Lan Dai1, Ri Zhang1, Zhaoyue Wang2, Yang He3, Xia Bai1, Mingqing Zhu1, Ziqiang Yu1, Chang-Geng Ruan1. 1. MOH Key Lab of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, 1 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China. 2. MOH Key Lab of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, 1 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China. Electronic address: zwang11@sina.com. 3. MOH Key Lab of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, 1 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China. Electronic address: heyang1963@163.com.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common hematologic disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia. In adults, ITP is more likely to be chronic, requiring individualised treatment and management. Corticosteroids and splenectomy are the most common therapy for ITP. However, these routine approaches failed in these patients with chronic ITP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of immunomodulatory therapy with all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) in adult patients with chronic ITP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ATRA therapy was applied in a total of 35 patients with chronic ITP who failed with standard dose corticosteroids and/or splenectomy. The response ratio and the change of the T cell subsets including Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg, were evaluated. RESULTS: Complete response and overall response were observed in 10 (28.6%) and 19 patients (54.3%), respectively. Compared with the control group, a significant decreased level of Treg cells, IL-10 and Foxp3 expression were found in ITP patients. ATRA therapy could significantly increase the percentage of Treg cell, IL-10 level and Foxp3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that ATRA therapy could induce significant changes of Treg cells to induce response in patients with chronic ITP.
INTRODUCTION: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common hematologic disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia. In adults, ITP is more likely to be chronic, requiring individualised treatment and management. Corticosteroids and splenectomy are the most common therapy for ITP. However, these routine approaches failed in these patients with chronic ITP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of immunomodulatory therapy with all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) in adult patients with chronic ITP. MATERIALS AND METHODS:ATRA therapy was applied in a total of 35 patients with chronic ITP who failed with standard dose corticosteroids and/or splenectomy. The response ratio and the change of the T cell subsets including Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg, were evaluated. RESULTS: Complete response and overall response were observed in 10 (28.6%) and 19 patients (54.3%), respectively. Compared with the control group, a significant decreased level of Treg cells, IL-10 and Foxp3 expression were found in ITP patients. ATRA therapy could significantly increase the percentage of Treg cell, IL-10 level and Foxp3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that ATRA therapy could induce significant changes of Treg cells to induce response in patients with chronic ITP.