[Fas-FasL and caspase-3 signal transduction pathway and apoptosis of peripheral T lymphocytes in ITP patients]

Zhonghua Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi. 2008 May;29(5):329-32.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To explore the relationship between Fas-FasL-mediated signal transduction pathway and apoptosis of T lymphocyte subset in ITP patients.

Methods: The expression rates of membrane Fas, FasL and intracellular activated caspase-3 in peripheral T lymphocyte subset were determined by flow cytometry. T cell subsets with caspase-3 protein expression were detected by Western blot.

Results: As compared with that in healthy control group [(29.4 +/- 8.2)%], the expression rate of membrane Fas on CD4+ T cells was significantly increased in ITP patients [(42.1 +/- 9.5)%] (P < 0.05), however, that on CD8+ T cells was only slightly increased [(9.3 +/- 6.0)% vs (13.4 +/- 5.8)%] with no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The expression rate of FasL on T cell subset in ITP patients was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and that of intracellular activated caspase-3 in T cell subset in ITP patients was notably higher than that in healthy control group (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the expression of pro-caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3 in CD4+ T cells in patients with ITP after treatment were significantly reduced compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Apoptosis of T lymphocyte subset in ITP patients is accelerated. It is possible that Fas-FasL signal transduction pathway plays an important role in the induction of the apoptosis. The degree of apoptosis of T lymphocytes closely correlates with the disease's activity in ITP patients. Hormone therapy may interfere with Fas-FasL signal transduction pathway of apoptosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Apoptosis
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Caspase 3 / metabolism*
  • Fas Ligand Protein / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / blood*
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Young Adult
  • fas Receptor / metabolism*

Substances

  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • fas Receptor
  • Caspase 3