Regulation of Th1/Th2 Cells by T Cell-mediated Transcription Factor in Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective To determine T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), GATA-binding protein-3 (GATA-3), and retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor gammat (RORgammat) in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Thirty rats were randomly divided into a control and a COPD group. The COPD model was established through smoking and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tracheal instillation. Pulmonary function of the rats was measured 28 d after the establishment of the COPD model by a spirometer. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect serum γ interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-17. The expressions of T-bet, GATA-3, and RORgammat protein in lung tissues were determined by Western blot. Results Compared with the controls, the COPD rats had decreased pulmonary function and expression of serum IL-4, and increased INF-γ, IL-17, Th1/Th2, T-bet, T-bet /GATA-3, and RORgammat protein (P<0.05). Forced expiratory volume in 0.3 seconds (FEV0.3) was negatively correlated with INF-γ and T-bet/GATA-3. Forced vital capacity (FVC) was positively correlated with IL-4. FEV0.3/FVC was negatively correlated with Th1/Th2, T-bet and T-bet/GATA-3. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was negatively correlated with IL-17, T-bet, and RORgammat (P<0.05). Th1/Th2 was positively correlated with T-bet/GATA-3. IL-17 was positively correlated with RORgammat. T-bet/GATA-3 was positively correlated with RORgammat (P<0.05). Conclusion Imbalanced regulation of T-bet / GATA-3 and RORgammat on Th1/Th2 and Th17 cells is associated with the occurrence of COPD.