OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: We investigated a possible imbalance between T helper (Th)17 and CD4+ CD25+ forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (Foxp3) T regulatory (Treg) cells in patients with carotid artery plaques. MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS: From November 2009 to September 2010, we enrolled 126 males and 104 females with mean age 68.24 ± 6.71 years. TREATMENT: Based on carotid artery sonography, the 230 subjects were categorized into three groups: plaque negative; stable plaques; and unstable plaques. METHODS: Th17 and Treg cell frequencies, relevant plasma cytokines (IL-17, IL-6, IL-23, and TNF-α), and RORγt mRNA levels were determined. RESULTS: Compared to plaque negative, Th17 cells, Th17-related cytokines (IL-17, IL-6, IL-23, and TNF-α), and RORγt mRNA levels were higher with stable plaques, and highest with unstable plaques. The opposite trend was found for Treg cells, Treg-related cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1), and Foxp3 mRNA. Th17 cell frequencies were significantly negatively correlated with Treg cell frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation demonstrated that there is a Th17/Treg functional imbalance in patients with unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Th17 cells may promote atherogenesis, while Treg cells may have a protective role against atherosclerosis plaques. An imbalance of Th17/Treg cells may offer a new direction for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: We investigated a possible imbalance between T helper (Th)17 and CD4+ CD25+ forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (Foxp3) T regulatory (Treg) cells in patients with carotid artery plaques. MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS: From November 2009 to September 2010, we enrolled 126 males and 104 females with mean age 68.24 ± 6.71 years. TREATMENT: Based on carotid artery sonography, the 230 subjects were categorized into three groups: plaque negative; stable plaques; and unstable plaques. METHODS: Th17 and Treg cell frequencies, relevant plasma cytokines (IL-17, IL-6, IL-23, and TNF-α), and RORγt mRNA levels were determined. RESULTS: Compared to plaque negative, Th17 cells, Th17-related cytokines (IL-17, IL-6, IL-23, and TNF-α), and RORγt mRNA levels were higher with stable plaques, and highest with unstable plaques. The opposite trend was found for Treg cells, Treg-related cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1), and Foxp3 mRNA. Th17 cell frequencies were significantly negatively correlated with Treg cell frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation demonstrated that there is a Th17/Treg functional imbalance in patients with unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Th17 cells may promote atherogenesis, while Treg cells may have a protective role against atherosclerosis plaques. An imbalance of Th17/Treg cells may offer a new direction for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Authors: Ivaylo I Ivanov; Brent S McKenzie; Liang Zhou; Carlos E Tadokoro; Alice Lepelley; Juan J Lafaille; Daniel J Cua; Dan R Littman Journal: Cell Date: 2006-09-22 Impact factor: 41.582
Authors: Ron C Hoogeveen; Alanna Morrison; Eric Boerwinkle; J Shawn Miles; Charles E Rhodes; A Richey Sharrett; Christie M Ballantyne Journal: Atherosclerosis Date: 2005-04-14 Impact factor: 5.162
Authors: Michael Platten; Sawsan Youssef; Eun Mi Hur; Peggy P Ho; May H Han; Tobias V Lanz; Lori K Phillips; Matthew J Goldstein; Roopa Bhat; Cedric S Raine; Raymond A Sobel; Lawrence Steinman Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 2009-08-19 Impact factor: 11.205
Authors: Stephan Sauer; Ludovica Bruno; Arnulf Hertweck; David Finlay; Marion Leleu; Mikhail Spivakov; Zachary A Knight; Bradley S Cobb; Doreen Cantrell; Eric O'Connor; Kevan M Shokat; Amanda G Fisher; Matthias Merkenschlager Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 2008-05-28 Impact factor: 11.205