Interleukin-10 in the Vasculature: Pathophysiological Implications

• Published in: Current vascular pharmacology
• Main Authors: Freitas, Raiany Alves de, Lima, Victor Vitorino, Bomfim, Gisele Facholi, Giachini, Fernanda Regina Casagrande
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Arab Emirates 01.01.2022
• Subjects: cytokine; anti-inflammatory; contraction; cardiovascular diseases; Interleukin-10; vasodilation
• ISSN: 1875-6212
• DOI: 10.2174/1570161120666211227143459

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an important immunomodulatory cytokine, initially characterized as an anti-inflammatory agent released by immune cells during infectious and inflammatory processes. IL-10 exhibits biological functions that extend to the regulation of different intracellular signaling pathways directly associated with vascular function. This cytokine plays a vital role in vascular tone regulation through the change of important proteins involved in vasoconstriction and vasodilation. Numerous investigations covered here have shown that therapeutic strategies inducing IL-10 result in anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertrophic, antihyperplastic, anti-apoptotic and antihypertensive effects. This non-systematic review summarizes the modulating effects mediated by IL-10 in vascular tissue, particularly on vascular tone, and the intracellular pathway induced by this cytokine. We also highlight the advances in IL-10 manipulation as a therapeutic target in different cardiovascular pathophysiologies, including the physiological implications in animals and humans. Finally, the review illustrates current and potential future perspectives of the potential use of IL-10 in clinical trials, based on the clinical evidence.