Aim: To examine lymphocyte ability to synthetize interferon-gamma in patients with mitral prolapse (MP).
Material and methods: The diagnosis of MP was made in 75 patients at echocardiography. ECG monitoring was made and the study of the ability of blood lymphocytes to produce IFN-gamma (If-g).
Results: The ability to produce If-g was diminished. This phenomenon is associated with chronic inflammation, autonomic disregulation of cardiac activity, depends on gender.
Conclusion: Cytokine modulates metabolism of connective tissue in MP so If-g may participate in MP pathogenesis. Therefore, If-g and/or its inductors may prevent some MP-related complications due to its deficiency.