BACKGROUND: TWO types of helper T cells (Th), which are categorized as Th1
and Th2 on the basis of cytokine production, have been reported, Th1 cells
produce interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-gamma, while Th2 cells secr
ete IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10, We assessed the intracellular cytokine profiles
of CD3/CD4 positive lymphocytes (CD4(+) T-cells) in peripheral blood in pat
ients with digestive cancers.
METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 50 patients with dige
stive cancers and 35 healthy volunteers. The proportions of CD4(+) T-cells
producing intracellular cytokines were determined using flow cytometry,
RESULTS: The percentages (mean +/- SD) of CD4(+) T-cells producing IL-4, IL
-6, and IL-10 in the cancer group (73.9% +/- 13.0%, 73.0% +/- 16.6%, and 58
.0% +/- 21.0%, respectively) were significantly higher than in the healthy
group (37.4% +/- 12.4%, 37.8% +/- 13.5%, and 34.0% +/- 14.1%, respectively;
P <0.01), Proportions of CD4(+) T-cells producing IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 in
10 patients undergoing curative resection had decreased significantly 1 mo
nth after surgery (P <0.01), No significant difference was noted between gr
oups in the percentages of CD4(+) T-cells producing IFN-gamma.
CONCLUSIONS: Th2-dominant status develops in cancer patients. Such lymphocy
te evaluations could find applications in diagnosis and therapeutic monitor
ing of cancer patients. (C) 1999 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.