High Interleukin-10 Expression in Type 2 T Helper Cells in Septic Patients

ABSTRACT

Interleukin (IL)-10 response is associated with mortality in patients with sepsis. IL-10 is primarily produced by monocytes and type 2 T helper (Th2) cells. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in IL-10 production between monocytes and Th2 cells in patients with sepsis. Forty patients with sepsis and 35 healthy controls were enrolled. Cytokine expressions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured by flow cytometry. The IL-10 expression in the Th2 cells of the septic patients was higher than in the healthy controls, but the expression of IL-10 in the monocytes of the septic patients was lower than in the healthy controls. After regression analysis, IL-10 expression in Th2 cells was positively associated with sepsis, but IL-10 expression in monocytes was not associated with sepsis or shock. In conclusion, the production of IL-10 in Th2 cells was higher in the patients with sepsis.

KEYWORDS:

• Interleukin-10
• monocytes
• sepsis
• type 2 T helper cells

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the Medical ICU and Health Evaluation Center of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung for their clinical assistance.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Funding

This study was supported by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung (contract nos. CMRPG2A0371 and CMRPG2A0372).

Ethical approval

This investigation (100-0475B, 101-2761C, 102-0135C) was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung (contract nos. CMRPG2A0371 and CMRPG2A0372).