[Serum levels of IL-21 and TGF-beta in the Yusho patients].

ABSTRACT

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), recognized as a dioxin receptor, is expressed on the surface of helper T (Th) 17 cells. As PCBs and PCDFs are still detected in the sera of the Yusho patients, we hypothesized dysregulation of Th17 cells in the Yusho patients. In the present study, we measured IL-21 and TGF-beta in the Yusho patients which induce differentiation from Th0 to Th17 cells. Serum levels of IL-21 were lower than those of controls (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, serum levels of TGF-beta were decreased relative to controls, but not significant. These results may imply differentiation from Th0 cells to Th17 cells is not induced in the Yusho patients.