导MMP-1的表达与分泌有关。（2）UA患者MMP-1水平与心血管事件发生率之间呈正相关性，提示MMP-1可作为UA患者危险度分层及预后有价值的生化指标。     

可溶性CD40配体与急性冠状动脉综合征的关系

目的探讨急性冠脉综合征(ACS)患者血清可溶性CD40L水平变化的临床意义。方法正常对照组22名,将患者分为稳定型心绞痛(SA)组20例、不稳定型心绞痛(UA)组22例和急性心肌梗死(AMI)组15例。其中20例(UA组15例、AMI组5例)行经皮冠状动脉介入术(PCI)。所有受试者均采用双抗夹心酶联免疫测定法(ELISA)对sCD40L水平进行检测,同时观察冠脉造影和PCI术前和术后30dsCD40L的水平变化。结果①UA组及AMI组血清sCD40L水平明显较对照组高(P<0.01)。②UA组与SA组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),AMI组明显较SA组高(P<0.01)。③SA组与对照组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。④AMI组患者血清sCD40L水平与UA组差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。⑤PCI后30d血清sCD40L明显低于PCI前(P<0.01)。结论血清可溶性sCD40L的升高在ACS发生和发展中起重要作用,是反应斑块不稳定性的指标之一。     

The relationship between soluble CD40 ligand levels and Framingham coronary heart disease risk score in healthy volunteers

Elevated soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndromes and in middle-aged healthy women. However, the relationship between sCD40L and global risk assessment remains unclear. The present study was designed to examine the relationship between sCD40L and Framingham Coronary Heart Disease Risk Scores (FCRS) in healthy middle-aged men. The study population consisted of 400 active and retired male firefighters, with no previous history of cardiovascular disease, as part of the Firefighters and Their Endothelium (FATE) study. FCRS correlated poorly with sCD40L levels (p=0.14). Soluble CD40L concentrations correlated only with total (r=0.105; p=0.035) and LDL cholesterol (r=0.104; p=0.039), and CRP levels (r=0.11; p=0.03). Compared with participants with sCD40L levels <4.36 ng/mL (75th percentile), participants with sCD40L levels >4.36 ng/mL had higher total (p=0.016) and LDL cholesterol (p=0.018), CRP levels (p=0.034) and FCRS (p=0.012). Multivariate analysis revealed that CRP level was the only parameter that independently correlated with the sCD40L levels (p=0.032). This is the first study to evaluate the relationship between sCD40L levels and Framingham global risk assessment in a large cohort of otherwise healthy individuals. We demonstrate that sCD40L levels poorly correlate with both the individual components and the calculated FCRS. Long-term follow-up of the FATE study will shed light on whether the predictive value of sCD40L is independent of Framingham based global risk assessment.