ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study mRNA expression of immune-related genes (Foxp3, GATA3, CTLA4 and T-bet) in peripheral blood of the patients with allergic dermatitis induced by trichloroethylene (TCE).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The peripheral blood samples were collected from 8 healthy workers (control group) and 8 patients with allergic dermatitis induced by TCE (case group). Real-time quantitative PCR was applied to detect mRNA expression of immune-related genes (Foxp3, GATA3, CTLA4, T-bet).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA expression levels of Foxp3, GATA3 and CTLA4 genes increased by 115%, 97% and 241% in case group, as compared with control group (P < 0.01). The mRNA expression level of T-bet gene decreased by 47% in case group, as compared with control group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mRNA expression levels of some immune-related genes changed in patients with allergic dermatitis induced by TCE, those genes may play an important role in TCE-induced allergy.</p>