Differential expression of mRNA for T-bet and GATA-3 transcription factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with vitiligo.
BACKGROUND
There is accumulating evidence that aberrant T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cell responses play critical roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, their importance in the pathobiology of vitiligo have yet to be elucidated.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the expression profile of two transcription factors, namely, T-bet, a Th1-specific T box transcription factor and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3), a Th2-specific transcription factor, and to measure expression levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 mRNAs as the signature cytokines of Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively.


METHODS
Gene expression analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR.


RESULTS
In patients with vitiligo compared with controls, mRNA expression was significantly higher for T-bet and IFN-γ, and significantly lower for GATA-3 and IL-4 mRNAs (P ≤ 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest additional implications for the role of Th1/Th2 balance in the immunopathogenesis of vitiligo.
Clinical Genetics Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.
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A
Nouri-Koupaee
Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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P
Mansouri
Department of Dermatology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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H
Jahanbini
Clinical Genetics Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.
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MH
Sanati
Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.|Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Z
Z
Jadali
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D050990:GATA3 Transcription Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000378:metabolism; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D020825:T-Box Domain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000378:metabolism*; D055815:Young Adult; D000098815:T-bet Transcription Factor
D050990:GATA3 Transcription Factor; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D020825:T-Box Domain Proteins; D000098815:T-bet Transcription Factor; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma