Lymphocyte T subset counts in children with hypercholesterolemia receiving dietary therapy.
BACKGROUND
In children with hypercholesterolemia, dietary therapy is indicated; however, we do not know if a low-fat diet can modify some organic functions, i.e. immune function.


METHODS
42 children with hypercholesterolemia received a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet during 6 months. At baseline and after the treatment period, we determined a lipoprotein profile and some immune characteristics: immunoglobulins G, A and M; complement components (C3, C4 and factor B), and blood lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4 and CD8).


RESULTS
Total cholesterol serum concentrations showed a significant reduction after 6 months of dietary therapy (p = 0.008). After 6 months on a low-fat diet, lymphocyte T subset counts (CD3, CD4 and CD8) showed significant decreases (p < 0.01 to p < 0.003), but lymphocyte counts were always within normal ranges. There was also a significant correlation between changes in some lymphocyte T subset counts (CD3 and CD8) and changes in triglyceride serum concentrations (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet diminished CD3, CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte subset counts that are elevated in children with hypercholesterolemia. Dietary therapy, with emphasis on the intake of n-3 fatty acids, could be useful in the modulation of the immune response at the atheromatous plaque level.
Moreno
L A
LA
Departamento de Pediatría Hospital Clínico Universitario 'Lozano Blesa', Universidad de Zaragoza, España. lmoreno@posta.unizar.es
Sarría
A
A
Lázaro
A
A
Lasierra
M P
MP
Larrad
L
L
Bueno
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000032:analysis; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D002648:Child; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000178:diet therapy*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D013601:T-Lymphocytes; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D017252:CD3 Complex; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol