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Lymphocyte T subset counts in children with hypercholesterolemia receiving dietary therapy
L A Moreno1, A Sarría, A Lázaro
1Departamento de Pediatría Hospital Clínico Universitario 'Lozano Blesa', Universidad de Zaragoza, España. lmoreno@posta.unizar.es
Background:
In children with hypercholesterolemia, dietary therapy is indicated; however, we do not know if a low-fat diet can modify some organic functions, i.e. immune function.
Methods:
42 children with hypercholesterolemia received a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet during 6 months. At baseline and after the treatment period, we determined a lipoprotein profile and some immune characteristics: immunoglobulins G, A and M; complement components (C3, C4 and factor B), and blood lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4 and CD8).
Results:
Total cholesterol serum concentrations showed a significant reduction after 6 months of dietary therapy (p = 0.008). After 6 months on a low-fat diet, lymphocyte T subset counts (CD3, CD4 and CD8) showed significant decreases (p < 0.01 to p < 0.003), but lymphocyte counts were always within normal ranges. There was also a significant correlation between changes in some lymphocyte T subset counts (CD3 and CD8) and changes in triglyceride serum concentrations (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet diminished CD3, CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte subset counts that are elevated in children with hypercholesterolemia. Dietary therapy, with emphasis on the intake of n-3 fatty acids, could be useful in the modulation of the immune response at the atheromatous plaque level.