目的:探讨与动脉粥样硬化相关的炎性因子IL-15血清水平变化与心血管并发症的关系。方法:原发性高血压患者(262例)入选本研究。研究对象根据世界卫生组织1999年诊断标准分为无器官损伤组(n=116)、轻度器官损伤组(n=88)及重度器官损伤组(n=58)。观测指标为IL-15和高敏C反应蛋白,测量方法为酶联免疫法(ELISA)。结果:血清IL-15水平在重度器官损伤组明显高于无器官损伤组(P<0.01)及轻度器官损伤组(P<0.01)。在周围血管疾病及冠脉疾病组,IL-15水平比无此两类疾病组明显升高。血清IL-15浓度在腔隙性脑梗塞患者组也明显升高(P<0.01)。结论:炎性因子IL-15或许与原发性高血压患者并发的心血管疾病发生相关。 OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between serum levels of IL-15, an atherosclerotic inflammatory cytokine, and cardiovascular complications. Methods: Essential hypertension (262 patients) was enrolled in this study. According to WHO diagnostic criteria of 1999, the subjects were divided into three groups: non-organ injury group (n = 116), mild organ injury group (n = 88) and severe organ injury group (n = 58). Observations for the IL-15 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, the measurement method for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Serum IL-15 level was significantly higher in severe organ injury group than in non-organ injury group (P <0.01) and mild organ injury group (P <0.01). In peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease group, IL-15 levels were significantly higher than those without these two disease groups. The concentration of serum IL-15 in patients with lacunar infarction was also significantly higher (P <0.01). Conclusion: The inflammatory factor IL-15 may be associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases in patients with essential hypertension.