T-cell apopitosis and effect of PD-1 in beta thalassemia major patients

Objective: There are studies in which T lymphocyte activities and apoptosis are measured in patients with thalassemia major (TM). However, we could not find any study investigating PD-1, a monoclonal antibody which is responsible for inhibiting T lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to determine whether PD-1 plays a role in TM patients' susceptibility to infection. Method: 58 patients (31 TM, 27 controls) were included in this study. PD-1 levels and apoptosis rates in T lymphocytes in control and patient groups were measured by cell culture and flow cytometry methods. Hemoglobin (Hb) was measured by Advia 120. Serum ferritin was quantitatively measured in the Advia Centaur Device by immunological method. Results: There was no difference between thalassemia major and control groups in terms of apoptosis and PD-1 levels of T lymphocytes. In this study, ferritin values of TM group were higher than ferritin values of control group. Hemoglobin values of the individuals with thalassemia were lower than those of healthy individuals. The hs-CRP levels of the groups were within normal ranges. Conclusion: This study is the first study in the literature in which apoptosis and PD-1 molecule of T lymphocytes of thalassemia patients were measured together. No difference was found between the levels of PD-1 and apoptosis of thalassemia patients and control group T cells. More detailed studies should be done to clarify the infectious complications seen in thalassemia patients. Key words: Apoptosis, PD-1, thalassemia, infection