Increased immunoglobulin E response in acute coronary syndromes

The role of inflammation and mast cell activation has been implicated in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and rupture. To investigate the role of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in acute coronary syndrome, a prospective clinical study was conducted in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), unstable angina pectoris (UAP), stable angina pectoris (SAP), and healthy controls. IgE levels were serially measured and compared in consecutive patients with AMI (n = 16) and UAP (n = 14) on days 1, 3, 7, 21 after admission and 3 months later and only once in stable angina pectoris (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 14). In addition, blood eosinophil and basophil levels on admission were measured in all groups and compared. Initial IgE levels determined at admission in patients with AMI, UAP, and SAP were significantly higher than levels in the control group (p = 0.002). Initial high IgE level in AMI on day 1 increased to a peak by day 7 (p = 0.024), then gradually decreased by day 21 and at 3 months (p = 0.052). High IgE level in UAP persisted by day 7 and gradually decreased by day 21 and 3 months (p = 0.037 and p = 0.018, respectively). Blood eosinophil count on admission was significantly higher in UAP than in the control group (p = 0.005). Basophil levels of both AMI and UAP groups on admission were found to be elevated as opposed to control group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.012, respectively). This study demonstrates that the level of IgE significantly increased during the acute phase of acute coronary syndromes and gradually decreased, supporting the role of acute inflammatory response and mast cell involvement in plaque rupture.