[Inorganic arsenic exposure suppresses immunomodulatory effect of renal CD4 T lymphocytes in mice].

Objective To investigate the effects of inorganic arsenic exposure on the differentiation of renal CD4T lymphocytes and the possible mechanism. Methods Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, (2.5, 5, 10) mg/kg NaAsO exposure groups, 10 mice in each group. As was administered once intragastrically for 24 hours, and control mice were treated with normal saline. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect T helper type 1 (Th1) cell-specific transcription factor T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet) and IFN-γ, Th2 cell-specific transcription factor GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3) and interleukin 4 (IL-4), Th17 cell-specific transcription factor retinoic acid related orphan nuclear receptor γt (ROR-γt) and cytokine IL-22, regulatory T cells (Tregs)-specific transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) and cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) mRNA levels. We used commercial kits to detect catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum as well as renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results Compared with the control group, the body mass, renal mass and kidney index of the mice in all arsenic-treated groups have no significant changes. The levels of the master transcription factors T-bet, GATA3, ROR-γt and FOXP3 as well as related cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-22 and TGF-β of Th1, Th2, Th17 cells and Tregs decreased in the arsenic-treated groups. Serum CAT activity and T-AOC level in the arsenic-treated mice dropped greatly. In addition, arsenic markedly increased renal MDA level while decreased SOD activity. Conclusion Inorganic arsenic exposure can suppress renal T cell subpopulation function and induce renal oxidative injure.