[Correlation between FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Objective: To investigate whether FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) are present in the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and the correlation between Treg and COPD.

Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 21 patients of AECOPD, 20 males and 1 female, aged (70 +/- 9) (52-85). Lymphocytes were isolated by three-color labeled three colors monoclonal antibodies flow cytometry to examine the quantities and percentages of CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) (CD4(+)Treg), CD8(+)CD25(+), and CD8(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) (CD8(+)Treg). ELISA was used to detect the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Middle correlation coefficient r> or = 0.3 was analysed and discussed.

Results: The percentages of CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)Treg, CD8(+)CD25(+), and CD8(+)Treg in AECOPD were (18 +/- 6)%, (19 +/- 13)%, (5 +/- 4)%, and (12 +/- 10)% respectively. Linear correlation analysis indicated that the quantity and percentage of Treg were significantly correlated with age, course of disease, smoking index, quantity of white cells, and blood pH, and there were complex causal relations between the immunity of patients and these factors. However, TGF-beta1 and IL-10 showed no correlation with Treg.

Conclusion: CD4(+)Treg and CD8(+)Treg are expressed in the peripheral blood of AECOPD patients and contribute to the immune suppression of these patients, so they can be used as new markers of immunity of these patients.