Hamid-Reza Zare; Mojtaba Habibagahi; Akbar Vahdati; Zahra Habibagahi
Volume 12, Issue 3 , September 2015, , Pages 166-175
Abstract
Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffer from wide ranges of autoimmune reactions in joints. The mechanism of which is generally unknown and maybe associated with Treg deregulation. Objective: To compare the frequency of nTregs in peripheral blood of patients with active rheumatoid ...
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Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffer from wide ranges of autoimmune reactions in joints. The mechanism of which is generally unknown and maybe associated with Treg deregulation. Objective: To compare the frequency of nTregs in peripheral blood of patients with active rheumatoid disease with healthy individuals. Methods: Twenty five newly diagnosed patients with active RA disease were selected based on the clinical and laboratory criteria before starting their therapies. Treg cells in peripheral blood samples were enumerated by immune staining and flowcytometry analysis. Results: Clinical and laboratory results were in favor of active disease in all the studied patients although they showed variations in Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28). Compared to the healthy controls, RA patients had significantly lower frequency of CD4+ CD25hi or CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ natural regulatory T cells. In spite of that, there were no significant differences between patients and healthy controls in respect to the CD4/CD8 ratio. Interestingly, more CD4+ CD25- FoxP3+ cells were found in peripheral blood of patients. The frequencies of the Tregs did not show strong associations with the DAS-28. Conclusion: We showed lower abundance of nTregs in peripheral blood of RA patients which highlights the significance of these cells in RA.
Akbar Vahdati; Minoo Adib; Shirin Kashfi; Taji Afrooz; Edna Abkar
Volume 2, Issue 4 , December 2005, , Pages 208-212
Abstract
Background: Erythropoietin (EPO) was first known as a factor for red blood cell proliferation and differentiation. New studies show the effects of EPO on immune system. Objective: In this study, the effects of pretreatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on the anti-human leukocyte antibody ...
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Background: Erythropoietin (EPO) was first known as a factor for red blood cell proliferation and differentiation. New studies show the effects of EPO on immune system. Objective: In this study, the effects of pretreatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on the anti-human leukocyte antibody (anti-HLA) titer were determined. Methods: Three groups of rats were sensitized with human lymphocytes. Two of the groups were given 20 or 100 IU/Kg rHuEPO after two sensitizations with human lymphocytes. Control group did not receive rHuEPO. Microlymphocytotoxicity method was used to detect anti-HLA antibodies. Results: Treatment with rHuEPO caused a significant decline in anti-HLA antibody titer compared to control group. Also, pretreatment with rHuEPO suppressed antibody response after repeated antigenic stimulation. Conclusion: Such results could be due to the effects of rHuEPO on the number or the activity of the B and the T cells. Moreover, the dose of rHuEPO and the length of treatment might affect anti-HLA antibody titer.
