Predictive value of FOXP3 mRNA, IL-10 and TGF-β in cord blood Tregs for early-onset atopic dermatitis in infants
10.12025/j.issn.1008-6358.2026.20260382
- VernacularTitle:脐血Treg细胞FOXP3 mRNA、IL-10和TGF-β对婴儿早期特应性皮炎的预测价值
- Author:
Xiaoqing HUANG
1
;
Zhuhui ZHAO
2
;
Yi SHEN
3
;
Yinghua LI
4
;
Zhenhua ZHANG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China.
2. Department of Endocrinology and Inborn Metabolism, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.
3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China.
4. Central Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China.
- Publication Type:Originalarticle
- Keywords:
infant;
early-onset atopic dermatitis;
cord blood;
forkhead box P3;
interleukin-10;
transforming growth factor-β
- From:
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine
2026;33(4):615-621
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To explore the predictive value of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) mRNA expression in cord blood derived regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the associated cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) for early-onset atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants. Methods The healthy full-term newborns delivered vaginally at Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital from September 2023 to April 2024 were enrolled. Umbilical vein blood was collected at birth to measure FOXP3 mRNA expression by RT-PCR and IL-10 and TGF-β concentrations by ELISA. Follow-up was performed at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postnatally via telephone or outpatient visits to assess the occurrence of AD in infants. Based on the occurrence of AD at 6 months of age, the infants were divided into an AD group and a control group. The indicators related to mothers and infants were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for the development of AD in infants within 6 months after birth, and a predictive model was constructed. The performance of the model in predicting early-onset AD was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results A total of 59 infants completed 6-month follow-up, with 17 (28.8%) diagnosed with AD. No significant differences were observed in gestational age, sex, birth weight, presence of siblings, smoking expossure, maternal dietary preferences (egg, milk, or seafood intake), maternal age and education level, or cord blood IL-10 levels between two groups. There were significant differences in season of birth, family history of atopic disease, feeding method, and cord blood levels of FOXP3 mRNA and TGF-β between two groups (P＜0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed low levels of cord blood FOXP3 mRNA and TGF-β, and family history of atopic disease were risk factors for early-onset AD in infants (P＜0.05). A predictive model was constructed using risk factors. The area under the curve of the combined model was 0.821 (95%CI 0.680–0.962), with a sensitivity of 76.5% and a specificity of 85.7%. Conclusion Reduced cord blood FOXP3 mRNA and TGF-β level, and a family history of atopic diseases could be used to predict early-onset AD in infants.
