Deregulation from CD4+ Memory T cells to regulatory cells in patients with chronic renal failure: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to elucidate whether the CD4+ memory T (Tm) cells differentiation to regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a role in the immunological defects in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and if the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) had affect on on CD4+ Tm cells and Tregs apoptosis in these subjects. Methods: CD4+ Tm cells and Tregs were detected by flow cytometry in each group of ten subjects. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and confirmed by Western blotting. Results: The oxLDL concentration was significantly higher in CKD stage 4 (CKD4) patients than in controls, particularly in hemodialysis (HD) subjects (P < 0.001, respectively). In total, 100 μg/ml oxLDL significantly inhibited the CD4+ Tm cell proliferation. oxLDL-induced Tm generated Tregs apoptosis in controls and CKD4 patients, especially in HD patients (P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Dysregulation of CD4+ Tm cells converting into Tregs played a role in the immune defects of CKD patients, and oxLDL induced the apoptosis of Tm generating Tregs in these subjects. Larger size of sample should be investigated to confirm the findings in further studies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.