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Inflammation‐related effects of adjuvant influenza A vaccination on platelet activation and cardiac autonomic function
Author(s) -
Lanza Gaetano A.,
Barone Lucy,
Scalone Giancarla,
Pitocco Dario,
Sgueglia Gregory A.,
Mollo Roberto,
Nerla Roberto,
Zaccardi Francesco,
Ghirlanda Giovanni,
Crea Filippo
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.625
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1365-2796
pISSN - 0954-6820
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2010.02285.x
Subject(s) - medicine , vaccination , heart rate variability , platelet activation , platelet , immunology , c reactive protein , cardiac function curve , inflammation , endocrinology , heart rate , cardiology , gastroenterology , heart failure , blood pressure
Abstract. Lanza GA, Barone L, Scalone G, Pitocco D, Sgueglia GA, Mollo R, Nerla R, Zaccardi F, Ghirlanda G, Crea F (Istituto di Cardiologia; and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma; Italy). Inflammation‐related effects of adjuvant influenza A vaccination on platelet activation and cardiac autonomic function. J Intern Med 2010; 269 : 118–125. Background. Inflammation, platelet reactivity and cardiac autonomic dysfunction increase the risk of cardiovascular events, but the relationships between these prognostic markers are poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the effect of an inflammatory stimulus (influenza A vaccine) on platelet activation and cardiac autonomic function. Methods. We measured serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin‐6 levels, monocyte–platelet aggregates (MPAs) and monocyte/platelet receptor expression before and after adjuvant influenza A vaccination in 28 patients with type II diabetes (mean age 62.1 ± 8 years, 18 men). Twenty‐four‐hour Holter electrocardiogram was recorded 24 h before and after vaccination; heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed as a measure of cardiac autonomic function. Results. Inflammatory cytokines, MPA formation and monocyte/platelet receptor expression increased after vaccination. CRP was 2.6 ± 2.8 and 7.1 ± 5.7 mg L −1 48 h before and after vaccination, respectively ( P < 0.0001). HRV parameters decreased after vaccination compared to baseline, with very low‐frequency amplitude showing the most significant change (34.6 ± 11.8 and 31.0 ± 10.2 ms 48 h before and after vaccination, respectively; P = 0.002). A significant correlation was found between percentage changes in CRP levels and in most HRV variables, with the most significant correlations between changes in CRP levels and changes in standard deviation of all normal RR intervals ( r = 0.43; P = 0.02). Conclusions. Together with an inflammatory reaction, influenza A vaccine induced platelet activation and sympathovagal imbalance towards adrenergic predominance. Significant correlations were found between CRP levels and HRV parameters, suggesting a pathophysiological link between inflammation and cardiac autonomic regulation. The vaccine‐related platelet activation and cardiac autonomic dysfunction may transiently increase the risk of cardiovascular events.