Lymphocytes subpopulations values in patients with atrial fibrillation and flutter

Abstract Objective The aim is to compare immune status in patients (pts) with atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFl) associated with hypertension and pts without rhythm disturbances and almost healthy people. Design and method The study involved 103 patients with hypertension and arrhythmias who were divided into three groups: 1 (n = 35) - with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), 2 (n = 38) - with persistent form of AF, 3 (n = 30) - with persistent form of atrial flutter (AFl). Control groups were formed: 4 (n = 23) - patients with hypertension, but without arrhythmias and 5 (n = 21) - almost healthy people. The immune status was assessed by the level of monocytes (Mc), lymphocytes subpopulations and T-regulatory cells (T-reg) in the peripheral blood using flow cytometry. Results The number of classical CD14++CD16- and intermediate CD14++CD16+ Mc was significantly higher in pts with persistent AF and AFl comparing with patients without arrhythmias and healthy people (p<0.005). Amount of non-classical CD14+CD16++ Mc was lower in the 2 group (p<0.005). The count of T cells with natural killer (TNK) activity was higher in all groups comparing to normal value, so significance was observed only compared to the 5 group. The highest quantity of T-reg cells was found in healthy people comparing to other groups. Conclusions An increased activity of proinflammatory subpopulation of monocytes, higher amount of T-cells with natural killer activity and reduced T-regulatory cells was determined, whose main function is to control the immune response.