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01-12-2013 | Original Article

Elevated Th17 cells accompanied by decreased regulatory T cells and cytokine environment in infants with biliary atresia

Authors: Ying Yang, Yong-jun Liu, Shao-tao Tang, Li Yang, Jun Yang, Guo-qing Cao, Jing-hui Zhang, Xin-xin Wang, Yong-zhong Mao

Published in: Pediatric Surgery International | Issue 12/2013

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Th17 and T_reg cells in biliary atresia (BA) and to assess the liver cytokine environment in BA patients.

Methods

The percentages of Th17 and T_reg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of BA patients and healthy controls (HC) were evaluated. The serum concentrations of IL-17a and IL-23 as well as Foxp3, IL-17a, ROR-γt, IL-6, IL-1β and TGF-β1 m-RNA and protein expressions in liver tissues and the number of Foxp3, IL-17a, ROR-γt, CD4 expressing cells which infiltrated the hepatic tissues were determined.

Results

The Th17/T_reg cell ratio (P < 0.001) and blood concentrations of IL-17a and IL-23 (P < 0.05) were increased in the BA as compared to the HC group. Expressions of Foxp3, ROR-γt, IL-17a, IL-1β, IL-6 as well as TGF-β1 mRNA and proteins were significantly increased in BA as compared to HC livers (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). High levels of IL-17a/ROR-γt-positive and moderate levels of Foxp3-positive cells infiltrated damaged BA bile ducts and the ratio of FoxP3⁺ T to CD4⁺ T cells was significantly lower in BA than in HC samples (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Cytokine-induced imbalance between Th17 and T_reg cells in BA livers may be involved in bile duct damage.

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Title: Elevated Th17 cells accompanied by decreased regulatory T cells and cytokine environment in infants with biliary atresia
Authors: Ying Yang
Yong-jun Liu
Shao-tao Tang
Li Yang
Jun Yang
Guo-qing Cao
Jing-hui Zhang
Xin-xin Wang
Yong-zhong Mao
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Pediatric Surgery International / Issue 12/2013
Print ISSN: 0179-0358
Electronic ISSN: 1437-9813
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-013-3421-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Elevated Th17 cells accompanied by decreased regulatory T cells and cytokine environment in infants with biliary atresia

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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