Association of PFO, Inflammatory Cytokines and White Blood Cells with Hemoglobin Mass in Men
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Date
2023
Authors
Matsell, Emma
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a source of intracardiac shunt, and preliminary data suggests that those with a PFO have higher concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines and white blood cells (WBCs) negatively impact red blood cell (RBC) regulation, but no studies have examined the effect of the PFO on this relationship. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the presence of a PFO, inflammatory cytokine concentrations, and WBCs on RBC mass. We hypothesized that those with a PFO would have both a higher WBC count and cytokine concentrations, negatively impacting hemoglobin (Hb) mass. Twenty healthy, male participants completed the study (10 with and 10 without a PFO). Participants underwent a comprehensive ultrasound screening with saline contrast echocardiography to determine the presence or absence of a PFO. Hb mass was measured twice on the same day via the 10-minute CO-rebreathe method, and venous blood samples were drawn for measurements of WBC counts and inflammatory cytokines. WBC counts were analyzed by QUEST diagnostics via flow cytometry. Cytokine analysis was done using the BioLegend 13-plex human inflammation panel and analyzed via flow cytometry. No differences were found for absolute (g) (p = 0.1096) and relative (g/kg) (p = 0.1382) Hb mass between PFO+ and PFO- participants. No differences were found for WBC count (p = 0.8680) between PFO+ and PFO- participants and for each of the respective immune cells; neutrophils (p = 0.5418), lymphocytes (p = 0.6721), monocytes (p = 0.5388), eosinophils (p = 0.5603), basophils (p = 0.2539). There was no differences in cytokine concentrations between PFO+ and PFO- participants. There was no significant relationship between WBC count and absolute or relative Hb mass. There was a relationship between IFN-α2 and the whole group data for absolute Hb mass (p = 0.0390, R2 = 0.2158). There was a relationship between MCP-1 levels and absolute Hb mass in PFO+ participants, but not in PFO- participants (p = 0.0258, R2 = 0.4823). Similarly, there was a relationship between IL-23 levels and absolute Hb mass in PFO+ participants, but not in PFO- participants (p = 0.0497, R2 = 0.5003). Conversely, there was a relationship between IL-10 levels and absolute Hb mass in PFO- participants, but not in PFO+ participants (p = 0.0392, R2 = 0.5350). Although there were no PFO differences in Hb mass, WBC counts or cytokine concentrations, the presence of a PFO may alter the relationship between Hb mass and the cytokines MCP-1, IL-23 and IL-10. In addition, we found a significant relationship with IFN-𝛼2 and absolute Hb mass irrespective of the presence or absence of a PFO, indicating a potential role for IFN-𝛼2 on Hb mass regulation.
Description
59 pages
Keywords
PFO, Patent Foramen Ovale, Cytokines, Hemoglobin Mass, Inflammation