Th1/ Th2 cells polarization in children with autoimmune thyroid diseases

Objective To study the relationship of transcription factors, cytokines, sCD30, and the polarization of Th1 / Th2 cells in children with Hashimoto′ s thyroiditis ( HT) and Graves disease ( GD) . Methods Transcription factor, cytokine, and sCD30 levels were evaluated by ELISA and RT-PCR in children with GD and HT. Results The expression of transcription factor GATA-3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was significantly lower, while T-bet, T-bet / GATA-3 ratio increased significantly in children with GD and HT than those in normal controls. IFN-γ and the ratio of IFN-γ / IL-4 levels in PBMC was significantly higher, while IL-4 level was significantly lower in children with GD and HT than those in normal controls. The sCD30 level was higher in children with GD and HT than that in normal controls. Conclusions This study suggested that TH0 cells showed trends of Th1 differentiation in patients with HT and GD.