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mRNA expression of T‐helper 1, T‐helper 2 cytokines in autoimmune hepatitis in childhood
Author(s) -
Kawashima Hisashi,
Kato Naoki,
Ioi Hiroaki,
Nishimata Shigeo,
Watanabe Chiako,
Kashiwagi Yasuyo,
Takekuma Kouji,
Hoshika Akinori,
Szenborn Leszek,
Bergman Kacprzak
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
pediatrics international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.49
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1442-200X
pISSN - 1328-8067
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-200x.2008.02584.x
Subject(s) - medicine , autoimmune hepatitis , immunology , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , immune system , hepatitis , t helper cell , interferon , t cell , in vitro , biology , biochemistry
Background: In the pathology of autoimmune hepatitis the immunity mechanism of T‐helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells was recently evaluated. The purpose of the present study was to measure the mRNA levels in peripheral mononuclear cells and serum cytokines obtained from children with autoimmune hepatitis for a better understanding of the mechanism. Methods: Twenty‐five patients with autoimmune hepatitis and seven controls were enrolled. mRNA levels in peripheral mononuclear cells and serum cytokines were measured using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunoassay. Results: Serum interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) were rarely detected. In contrast the IFN‐γ/β‐actin mRNA levels were high. Conclusion: Autoimmune hepatitis is a Th1‐predominant state, therefore immune modulation therapies that target the control of Th1 cytokines should be used.