Severe thermal injury causes immune dysfunctions and frequently accompanied by developing of septic conditions, which characterized by decreased monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR measurements.
Expression of HLA-DR on immune cells is regulated by specific genes. HLA-DM and CIITA genes have a strong influence on molecules of adaptive immune response. It is known, that genes of DM locus provides correct transport of HLA II molecules from endoplasmic reticulum and stable connection alpha-beta heterodimers with specific peptides. CIITA (class II transactivator) controls cellular specificity and expression of MHC II genes.
The aim of our research is to estimate expression of HLA-DRA,-DMA and CIITA genes in burn injury patients with SIRS-III (Systemic Inflammation Response Syndrome).
Patients and methods: Samples from 8 patients with burn injury and 10 healthy donors were investigated.
Expression of messenger RNA(mRNA) HLA-DRA, -DMA and CIITA genes was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in real-time with reverse transcription (qRT-PCR real-time) using specific primers (Pachot A, 2005). Comparisons between groups were made using a nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test.
Results: We observed significant differences (р< 0,05) of genes (HLA-DRA, -DMA, CIITA) expression levels from patients and controls. Patients with severe burn injury had significant lower levels of genes expression in comparison with healthy donors. As genes HLA-DMA and CIITA have a strong influence on immune response (they are essential to ensure MHC II protein structure, transport, and peptide loading), their low expression in patients with severe thermal injury with SIRS-III could lead to deficient expression HLA-DR molecules on immune cells and could be a reason of developing immunosuppression. Decreasing expression levels of these genes can be used as a marker of developing immunodepression.
The work is submitted to the Scientific International Conference "Scientific Research of Higher School on Priority Orientations of Science and Technology", June, 13-20, 2008, Palermo-Savona, came to the editorial office on 22.04.2008.