PPARα Down-Regulation in Cystic Fibrosis Lymphocytes
Author Information
Author(s): Veerle Reynders, Stefan Loitsch, Constanze Steinhauer, Thomas Wagner, Dieter Steinhilber, Joachim Bargon
Primary Institution: University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany
Hypothesis
The expression and/or function of PPARs may be altered in cystic fibrosis due to its excessive host inflammatory response.
Conclusion
The diminished lymphocytic expression and activity of PPARα may contribute to the inflammatory processes observed in cystic fibrosis.
Supporting Evidence
- PPARα mRNA levels were significantly lower (-37%) in lymphocytes of CF patients compared to control persons.
- PPARα protein levels were also significantly lower (-26%) in lymphocytes of CF patients compared to healthy subjects.
- PPARα DNA binding activity was 36% less in lymphocytes of patients compared to healthy persons.
Takeaway
In cystic fibrosis, a type of lung disease, the immune cells called lymphocytes don't work as well because they have less of a protein called PPARα, which helps control inflammation.
Methodology
PPARα, β, and γ mRNA levels were measured in peripheral blood cells of CF patients and healthy subjects via RT-PCR, and PPARα protein expression was determined via western blot.
Limitations
Sample sizes varied between different experiments due to time, technical, and sampling constraints.
Participant Demographics
Patients with cystic fibrosis were between 22 and 43 years old, and a gender-mixed healthy control group was established.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.002
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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