Abstract:

Objective To detect serum Helper T cell subsets (Th1/Th2) immune balance related cytokines in children with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and explore their clinical significance. Methods Obstructive level data of 61 OSAHS children undergone endoscopic adenoidectomy were collected. The serum Th1 cytokines (TNF-β and IFN-γ), Th2 cytokines (IL-10, IL-13, and IL-12) levels were measured. The samples of 26 normal children were also collected as control group for the same serum cytokines detection. Results Compared with control group children, serum IFN-γ levels in OSAHS children were significantly lower (P<0.01). But there were no significant differences of other serum Th1/Th2 immune balance related cytokines (TNF-β, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-12) between OSAHS children and control group children (P>0.05). In OSAHS children, IFN-γ levels was not correlated with the degree of choanal adenoidal hypertrophy obstruction. Conclusion There is balance mechanism between Th1/Th2 immune response. In OSAHS children, decrease of serum IFN-γ level induced decline of Th1 cell-mediated protective immune response, which caused Th1/Th2 imbalance to result in adenoid tonsil hypertrophy.

Key words: obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome, Th1/Th2 immune balance, cytokine