Decreased expression of interleukin-27 in immune thrombocytopenia

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an immune-mediated disorder in which disturbed cytokine profiles have been found. Interleukin-27 (IL27) has been shown to bear both proinflammatory and anti-inflammtory effects. In the present study, plasma levels of IL27, interferon gamma (IFNG), IL4, and IL17A were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 23 active ITP patients, 20 patients in remission and 20 healthy controls. mRNA expression levels of IL27, EBI3, IL27 receptor (IL27RA), IL17A and RAR-related orphan receptor C (RORC) were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Significantly lower levels of plasma IL27, IL4, mRNA expression of IL27, EBI3 and higher levels of plasma IFNG as well as mRNA expression of IL17A, RORC were observed in active ITP patients compared with healthy controls or patients in remission. No statistical difference was found in IL27RA mRNA expression or plasma IL17A levels among active ITP patients and controls. A negative correlation was found between the IL27 and RORC mRNA expression levels in active ITP patients. Our data demonstrated that active ITP patients had decreased plasma and mRNA expression levels of IL27, suggesting that it might be involved in the pathophysiological process of ITP.