Percentage and function of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells in patients with hyperthyroidism

The current study observed the percentage of peripheral blood (PB) CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the influence of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs on the proliferation of naïve CD4 T cells in patients with hyperthyroidism. Furthermore, preliminary discussions are presented on the action mechanism of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs on hyperthyroidism attacks. The present study identified that compared with the percentage of PB CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs in healthy control subjects, no significant changes were observed in the percentage of PB CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs in patients with hyperthyroidism (P>0.05). For patients with hyperthyroidism, CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs exhibited significantly reduced inhibition of the proliferation of naïve CD4 T cells and decreased secretion capacity on the cytokines of CD4 T cells, compared with those of healthy control subjects (P<0.05). In addition, it was demonstrated that thyroid function of patients with hyperthyroidism was significantly improved (P<0.05) subsequent to receiving medication. Compared with the percentage of PB CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs in patients with hyperthyroidism before treatment, no significant changes were observed in the percentage of PB CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs in hyperthyroidism patients following treatment (P>0.05). In the patients with hyperthyroidism, following treatment, CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs exhibited significantly increased inhibition of the proliferation of naïve CD4 T cells and increased secretion capacity of CD4 T cell cytokines, compared with those of the patients with hyperthyroidism prior to treatment (P<0.05). PB CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs function was decreased in patients with hyperthyroidism, and its non-proportional decrease may be closely associated with the occurrence and progression of hyperthyroidism.