Publication: Relationship between T lymphocyte subsets and cortisol in systemic lupus erythematosus
Date
2009
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex chronic immunological disease characterized by
increased B cell activity and altered T cell function.
Objective: To investigate relationship between T lymphocyte subsets and cortisol with the disease activity of systemic
lupus erythematosus patients in North India.
Materials and methods: The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the lymphocyte of SLE patients and healthy
controls were determined by flow cytometry. Serum cortisol of SLE patients and healthy controls was determined by
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: A significant decrease in the percentage of CD4+ T cells and increase in the percentage of CD8+ T cells were
found in patients with SLE compared to the healthy controls. Decrease in the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cell and low
level of serum cortisol were found in the patients with SLE. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cell was inversely correlated
with systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). A
positive correlation was observed between CD8+ T cells and SLEDAI score. Furthermore, CD8+ T cells were positively
correlated with ESR in the patients with SLE.
Conclusion: The results showed that low level of cortisol and high percentage of CD8+ T cells in the lymphocytes could
be actively involved in the pathogenesis of SLE.
Key words: CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio, cortisol, systemic lupus erythematosus, T-cell activation
Description
Shah D 1, Kiran R1, Wanchu A 2, Bhatnagar A 1
Department of Biochemistry1, Basic Medical Science Block, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, Department of Internal Medicine2 , Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.