Correlation between clinical symptoms and peripheral immune response in HAM/TSP. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: da Silva Dias, George Alberto; Sousa, Rita Catarina Medeiros; Gomes, Letícia Figueiredo; Caldas, Cezar Augusto Muniz; Nassiri, Reza; Quaresma, Juarez Antônio Simões; Fuzii, Hellen Thais
• Is Part Of: Microbial pathogenesis. Volume 92(2016)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: HTLV-1 -- HAM/TSP -- Immune response -- Walking aids -- spasticity; Pathogenic microorganisms -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- parasitology -- Periodicals; Micro-organismes pathogènes -- Périodiques; Pathologie moléculaire -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.11.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0882-4010

Abstract

Abstract: HTLV-1 infects principally CD4+ T cells that are the main reservoirs of the virus in vivo, which play an important role in the immunological response. Most of the infected patients are asymptomatic. However, 2–3% of patients will develop HAM/TSP or Adult T lymphoma. HAM/TSP is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, which is characterized by unremitting myelopathic symptoms. Studies have shown that cytokines levels alterations (IFN-γ and TNF-α) were associated with tissue injury in HAM/TSP. The aims of this study were to compare the gene expression of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 of asymptomatic and HAM/TSP HTLV-1 infected patients, and to correlate the gene expression with those of clinical symptoms. 28 subjects were included, 20 asymptomatic HTLV-1 and 8 with HAM/TSP. Spasticity was evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale and the degree of walking aid was classified on a progressive scale. The relative gene expression of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 was measured by Real-Time PCR. Results showed high gene expression of IFN-γ for all patients, but it was higher among HAM/TSP. A significant correlation was observed between IFN-γ gene expression and the degree of walking aid, and IFN-γ gene expression was higher among wheelchair users compared to non-wheelchair users. No association was found with IL-4 and IL-10. These findings indicate that HAM/TSP patients express higher amounts of IFN-γ than asymptomatic patients, and more importantly, the expression of this cytokine was strongly correlated with the need of walking aid. Highlights: HTLV-1 infects principally CD4+ T cells that are the main reservoirs of the virus in vivo. HAM/TSP is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. An increased expression of IFN genes was observed in patients with HAM/TSP.