Immunological Parameters in Patients With Chronic Opisthorchiasis Coupled to Mutant Genes Associated With Predisposition to Arterial Hypertension Development

Abstract

To identify the features of immune system functioning in patients with chronic opisthorchiasis coupled to mutant gene loci associated with arterial hypertension predisposition, comprehensive studies on innate and adaptive immunity were conducted. The state of neutrophil engulfment and bactericidal activity was assessed. The phenotype of lymphocytes was determined by flow cytometry. The humoral arm of the immune system was assessed by quantitating total immunoglobulins of classes M, G, A and E. Gene polymorphisms were detected by pyrosequencing. The predisposition to arterial hypertension development was assessed by assessing polymorphisms in the gene loci: ARDB2 rs1042713; AGT rs4762; AGT rs699; AGTR1 rs5186; NOS3 rs1799983. In patients with chronic opisthorchiasis with and without polymorphisms AGT rs4762 and AGTR1 rs5186, had no difference in immune response. Patients with vs. without ARDB2 rs1042713 had suppressed humoral (reduced total IgE) along with activated innate immune response in chronic opisthorchiasis (increased absolute count of leukocytes and monocytes). In the group with the rare AGT rs699 vs. common allele there was a decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes, a lower total IgM level and increased percentage of B lymphocytes. Immune indicators in patients with chronic opisthorchiasis with vs. without rs1799983 mutation in the NOS3 gene had higher neutrophil bactericidal potential (stimulated nitrosine tetrazolium test (NST test)) along with percentage of T-helper cells (CD4+).