STAT6 EXPRESSION BY PERIPHERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES IN BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of present study was to determine the features of STAT6 and phospho-STAT6 (pSTAT6) expression in bronchial asthma (BA). Patients and methods. Eleven patients with allergic (atopic) steroidfree were examined, five healthy controls served as a control. Expression of proteins (STAT6 and pSTAT6) in peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied by Western blot analysis after cell lysis. Preparation of cell lysates and Western blotting were performed using a standard procedure (Amersham). Antibodies against pSTAT6 and STAT6 (manufactured by Cell Signaling) were used. Relative levels of specific proteins were analyzed using actin as a reference, by means of anti-actin antibody. Results. STAT6 phosphorylation was significantly increased in lymphocytes of patients with BA exacerbation, as compared to patients in remission and healthy group. The level of STAT6 was significantly higher compared to healthy persons and showed negative correlation with grade of air flow obstruction. Conclusion. STAT6 and their active form pSTAT6 may play a key role in BA pathophysiology. This study suggests atopic, steroid-free BA (in particular, on exacerbation) to be associated with active cellular inflammatory process, involving activation of STAT6, along with increased level of their active form (pSTAT6). The work was supported by Saint-Petersburg government grants: PD04-4.0-102 (Certificate N ASP604079).

Keywords

• bronchial asthma
• jak-stat system
• stat 6
• pstat 6
• lymphocytes