Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterised by accumulated cell apoptosis. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) has immunomodulatory effect and potent anti-apoptosis activities. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between CD4+T cells VDR expression, cell apoptosis, and disease activity in patients with SLE. Forty-five SLE patients were recruited and 50 healthy individuals served as controls. The expression of VDR in CD4+T cells and their subsets were determined by flow cytometry. The correlations between VDR expression and cell apoptosis or disease parameters in SLE patients were analysed. VDR expression in CD4+T cells and their subsets were upregulated in SLE patients, especially in help T (Th)1, regulatory T (Treg), and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells. Frequency of VDR-positive CD4+T cells was positively associated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI)-2K values and inversely correlated with serum C3 concentration. The frequency of VDR-positive CD4+T cells, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, Th17 cells, Treg cells, and Tfh cells was positively correlated with cells apoptosis. VDR expression in CD4+T cells and their subsets were increased in SLE. VDR expression was positively associated with disease activity and cell apoptosis in SLE patients.
Published Version
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