ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:In recent years, the application of stem cel s to treat autoimmune diseases has become a hot spot. But, studies on umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s transplantation for the treatment of polymyositis/dermatomyositis are rarely reported. OBJECTIVE:To explore the immunologic mechanism of Th cytokines on the occurrence and development of polymyositis/dermatomyositis by observing the changes in serum interferon-γ, interleukin-4 and interleukin-17 in patients after umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s transplantation. METHODS:Eighty-one polymyositis/dermatomyositis patients were selected and divided into conventional therapy group (n=44) undergoing glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants therapy and cel transplantation group (n=37) undergoing intravenous infusion of umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s at a density of (3.5-5.2 )×107 . Dosing regimen was same in the two groups. After fol ow-up of 1, 3, 6 months, the changes of creatine kinase and myodynamia were evaluated;after fol ow-up of 3 and 6 months, lung imaging was evaluated;in the cel transplantation group, interferon-γ, interleukin-4 and interleukin-17 levels were detected before treatment and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At 1, 3, 6 months after treatment, the creatine kinase level was significantly decreased, and the muscle force grade was significantly increased in both groups (both P0.05). These findings indicate umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s transplantation combined with glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants therapy can adjust immune network effects and improve the immune tolerance in polymyositis/dermatomyositis patients, which is safe and effective.