Effect of vitamin A deficiency on thymosin-β4 and CD4 concentrations

Publication date: June 2018Source: Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Volume 16, Issue 1Author(s): Salwa Refat El-Zayat, Hiba Sibaii, Nermine N. Mahfouz, Sara F. Sallam, Reham F. Fahmy, Azza Abd El-ShaheedAbstractVitamins are evaluated for their role in immunity. Recently, vitamin A received a particular attention as a critical micronutrient for regulating immune system. Therefore, the present study aimed to search for new about vitamin A. Forty-eight Egyptian adults aged from 18 to 42 years old from both sexes were subjected to clinical examination and nutrition questionnaire and were screened for vitamin A by using ELISA method. Forty subjects were selected and subdivided into two groups. Group 1 with vitamin A at level>200 µg/dl consists of 10 healthy subjects. Group 2 with vitamin A deficiency at level <50 µg/dl consists of 30 subjects. Tβ4 and CD4 levels were also determined by a commercial ELISA kit. Results showed a significant decrease in serum levels of Tβ4 and CD4 in group 2 than group 1 at P < .003 and P < .019 respectively. Both of Tβ4 and CD4 had positive correlation with vitamin A level at P < .000 and P < .003 respectively as well as with each other at p < .000. We concluded that vitamin A deficiency may be influence the levels of Tβ4 and CD4.
Source: Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology - Category: Biotechnology Source Type: research