The Effect of immunomodulatory therapy On CD4+CD25+ tregs in peripheral blood of patients with Sepsis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the percentage of CD4 + C125 +Tregs in peripheral blood of patients with sepsis and its effect on cell immunity so as to unravel the effect of immunomodulatory therapy on it. Method Fourty patients with sepsis in ICU were randomly (random number) divided into experimental group and control group . The patients of experimental group were treated with Ulinastatin and immunoregulation agent (Thymosin αl) as well. The blood specimens were collected just before treatment, 3 days and 8 days after treatment. The percentages of CD4 + CD25 + Tregs and lymphocyte subsets were detected by using FCM (flow cytometry), and TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 assayed by using ELISA, and APACHE Ⅱ scores were calculated. Results Before treatment, the percentage of CD4 + CD25 + Tregs increased, and the number of lymphocytes and the percentage of T lymphocytes decreased, especially the CD4 + T lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ decreased more markedly, and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α increased. After treatment,the percentage of CD4+ CD25 + Tregs was decreased, the number of lymphocytes and CD4 +/CD8 + increased, and the levels of APACHE Ⅱ score, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased especially in the experimental group decreased more significantly (P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusions The percentage of CD4 + CD25+ Tregs in peripheral blood can reflect the immune status of patients with sepsis and become a novel indicator to estimate the progress of sepsis, and the immunity and prognosis of patients. Treating the patients with Thymosin αl and Ulinastatin can raise their immunity, decrease the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and APACHE Ⅱ score and improve their prognosis. Key words: Sepsis; Regulatory T cells; Immunomodulation; Thymosin α1; Ulinastatin