The Role of IL-17+ and Foxp3+ T Cells in Liver Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Niu Yinghua, Liu Hongli, Yin Donglin, Yi Ruitian, Chen Tianyan, Xue Hong'an, Zhang Shulin, Lin Shumei, Zhao Yingren
Primary Institution: First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University
Hypothesis
The balance between IL-17+ T cells and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells affects the progression of HBV-related liver disease.
Conclusion
The study suggests that an imbalance between IL-17+ and Foxp3+ T cells may contribute to the progression of chronic hepatitis B.
Supporting Evidence
- The frequency of IL-17+ T cells was significantly higher in patients with acute on chronic liver failure compared to chronic liver failure.
- The IL-17+/Foxp3+ ratio was higher in the ACLF group than in the CLF group.
- Increased levels of IL-17+ T cells correlated with higher bilirubin and MELD scores.
Takeaway
This study found that certain immune cells in the liver can affect how severe liver disease gets, especially in people with hepatitis B.
Methodology
The study involved immunochemistry to measure the frequency of IL-17+ and Foxp3+ T cells in liver tissues from patients with chronic HBV-related liver failure.
Limitations
The exact mechanisms of Treg and Th17 interactions were not fully explored, and the study did not use more precise methods like flow cytometry.
Participant Demographics
The study included 57 patients with end-stage liver disease, with a higher number of male patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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