IImmunological parameters in patients with chronic opisthorchiasis bearing gene mutations associated with osteoporosis-predisposition

Abstract

To identify the features of the immune system functioning in patients with chronic opisthorchiasis bearing mutations in loci associated with predisposition to developing osteoporosis, comprehensive studies of cellular and humoral arms were carried out. The state of the phagocytic system was assessed by assessing absorption, metabolic activity and reactive oxygen species formation to restore nitrosine tetrazolium (spontaneous and stimulated NBT test). The phenotype of lymphocytes was determined by flow cytometry. The humoral immune arm was evaluated by the number of immunoglobulin classes M, G, A and E. Differences in the functional state of various arms of the immune system were revealed. In patients with chronic opisthorchiasis in the presence of rs1544410 polymorphism of the gene encoding the intracellular vitamin D receptor, the relative number of T-helper cells is significantly lower than in the group with the normal allele. In the presence of rs1800012 polymorphism of the gene encoding the α1-chain of type I collagen, the absolute lymphocyte count is significantly higher, spontaneous and stimulated NBT test were lower, the number of DN-T lymphocytes is significantly lower (both in relative and absolute values). In the presence of the rs3736228 mutation of the gene encoding the transmembrane low-density lipoprotein receptor, the level of myeloperoxidase and the neutrophil stimulation index are lower, the absorption activity of neutrophils is higher. The presence of the rs2234693 mutation for estrogen receptor gene leads to significantly increased level of stimulated NBT test and IgG concentration. Thus, patients with chronic opisthorchiasis bearing mutations in the COL1 A1, LRP5, ESR1(rs2234693) genes, have altered both nonspecific innate reactions and parameters of the adaptive immune arm; mutation of the VDR gene solely affects adaptive immunity. Analysis of the results suggests that the presence of mutations associated with the development of osteoporosis has a modulating effect on the immune response in chronic opisthorchiasis invasion. The identification of polymorphic genes associated with metabolic disorders of bone tissue and the study of the immunological profile in patients with chronic opisthorchiasis invasion will allow to implement an individual approach in the treatment of such patients.

Keywords

• immune response
• nonspecific resistance
• adaptive immunity
• chronic opisthorchiasis
• genetic polymorphisms
• osteoporosis