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Lack of NK cells and related cytokines in pleural effusion
Y M Chen1, J Whang-Peng, W K Yang
1Cancer Clinical Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Background:
Relatively low number and activity of natural-killer (NK) cells have been reported in malignant pleural effusions. However, there has been no report on NK cells related cytokines.
Methods:
Lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in 30 cases of pleural effusion with various etiologies, along with peripheral blood, by using flow cytometry. The related cytokine levels in peripheral blood and pleural fluid, including IL-1 alpha, IL-4 and IL-12, were also analyzed with ELISA assays.
Results:
The results showed significant increase of T-helper cell subpopulation in pleural effusion of various etiologies. No obvious change of B-lymphocyte subpopulation between peripheral blood and pleural effusion was found. IL-4 was undetectable in both peripheral blood and pleural fluid in most cases. IL-1 alpha was detectable in some cases and the level was highest in pleural fluid of empyema. Decreased NK cells were found in most cases of pleural effusion and accompanied by undetectable IL-12 both in pleural fluid and peripheral blood. The only one case with detectable IL-12 concentration in pleural fluid was the one with tuberculous pleurisy.
Conclusions:
Increased T-helper cell subpopulation and decreased NK cell subpopulation were found in pleural effusion of various etiologies. In spite of the small series of our patients, the decrease of NK cell subpopulation and the undetectable IL-12 concentration in pleural effusion deserves further investigations.
Insights
Pleural effusions show increased T-helper cells and decreased natural-killer (NK) cells. Undetectable IL-12 in pleural fluid, except in tuberculous pleurisy, warrants further study.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Natural-killer (NK) cells are often reduced in malignant pleural effusions.
- Cytokine profiles related to NK cells in pleural effusions remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lymphocyte subpopulations and cytokine levels in various pleural effusions.
- To explore the role of cytokines, including IL-1 alpha, IL-4, and IL-12, in relation to NK cells in pleural effusions.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze lymphocyte subsets in 30 pleural effusion cases and peripheral blood.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) measured IL-1 alpha, IL-4, and IL-12 levels in peripheral blood and pleural fluid.
Main Results:
- Pleural effusions exhibited an increased T-helper cell subpopulation across various etiologies.
- A decrease in NK cells was observed in most pleural effusions, often correlating with undetectable IL-12 levels.
- Elevated IL-1 alpha was noted in empyema pleural fluid; detectable IL-12 was rare, found only in one case of tuberculous pleurisy.
Conclusions:
- Pleural effusions are characterized by an increased T-helper cell and a decreased NK cell subpopulation.
- The undetectable levels of IL-12 in most pleural effusions, alongside reduced NK cells, suggest a potential area for further research.