Cytokine profile in children during the first 3 months after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease with an inflammatory process directed against the beta cells in pancreas. This investigation aimed at studying the immune response during the first 3 months after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, with focus on the balance of T-helper 1 (Th1)- and Th2-like cytokines, produced spontaneously and in response to relevant autoantigens. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from type 1 diabetic children (10-17 years) at 5, 20, 35 and 90 days after diagnosis. Expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) mRNA were detected by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and IFN-gamma, IL-10 and IL-13 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in cell supernatant after stimulation with a glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD(65))-peptide [amino acid (a.a.) 247-279], insulin, the ABBOS-peptide (a.a. 152-169), phytohaemagglutinin and keyhole limpet haemocyanin. Spontaneous and antigen-induced expression and secretion of cytokines were low at the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. During the first month, after diagnosis, the GAD(65)-peptide caused an increased ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 mRNA expression (P < 0.05) and increased secretion of IFN-gamma (P = 0.07). Expression of IFN-gamma mRNA did also increase from stimulation with insulin (P < 0.05), even though cytokine secretion remained low. Thus, duration after diagnosis as well as metabolic state should be carefully considered both in studies of the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes and in immune intervention studies at onset.
Karlsson Faresjö
M G E
MG
Division of Pediatrics and Diabetic Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. maria.faresjo@imk.liu.se
Ernerudh
J
J
Ludvigsson
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000276:immunology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000276:immunology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors
D001323:Autoantibodies; D002096:C-Peptide; D007328:Insulin; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma