Roles of T-cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain Genes and Toll-like Receptors in Wheezy Children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to explore possible factors influencing wheezing in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP).

METHODS

The study included 84 children with MPP, who were divided into two groups: wheezy group (n=40) and non-wheezy group (n=44), along with 30 age-matched healthy controls. T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain gene (Tim) 1, 3 and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, 4 were evaluated using RT-PCR. Serum IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IgE were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Peripheral blood eosinophil (EOS) was measured by an automated haematology.

RESULTS

Children with MPP had markedly increased TLR2, TLR4, Tim1, IL-10, TNF-α, IgE and EOS, and decreased IFN-γ than the healthy controls. In the presence of MPP, wheezy children had significantly elevated TLR2, Tim1, Tim3, TNF-α, IgE and EOS than non-wheezy children. In wheezy children with MPP, MP-specific antibody titre was positively correlated with TLR2 and TIM1, and negatively correlated with IFN-γ. IgE was positively correlated with TLR2, TLR4 and Tim1, while EOS was positively correlated with Tim1 and Tim3.

CONCLUSION

TLR2, Tim1, Tim3, TNF-α, IgE and EOS play a role in MPP-related wheezing in children. The role of IgE might be associated with TLR2 and Tim1, and the role of EOS might be associated with Tim1 and Tim3.