The immunopathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is established.
However, the role of CD4
+ CD28null in such patients is underinvestigated.
Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare CD4
+ CD28null T cells in patients
with polycystic ovary (PCO) (with high androgen level and with normal androgen
level) and non-PCO patients.
Patients and methods
This study was carried out at Benha University Hospital. It included 100 PCO
patients and 50 controls selected from the gynecology and obstetrics outpatient
clinics. All included female patients were subjected to history taking and clinical
examination. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed to confirm the ultrasonic
criteria of PCOS. Hormonal profile included the evaluation of thyroid-stimulating
hormone, prolactin, dehydroepiandrostendione-S total testosterone, lipid profile,
and fasting blood glucose. Finally, total lymphocytic count, CD4 T cell, and CD4+
CD28null frequency were evaluated.
Results
Ovarian volume was significantly increased in higher and normal androgen
subgroups (11.18±1.31 and 10.53±0.84) when compared with the control group
(7.15±1.66). Immunological profile revealed that there was a significant increase in
total lymphocyte count and CD4+ CD28null in the study group when compared with
the control group. In addition, there was a significant increase in total lymphocyte
count and CD4+ CD28null in both higher and lower androgen subgroups when
compared with the control group. Finally, there was a significant increase in CD4+
CD28null in higher androgen when compared with lower androgen subgroup (3.15
vs. 2.73, respectively).