title: The cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17) and Treg cytokine (TGF-beta1) levels in adults with immune thrombocytopenia.
abstract: Previous studies have indicated that autoimmune diseases might be caused by an imbalance of T helper cells (Th), cytokines, and regulatory T cells (Treg) cytokines. We measured the plasma concentrations of Th1-associated cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-2), Th2 -associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-10), Th17-associated cytokine (IL-17) and Treg -associated cytokine (TGF-beta1) in adult patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and evaluated their clinical relevance. Plasma IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17 and TGF-beta1 concentrations of 52 ITP patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method (ELISA). Concentration of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) were significantly higher in ITP patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). However, concentrations of Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-2), Th17 cytokine (IL-17) and Treg cytokine (TGF-beta1) were lower in ITP patients (P < 0.05). Concentration of IL-17 was significantly higher in chronic ITP patients compared to severe ITP patients (P < 0.05), and no significant difference of cytokine concentration among the other subgroups in ITP patients was found. Among the ITP patients, concentration of IFN-gamma correlated positively and significantly with PAIgG (r = 0.48, P = 0.02). A significant correlation was neither found between other cytokine levels and platelet count, nor between cytokine levels and megakaryocytes number, nor between cytokines levels and PAIgG or GPIIb/IIIa and/or GPIb/IX autoantibodies. The present study demonstrates that an imbalance of Th and Treg cytokines may mediate the pathogenesis of ITP.
authors.forename: Liangliang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Meiyun
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.forename: Yanchun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Guan
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Si
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Fangting
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology; D002452:Cell Count; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008533:Megakaryocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D016207:Cytokines; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1