ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the alteration and its significance of T help 17 cells(Th17) in patients with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis(CLT). METHODS: Patients were divided into 3 groups: CLT patients with euthyroidism (n = 15), CLT patients with hypothyroidism (n = 30) and healthy control group(n = 20). The ratio of Th17 lymphocytes subpopulations in the preipheral blood were evaluated by technique of flow cytometry. Production of thyroid autoantibody (TPO-Ab, TG-Ab) were measured by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). RESULTS: Compared with the healthy control group, in CLT group: The frequencies of Th17 in peripheral blood were found to be significantly higher in patients with CLT than healthy control group (P < 0.01); Production of TPO-Ab and TG-Ab markedly increased in CLT patients than healthy control group (P < 0.01). There was significant correlation between the positive expression of thyroid autoantibody and the changes of Th17 subpopulations (r=0.50, r=0.43 respectively; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The frequencies of Th17 cell increased in patients with CLT which may suggest a potential role for Th17 in the progression and happen of CLT.