Expression of cytokine mRNA in lymphocytes of malnourished children.
BACKGROUND
Protein-calorie malnutrition represents a significant worldwide health problem and is associated with an increased risk for infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate possible changes in type 1/type 2 responses balance in malnourished children.


RESULTS
The data obtained in the present study showed that the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-10 were more highly, in contrast IL-2, gamma interferon, and IL-6 genes were expressed less in all groups of malnourished children compared with the well-nourished infected children. It is important to indicate that the data collected in the present work agree with the results obtained by different authors, who showed differences in the production of cytokines in malnourished children.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the results suggest that alterations in the balance of type 1/type 2 immune responses exist in malnourished children, and this could be the reason that the immunological system of the malnourished children is incapable of eradicating infections.
González-Martínez
Haydeé
H
Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Av. San Rafael Atlixco, No. 186. Col. Vicentina, C.P. 09340, México, D.F., México.
Rodríguez
Leonor
L
Nájera
Oralia
O
Cruz
David
D
Miliar
Angel
A
Domínguez
Aarón
A
Sánchez
Fausto
F
Graniel
Jaime
J
González-Torres
María Cristina
MC
D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D016207:Cytokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger