Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired and autoimmune disease of adults and children characterized by decreased platelet production. CXC chemokine ligand-13 (CXCL13) participates in multiple immunological responses. However, it is still unknown the relationship between CXCL13 and ITP.
Methods: Plasma CXCL13 was detected in ITP (n = 30) children. CD4+ T cells was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy volunteers. Treated CD4+ T cells with dexamethasone and/or miR-125-5p mimic/inhibitor, to observe the regulation of CXCL13.
Results: Compared with controls, ITP children had elevated plasma CXCL13, the concentration of which was reduced after treatment. In vitro, dexamethasone decreased CXCL13 level in in dose- dependent and in time-dependent manner. MiR-125-5p mimic decreased CXCL13 level and miR-125-5p inhibitor increased CXCL13 level in CD4+ T cells. CXCL13 was implied to be target gene of miR-125-5p. MiR-125-5p inhibitor also canceled dexamethasone induced decrease of CXCL13.
Conclusion: CXCL13 is the target gene of miR-125-5p, which is possibly involved in the pathological process of ITP.
Keywords: Immune thrombocytopenia; chemokine; lymphocytes; miR-125-5p.