Expression of granulysin in lymphocytes and correlation analysis with interferon-v, interleukin-2 serum concentrations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Abstract

Objective To detect the expression of granulysin in peripheral blood lymphocytes and its correlation analysis with interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2) serum concentrations in the immunopathological process of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Methods The expression of granulysin in peripheral blood lymphocytes from 108 patients with COPD and 46 healthy controls was evaluated by means of immunocytochemical analysis. Meantime, the concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-2 in serum from these patients and healthy controls were also measured by means of double antibody sandwich ABC-ELISA. Results Compared with control subjects,patients with COPD showed an increased expression of granulysin(P <0.01). During stables,compared with exacerbations, the expression of granulysin was reduced(P <0.01), but compared with controls, it was still higher(P <0.01). The serum concentrations of IFN-γ,IL-2 in acute exacerbations were significant higher than those in stables and controls(P <0.01).There were positive correlation between the expression of granulysin in acute exacerbations and stables and the change of IFN-γ, IL-2 serum concentration. Conclusions Granulysin may involve in the process of inflammation in COPD by means of eliminating pathogens. There was positive correlation between the expression of granulysin and IFN-γ, IL-2 serum concentration. IFN-γ and IL-2 may play synergetic roles in the process of eliminating pathogen and play a positive role in the release of granulysin. Key words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Granulysin; Interferon-γ; Interleukin-2