Transformation of conventional T cells into regulatory T cells in children with metabolic syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Much research has been done in the recent years to establish an association between obesity, metabolic syndrome and the immune system. Numerous data suggest that the decreased number and/or function of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) can lead to chronic minimal inflammation present in patients with obesity and trigger formation of atherosclerotic plaque.


OBJECTIVE
To generate Treg cells from the peripheral blood in children meeting the diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome.


METHODS
A total of 25 children with metabolic syndrome and 25 controls were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood was collected, CD4(+)/CD25(-) cells were separated and cultured for 4 weeks in the presence of a Treg expander (CD3/CD28) and interleukin-2. The expression of the transcription factor FoxP3 as a Treg marker was assessed before and after culture using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry.


RESULTS
Before the culture we observed a slightly lower percentage of Treg cells in children with metabolic syndrome vs controls. After the culture we noted a significant increase in mRNA expression and in the percentage of FoxP3-positive cells. We observed no differences in the results between the children with metabolic syndrome and the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows that it is possible to generate Treg cells from peripheral blood of children with metabolic syndrome. In future, these findings could be used to develop a model of immunotherapeutic intervention for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Department of Paediatrics, Endocrinology and Diabetes with a Cardiology Unit, Medical University in Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland. w.luczynski@wp.pl
Włodzimierz
W
Luczyński
Natalia
N
Wawrusiewicz-Kurylonek
Artur
A
Bossowski
Elżbieta
E
Iłendo
Marek
M
Hryszko
Adam
A
Krętowski
Anna
A
Stasiak-Barmuta
D000293:Adolescent; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D005819:Genetic Markers; D012333:RNA, Messenger