Transcription Factor Assay of Peripheral Blood T cells in Different Groups of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints and other tissues and organs of the body. Previous reports have demonstrated the imbalance of T helper (Th) subsets and Treg activity in the development, progression, and remission of RA. Here, we investigated the mRNA expression of four major transcription factors T-bet (Th1), GATA (Th2), RORc (Th17), and Foxp3 (Treg) in peripheral blood of different groups of RA patients.

In this case-control study, 60 patients with RA, including 20 newly diagnosed, 20 under treatment, and 20 in remission, as well as 20 patients with osteoarthritis, and 20 age- and the sex-matched healthy individual were enrolled. Diagnosis and classification of patients were done according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria. The relative mRNA expression of transcription factors, including T-bet, GATA, RORc, and Foxp3, was measured using qRT-PCR.

The relative expression of T-bet in RA patients was significantly increased in healthy controls (P = 0.002), while the relative expression of Foxp3 in RA patients was significantly decreased in healthy controls (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the expression of GATA3 or RORc among RA patients, healthy controls, and osteoarthritis group.

The results indicate the importance of Th1 and Treg cells in RA; however, the role of Th17 cells appear to be of little importance in these patients. It seems that Th2 cells do not interfere with RA development.