Clinical Significance of Peripheral Blood T Lymphocyte Subsets in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Patients. (28th March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Satoh, Yuka; Ogawara, Hatsue; Kawamura, Osamu; Kusano, Motoyasu; Murakami, Hirokazu
• Other Names: Fan D. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Gastroenterology research and practice. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-03-28
• Subjects: Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.33005
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/819842
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-6121

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Helicobacter pylori chronically colonizes gastric/duodenal mucosa and induces gastroduodenal disease and vigorous humoral and cellular immune responses. Methods . In order to clarify the immunological changes induced by this infection, we determined the percentage and, as indicated, ratios of the following cells in peripheral blood of 45 H. pylori -infected patients and 21 control subjects: CD4 + T cell, CD8 + T cells, T helper 1 cells (Th1), T helper 2 cells (Th2), CD4 + CD25 + T cells, Foxp3 + regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD4/CD8 ratio, and Th1/Th2 ratio. Results . The percentage of CD8 + T cells was significantly lower in H. pylori -infected patients (mean ± SD ; 18.0 ± 7.1 %) compared to control subjects (mean ± SD ; 23.2 ± 7.8 %) (P < 0.05 ). The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly higher in H. pylori -infected patients (mean ± SD ; 3.1 ± 2.4 ) compared to control subjects (mean ± SD ; 2.1 ± 1.0 ) (P < 0.05 ). The Th1/Th2 ratio was significantly lower in H. pylori -infected patients (mean ± SD ; 10.0 ± 8.5 ) compared to control subjects (mean ± SD ; 14.5 ± 9.0 ) (P < 0.05 ). The percentage of CD4 + CD25 + T cells in H. pylori -infected patients (mean ± SD ; 13.2 ± 6.2 %) was significantly higher than that in control subjects (mean ± SD ; 9.8 ± 3.4 %) (P < 0.05 ). However, there was no significant difference in Tregs. Conclusion . Tregs did not decrease, but the activation of humoral immunity and Th2 polarization were observed in the peripheral blood of H. pylori -infected patients. In some cases, these changes may induce systemic autoimmune diseases.