background
Although the exact pathogenesis of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is still unclear, there are many research efforts directed toward the role of T helper 17 and interleukin 17 (IL -17) in the pathogenesis of this disease. The Th17 cell, which produces IL -17, is a subset of T helper cells. Interleukin 17 is a proinflammatory cytokine that has recently been shown to play a critical role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Our aim was to investigate the role of T helper cells 17 and interleukin-17 in the development of ITP in Egyptian children.
Methods and results
This study was performed on 100 children with ITP and 100 healthy children as a control group. Patients underwent a complete history, a thorough physical examination, and routine investigations according to our local standards. The percentage of Th17 cells was measured in the study groups by flow cytometry. Serum IL -17 was also measured by ELISA in the study groups. Th17 cells were significantly higher in patients compared with controls. In addition, serum levels of IL -17 were observed to be 3.1-fold higher in patients with ITP compared to controls. Newly diagnosed patients had a significantly higher percentage of Th-17 cells as well as higher IL -17 levels than patients with persistent or chronic ITP.
conclusion
We concluded that Th-17 cells and IL -17 contribute to the pathogenesis of ITP in Egyptian children.