CD30+ lymphocytes in choronic gingivitis from HIV-positive patients: a pilot study / Linfócitos 30+na gengivite crônica em pacientes HIV-positivos: um estudo piloto

ABSTRACT

Th2 type lymphocytes are characterized by high expression of CD30 glycoprotein. Increased serum levels of CD30 and Th2 IL-4 producing T-cells are found during AIDS progression. Since Hiv-positive patients are more susceptible to periodontal disease, quantitative analysis of positive cells for the CD30 receptor in chronic gingivitis of both HIV-infected and non-infected patients (NSG) would help to clarify the immunoregulation of HIV associated periodontal diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate CD30+lymphocytes in gingival biopsies from sites exhibiting chronic gingivitis on HIV-positive patientes (CG-HIV) and NSG. A biotin-streptavidin amplified system was used for identification of the CD30 receptor. The results demonstrated increased proportions of Th2 cells in CG-HIV as compared to NSG. Additional studies are necessary to understand the importance of these cells to the biological activity or inactivity of the disease