Abnormal DNA Methylation In PBMCs From Patients With Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

Objective:To analyze DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with HSP.Methods:PBMC samples were obtained from24patients with HSP and22healthy controls. Global DNA methylcytosine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). mRNA expression levels were determined using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain (RT-PCR). Methylation-specifis PCR was performed to mersure the promoter methylation status of IL-2RG.Results:Genomic DNA methylation in PBMCs of patients with allergic purpura was increased relative to controls. DNMT1, DNMT3b, MBD1and MBD3expression levels were significantly higher in HSP PBMCs than in controls, but MBD2and MBD4expression levels were significantly decreased in PBMCs from HSP patients than that in controls. DNMT3b transcription levels positively correlated with global DNA methylation levels in patient samples. IL-2RG expression was significantly elevated and correlated with a decrease in IL-2RG promoter methylation in PBMC compared to controls.Conclusion:DNA methylation are altered in PBMCs of HSP patients, possibly due to the deregulation of epigenetic regulatory genes. These changes may contribute to the activation of pathological immune responses in HSP.