[Changes and the implications of CD4(+);CD25(+);CD127(low); regulatory T cells in drug addicts during natural drug withdrawal].

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of CD4(+);CD25(+);CD127(low); regulatory T cells (Tregs) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in drug addicts during natural drug withdrawal, and explore the effects of addictive drugs on their Tregs.

METHODS

Peripheral blood was collected from 40 drug addicts with 6-month natural withdrawal, 40 cases with 18-month natural withdrawal and 30 healthy controls. Then the Tregs were counted by flow cytometry and TGF-β1 mRNA expression in PBMCs was detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Compared with the controls, Tregs and TGF-β1 mRNA expression in PBMCs increased significantly in the group with one 18-month natural withdrawal, but no significant difference was found in the group with 6-month natural withdrawal.

CONCLUSION

Addictive drugs have a long-term effect on the Tregs in drug addicts, and the abnormal Tregs may result in the immune dysfunction in drug addicts.