The expression of Foxp3 and transforming growth factor-β1 is correlated with the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To clarify the relation between the expression of Foxp3 in peripheral blood and plasma transforming growth factor betal (TGF-β1) and the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Foxp3 mRNA expression of 28 active SLE patients, 13 inactive SLE patients and 16 healthy controls was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Active SLE patients were followed up; Foxp3 mRNA expression of 20 active patients was measured in the stable status and the plasma TGF-β1 was measured by ELISA in the active and stable status. Results The active SLE patients showed reduced levels of Foxp3 mRNA than the inactive SLE patients (P<0.01) and the healthy controls(P<0.01). Expression of Foxp3 mRNA and the plasma level of TGF-β1 in 20 SLE patients were both higher in stable status than in active status, Conclusion The expressions of Foxp3 mRNA in peripheral blood and TGF-β1 in plasma has significant inverse corelation with disease activity, which suggests that regulatory T cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE.