Treg Cell Defects in Chronic Heart Failure Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Tang Ting-Ting, Zhu Zheng-Feng, Wang Jun, Zhang Wen-Cai, Tu Xin, Xiao Hong, Du Xin-Ling, Xia Jia-Hong, Dong Nian-Guo, Su Wei, Xia Ni, Yan Xing-Xing, Nie Shao-Fang, Liu Juan, Zhou Su-Feng, Yao Rui, Xie Jiang-Jiao, Jevallee Harish, Wang Xiang, Liao Meng-Yang, Shi Guo-Ping, Fu Michael, Liao Yu-Hua, Cheng Xiang
Primary Institution: Laboratory of Cardiovascular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
Hypothesis
The study aims to elucidate the mechanisms behind Treg-cell defects in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).
Conclusion
The Treg-cell defects in CHF patients are likely caused by decreased thymic output of nascent Treg cells and increased susceptibility to apoptosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Flow cytometry showed reduced numbers of Treg cells in CHF patients compared to non-CHF controls.
- The nTreg/mTreg ratio was significantly lower in CHF patients.
- Treg cells from CHF patients exhibited increased spontaneous apoptosis.
- Treg-cell frequency in mediastinal lymph nodes was not higher in CHF patients than in controls.
Takeaway
In patients with heart failure, the immune cells that help control inflammation are not working well because they are not being made properly and are dying too easily.
Methodology
Flow cytometry analysis was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from CHF patients and non-CHF controls to assess Treg cell populations.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of patients and controls.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable due to the specific patient population and sample size.
Participant Demographics
52 CHF patients (31 men, 21 women, average age 44±13 years) and 43 non-CHF controls (28 men, 15 women, average age 42±12 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website