Intracellular Monocyte Cytokine Production and CD14 Expression Are Up-Regulated in Severe vs Mild Chronic Heart Failure

CD14 expression and monocyte cytokine production, both unstimulated and after LPS stimulation, are increased in moderate-severe CHF when compared with mild CHF. These data suggest that circulating monocytes, possibly via increased CD14 expression, may play a significant role in the immunologic dysbalance observed in advanced CHF.