Abstract
Background
Regulatory T cells (T-regs), a subset of CD4+ T-lymphocytes play a crucial role in the maintenance of immunological tolerance and immune homeostasis. The study has been done to evaluate the threshold values and reference intervals of Regulatory T cells, TGF-β1, IL-6, and hsCRP as a comprehensive panel for preeclampsia.
Materials and Methods
In this cross-sectional study the T-regulatory cells (CD4, CD25, FOXP3) were assessed using a flow-cytometer, and TGF-β1, and IL-6 were analysed by sandwich ELISA method and hsCRP analysed by Beckman Coulter autoanalyser.
Statistical Analysis
The reference range for the parameters in the studied groups was estimated based on CLSI C28-A3 guidelines. The lower and upper limits were estimated by a non-parametric method with 90% CI. Threshold values were estimated from the ROC curve based on optimal sensitivity and specificity measured by the Youden Index.
Results
The study established a threshold value level for CD3+CD4+T-cells, CD4+CD25+T-regs, and CD4+FOXP3+ T-regs to separate individuals with preeclampsia from those without the condition. The threshold values for TGF-β1, IL-6, and hsCRP were chosen as they demonstrated significant differences between the two groups, indicating an association with the presence of preeclampsia.
Conclusion
The statistical analysis of the study population aimed to establish a clear difference between the two groups, thereby providing a dependable foundation to differentiate impending preeclampsia from a normal pregnancy in order to assist in theranostics.