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The Th17/Treg imbalance exists in patients with heart failure with normal ejection fraction and heart failure with

Na Li1, Hongjun Bian, Juan Zhang

  • 1The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research of Chinese Ministry of Education and Public Health, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, 250012 Jinan, Shandong Province, China.

Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|August 18, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is linked to an imbalance between T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells. This study found higher Th17 and lower Treg frequencies in CHF patients, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiology
  • Inflammation research

Background:

  • Immune activation and inflammation are key drivers in chronic heart failure (CHF) progression.
  • T helper (Th) lymphocytes, specifically Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells, play critical roles in immune regulation.
  • The balance between Th17 and Treg cells is crucial for controlling inflammation and autoimmune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that the Th17/Treg cell balance is disrupted in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).
  • To compare Th17 and Treg cell frequencies in different subgroups of CHF patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Patients with CHF were categorized into two groups: heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF).
  • Peripheral blood samples were analyzed using flow cytometry to quantify the frequencies of Th17 and Treg cells.

Main Results:

  • Both HFNEF and HFREF patient groups exhibited a significant increase in Th17 cell frequencies compared to control groups.
  • A notable decrease in Treg cell frequencies was observed in both HFNEF and HFREF patients relative to controls.

Conclusions:

  • The findings confirm a Th17/Treg cell imbalance in patients suffering from CHF.
  • This immune dysregulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of CHF.
  • Restoring the Th17/Treg balance presents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing CHF.
Abstract

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