[Significance of the alteration of Th17 cells in patients with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the alteration and its significance of T help 17 cells (Th17) in patients with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT).


METHODS
Patients were divided into 3 groups: CLT patients with euthyroidism (n=15), CLT patients with hypothyroidism (n=30) and healthy control group (n=20). The ratio of Th17 lymphocytes subpopulations in the peripheral blood were evaluated by technique of flow cytometry. Production of thyroid autoantibody (TPO-Ab, TG-Ab) were measured by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA).


RESULTS
Compared with the healthy control group, in CLT group: The frequencies of Th17 in peripheral blood were found to be significantly higher in patients with CLT than healthy control group (P<0.01); Production of TPO-Ab and TG-Ab markedly increased in CLT patients than healthy control group (P<0.01). There was significant correlation between the positive expression of thyroid autoantibody and the changes of Th17 subpopulations (r=0.50, r=0.43 respectively; P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The frequencies of Th17 cell increased in patients with CLT which may suggest a potential role for Th17 in the progression and happen of CLT.
Song
Jin-Zhan
JZ
Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China. jinzhan2001@163.com
Wu
Han-Ni
HN
Qian
Wei
W
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002452:Cell Count; D005260:Female; D050031:Hashimoto Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay; D020381:Interleukin-17; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000276:immunology
D001323:Autoantibodies; D020381:Interleukin-17