Enhanced Th17 Responses in Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis Publisher



Behfarjam F¹ ; Nasserimoghaddam S² ; Jadali Z³
Source: Middle East Journal of Digestive Diseases Published:2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND T cells are major players in chronic inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). However, it is not clear which subset of T cells participates in the pathophysiology of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the expression profile of signature transcription factor and cytokines of T helper 17 (Th17) cells in patients with AIH. METHODS A total of 24 patients with AIH and 24 normal subjects were recruited in the study. Comparison of gene expression patterns between the patients and normal subjects was done by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS The results showed that retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors gamma (RORɣt), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and interleukin-22 (IL-22) mRNA expression were increased greatly in the patients group compared with the normal controls group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Deregulated production of Th17-related molecules may be associated with the pathogenesis of AIH. © 2019 The Author(s).