Changes And Clinical Significance Of Peripheral Blood γδT Cells In Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective:In this study, we measured the number and apotosis level of peripheral γδT cells and its subgroups Vδ1+、Vδ2+T cells in SLE patients to explore their potential effects on SLE; we measured the expression of the anti-apoptosis gene survivin, to analyse the signifance of its changes in SLE.Methods:Samples of45SLE patients (23active and22inactive) and22healthy controls were collected. The absolute numbers of peripheral y8T cells and Vδ1+and Vδ2+cells in the peripheral blood were detected with flow cytometry (FCM). The percentage and apotosis rate of γδT cells were analyzed. We also uesed RT-PCR to mearsure the transcription and expression levels of anti-apoptosis Survivin in the different stages of SLE. Digital processing use relevant statistical methods.Results:The absolute number of γδT cells decreased significantly in SLE patients with active disease than those with inactive SLE(P<0.01), and both were lower than the healthy controls (P<0.01).The SLE patients with active disease apotosis rate was significantly higher than those with inactive and healthy controls (P<0.05).The absolute number of Vδ1T cells were decreased in SLE patients with active disease than those inactive SLE and healthy control (P<0.05). The absolute number of Vδ2+T cells were decreased in SLE patients with active and inactive disease than healthy control (P<0.05).In active SLE patients, Vδ1-T cells were more than Vδ2-T cells (P<0.05). γδT cell counts were found negatively correlated with both (SLEDAI) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in SLE patients with active disease (r=-0.628, r=-0.487, P=0.002, P=0.022), but a positive correlation was found between hemoglobulin and γδT cell counts (r=0.55, P=0.008).The mRNA and protein level of survivin in SLE active stage is apparent higher than that in SLE inactive stage, both are higher than that in healthy controls (P<0.05).Conclusion:1. In the PBMC of SLE patients,the absolute number and ratio of γδT cells tended to decline.And with the disease development, they became more declined.2. In the PBMC of SLE patients,the absolute number of Vδ1+and Vδ2+cells were changes.3. γδT cells apoptosis increased in the PBMC of SLE patients, leading to excessive express B cells, cause the body’s immune system disorders.4. MRNA and protein express of survivin, SLE patients were higher than healthy group, and its expression in SLE activity was higher than the inactivity.5. High levels of survivin through antiapoptotic role to promote the development process of SLE condition.