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Serum soluble CD4 and CD8 levels in polymyalgia rheumatica
C Salvarani1, L Boiardi, P Macchioni
12nd Divisione di Medicina (Unità Reumatologica), Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Elevated soluble CD8 (sCD8) levels in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) patients indicate early CD8 T cell activation. Steroid therapy effectively reduces sCD8 levels, suggesting a role in PMR treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition.
- The role of T cells in PMR pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate soluble CD4 (sCD4) and soluble CD8 (sCD8) levels in active PMR.
- To correlate these levels with T cell subpopulations, soluble interleukin 2 receptors (sIL-2R), and clinical/laboratory variables.
- To assess the impact of prednisone therapy on these markers.
Main Methods:
- Serum sCD4 and sCD8 levels were measured in 19 active PMR patients.
- Correlations were made with lymphocyte subpopulations, sIL-2R, and clinical data.
- 15 patients were prospectively studied during 6 months of prednisone treatment.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent kits were used for assays.
Main Results:
- Active PMR patients showed elevated serum sCD8 and sIL-2R, with decreased sCD4 and CD8+ T cells.
- Prednisone therapy rapidly reduced sCD8 levels and improved clinical symptoms.
- sCD8 levels normalized by study end, but CD8+ lymphopenia persisted.
- sCD4 remained low, and sIL-2R decreased but stayed elevated compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Increased serum sCD8 in active PMR suggests early CD8 T cell activation.
- Steroid therapy's efficacy in PMR may involve modulating CD8 activated cells.