Analysis of Methylation and Expression Profile of Foxp3 Gene in Patients with Behçet's Syndrome.

Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) gene is an important means in the Treg cells function, in both maintenances of immune tolerance and regulation of response. Epigenetic modifications of the foxp3 gene at its regulatory regions control the chromatin accessibility for the transcription factors and other transcriptional regulators in order to control Foxp3 expression. In addition, the methylation status of CpG islands within the Foxp3 promoter and regulatory elements regulate the expression of Foxp3.

Interleukin-17 mRNA expression and serum levels in Behçet's disease.

Behçet's disease (BD) was considered a T-helper 1 (Th1)-mediated autoimmune disease, but with the introduction of Th17 cells, their role in the pathogenesis of BD was also addressed. Despite studies on IL-17 in BD, the prognostic value of this cytokine in BD is unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the IL-17 mRNA expression rate and serum levels in patients with BD and its correlation with clinical manifestations and activity of BD.

The expression and methylation status of vitamin D receptor gene in Behcet's disease.

Introduction: Vitamin D has important roles as a natural immune modulator via regulating the expression of genes which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D function and its deficiency have been linked to a wide range of metabolic disorders including disorders of calcium metabolism, malignant, cardiovascular, infectious, neuromuscular, and inflammatory diseases. Environmental factors, genetic factors, and epigenetic changes contribute to Behcet's disease (BD) development.

The molecular and clinical evidence of vitamin D signaling as a modulator of the immune system: Role in Behçet's disease.

Various tissues and cell types are the targets of vitamin D. However, the major targets of vitamin D in the immune system are monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), as well as B and T cells. Vitamin D plays an important role in the immune system modulation via regulating the expression of genes that generate pro-inflammatory mediators and inhibiting the proliferation of pro-inflammatory cells, both of which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of the inflammatory diseases.