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Immune function in patients with acute pancreatitis
Soichiro Uehara1, Katsuhiro Gothoh, Hiroshi Handa
1Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Ohtakionsen Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan. ootaki_ph@jyoujinkai.or.jp
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|March 26, 2003
Summary
In acute pancreatitis (AP), T-helper 1 (Th1) CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells decrease, particularly in severe cases. These Th1 cells may drive inflammation and cytotoxicity in early AP.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis (AP) involves complex immune dysregulation.
- Understanding T-helper (Th)1/Th2 cytokine balance is crucial in AP pathogenesis.
- Apoptosis markers and T-cell populations are implicated in AP severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and T-cell counts (CD4+, CD8+) in AP patients.
- To correlate these immune markers with plasma antigen and apoptosis markers.
- To differentiate immune responses in mild versus severe AP cases.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for soluble cytokines (sCD4, sCD8, sIL-2-R, IL-12, IFN-gamma) and sFas antigen.
- Flow cytometry for CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts.
- Analysis of plasma concentrations and cell counts in mild and severe AP.
Main Results:
- Reduced numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells observed in AP patients, with a more significant decrease in CD4+ T-cells in severe cases.
- Positive correlations found between sCD4, sIL-2-R, IL-12, and sFas.
- Elevated concentrations of sCD4, sCD8, sIL-2-R, IL-12, and IFN-gamma in the early stage of severe AP, which moderated over time.
Conclusions:
- Th1 type CD4+ T cells are implicated in activating macrophages and promoting pro-inflammatory responses during early AP.
- Fas/Fas ligand expression by Th1 CD4+ T cells may contribute to direct cytotoxicity in AP.
- Immune marker dynamics offer insights into AP progression and severity.