Abstract
An imbalance in type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) T helper cells is associated with the development and recurrence of condyloma acuminatum (CA); however, the mechanisms underlying this imbalance remain unknown. We investigated soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFGL2), which is an effector of regulatory T cells (Tregs), to determine its role in the Th1/Th2 imbalance of CA. Lesion and blood samples were obtained from 30 CA patients, and these samples were compared with genital skin and blood samples from 20 control subjects. Serum sFGL2, mRNA, and protein levels were estimated using ELISA, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot, respectively. Immunohistochemical analyses were also conducted. Compared to controls, CA patients had decreased serum sFGL2 levels. However, sFGL2 mRNA and protein levels in the lesions of CA patients were significantly increased. Interleukin (IL)-4 and Foxp3 mRNA levels were upregulated, and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were downregulated in CA patients compared to those in controls. Additionally, the sFGL2 mRNA level positively correlated with Foxp3 and IL-4 levels and negatively correlated with IFN-γ and IL-17 levels. sFGL2 contributes to the underlying Th1/Th2 imbalance in CA pathogenesis.
Highlights
An imbalance in type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) T helper cells is associated with the development and recurrence of condyloma acuminatum (CA); the mechanisms underlying this imbalance remain unknown
Data are expressed as mean ± SD; n = 30 for CA patients; n = 20 for control subjects
Condyloma acuminatum (CA) lesions and control skin tissues were stained for soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFGL2) using 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and examined microscopically at a magnification of 400×. (a) The expression of sFGL2 was significantly higher in the CA patients than in the control subjects (t = 3.605, p < 0.01)
Summary
An imbalance in type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) T helper cells is associated with the development and recurrence of condyloma acuminatum (CA); the mechanisms underlying this imbalance remain unknown. Serum sFGL2, mRNA, and protein levels were estimated using ELISA, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot, respectively. Results: Compared to controls, CA patients had decreased serum sFGL2 levels. SFGL2 mRNA and protein levels in the lesions of CA patients were significantly increased. Interleukin (IL)-4 and Foxp mRNA levels were upregulated, and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were downregulated in CA patients compared to those in controls. The sFGL2 mRNA level positively correlated with Foxp and IL-4 levels and negatively correlated with IFN-γ and IL-17 levels. Persistent infection of HPV can lead to the development of various cancers, including anogenital cancers, such as in cervical, vaginal, penile, and anal [4]. It is important to study the pathogenesis of CA in order to find more effective treatments
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
