ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the regulatory effect of procyanidins (PC) on the expressions of Th1 type cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-12) and the transcription factor T-bet mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) in patients with alopecia areata (AA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Above-mentioned expressions were detected using RT-PCR technique in 20 AA patients (8 of mild and 12 of severe degree) and 10 healthy subjects after phytoaemagglutinin (PHA) or PHA + PC stimulation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After being stimulated by PHA and PHA + PC, in patients with severe AA, the expression of T-bet mRNA was 0.581 +/- 0.148 and 0.419 +/- 0.113 respectively; that of IFN-gamma mRNA, 0.689 +/- 0.219 and 0.430 +/- 0.162; and that of IL-12 mRNA, 0.198 +/- 0.056 and 0.136 +/- 0.035, respectively. As compared with those before stimulation, the respective difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PC can inhibit the expressions of Th1 type cytokines and transcription factor T-bet in PBMC of severe AA patients, and reverse the Th1 responses. The authors offered that it maybe part of the acting mechanism of pine needle for treatment of AA.</p>