Conclusions
Quantitative and qualitative changes in Th17 cells were characteristic in overweight patients with RA.
Methods
The frequencies of CD4+ T cell, B cell and monocyte subsets were analyzed in RA (n = 81) and healthy donors (n = 99) by flow cytometry, and were compared between three groups (body mass index (BMI) <20, ≥20 to 25, >25). Serum cytokines were measured using multiplex ELISA. Gene expression was analyzed by quantitative PCR. Clinical information was extracted from medical records.
Results
The frequencies of T helper (Th)17 (CD4+CD45RA-CXCR5-CXCR3-CCR6+) cells and plasmablasts (PB) were significantly increased in patients with RA with BMI >25. Significant correlation was observed between BMI and Th17 cells in patients with RA. No significant differences in cell frequencies between the three BMI groups were observed in the healthy donors. Serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-21 significantly correlated with BMI in RA patients. Gene expression patterns in Th17 cells from overweight patients with RA showed the characteristics of pathogenic Th17 cells. Conclusions: Quantitative and qualitative changes in Th17 cells were characteristic in overweight patients with RA.