Abstract
OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of anti-Fas ribozyme on the apoptosis of T lymphocytes (T cells) in mice model with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male 6-week-old C57BL/6 mice were used to establish the COPD model by exposure to cigarette smoke. The COPD mice were sacrificed for spleen dissection and T cell isolation. T cells were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 per group). Group A was used as the control. B, C, and D groups were transfected with empty lentivirus, anti-Fas ribozyme, and an anti-Fas ribozyme mutant, respectively. The expression of Fas mRNA and protein in the T cells were evaluated using qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the apoptosis of CD(4+) T cells and calculate the ratio of CD(4+) to CD(8+) T cells (CD(4+)/CD(8+)). RESULTS: Anti-Fas ribozyme significantly inhibited the expression of Fas in the T cells of COPD mice. In addition, the number of apoptotic CD(4+) T cells and CD(4+)/CD(8+) of the C and D groups were significantly lower and higher than those of group A, respectively (P<0.05). The apoptotic CD(4+) T cells and CD(4+) CD(8+) of the C group were significantly lower and higher than those of group D, respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Anti-Fas ribozyme significantly inhibited the expression of Fas, increased CD(4+)/CD(8+), and inhibited the apoptosis of T cells in COPD mice.