Disturbances of Modulating Molecules (FOXP3, CTLA-4CD28B7, and CD40CD40L)‎ mRNA Expressions in the Orbital Tissue from Patients with Severe Graves’ Ophthalmopathy

Abstract EN

Purpose.

To evaluate the relationship between the expression of orbital tissue mRNA for FOXP3, CTLA-4/CD28/CD80/CD86, and CD40/CD40 and the severity of Graves’ orbitopathy (GO).

Material and Methods.

Orbital tissue was obtained from 26 patients with GO, with mild (n=6) or severe GO (n=20), and 7 healthy controls.

The expression of mRNA of FOXP3, CTLA-4/CD28/CD80/CD86, CD40/CD40L was measured by RT-PCR.

TCR and CD3 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results.

Higher mRNA for FoxP3 (relative expression: 1.4) and CD40 (1.27) and lower expression of CTLA-4 (0.61) were found in the GO tissues versus controls.

In severe GO as compared to mild GO higher mRNA expression for FoxP3 (1.35) and CD40 (1.4) and lower expression for CTLA-4 (0.78), CD28 (0.62), and CD40L (0.56) were found.

A positive correlation was found between FOXP3 mRNA and CD3 infiltration (R=0.796, P=0.0000001).

Conclusions.

The enhanced FOXP3 mRNA expression in GO samples may suggest the dysfunction of FOXP3 cells in the severe GO.

The diminished mRNA expression of CTLA-4 in severe GO may indicate inadequate T regulatory function.

The enhanced mRNA expression of CD40 in severe GO and negative correlation to CRP mRNA may suggest their role in the active and inactive GO.