Relationship between Treg and Th17 cells in peripheral blood of acute leukemia patients

Objective: To observe the proportions of CD3+CD4+TIL-17+ helper T cells(Th17 cells) and CD4+TCD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells(Tregs) in the peripheral blood of acute leukemia patients and the changes of related cytokines(including IL-17,TGF-β,IL-6),and to analyze their relationship.Methods: The ratios of Treg and Th17 cells in peripheral CD4+T cells were examined by flow cytometry.The serum levels of IL-17,TGF-β and IL-6 were measured by ELISA.Results: The ratio of Th17 cells in CD4+T cells was(1.39±0.24)%,which was significantly higher than that in the control group([0.26±0.11]%,P0.05);the ratio of Treg cells in CD4+T cells was(11.58±2.17)%,which was significantly higher than that in the control group([2.47±0.72]%,P0.05);and Treg cells were positively related with Th17 cells.The serum levels of TGF-β,IL-6,and IL-17 in acute leukemia patients were(26.06±2.43),(14.66±2.47),and(18.63±2.38) pg/ml,respectively,which were significantly higher than those in the control group([13.41±1.92],[1.44±0.29],and [10.34±1.71] pg/ml,P0.05).Conclusion: The ratios of Treg and Th17 cells are increased in the peripheral blood of acute leukemia patients,and they are positively correlated with each other.The serum levels of TGF-β,IL-6,and IL-17 are also elevated,which may affect the balance between Treg cells and Th17 cells.