Abstract

Angiography is a safe technique for the detection of and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of the technique on the molecular response of the immune system are yet to be clarified. Toll like receptors (TLRs) are the important molecule participate in the innate immunity responses and induction of inflammation. This project was designed to explore the effects of angiography on the expression of TLR1, TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4. Fifty-five participants, including three separate groups (without artery stenosis, with one artery stenosis and more than one artery stenosis), were assessed in this project. TLR1, TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4 expression levels were evaluated in peripheral blood immune cells by measuring mRNA before and after angiography using Real-Time PCR techniques. mRNA levels of TLR1, TLR2 and TLR3 were significantly increased following angiography. Expression of TLR4 did not change after angiography. Other criteria also showed no correlation on TLR expression after angiography. TLR4 mRNA levels had a positive correlation with age in the participants without artery stenosis. Angiography may induce inflammation in subjects without artery stenosis via up-regulation of TLR1, 2 and 3 which may lead to cardiovascular diseases related complications.