Cytokine Dysregulation inMECP2- andCDKL5-Related Rett Syndrome: Relationships with Aberrant Redox Homeostasis, Inflammation, andω-3 PUFAs

Abstract

An involvement of the immune system has been suggested in Rett syndrome (RTT), a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder related to oxidative stress, and caused by a mutation in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) or, more rarely, cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5). To date, it is unclear whether both mutations may have an impact on the circulating cytokine patterns. In the present study, cytokines involved in the Th1-, Th2-, and T regulatory (T-reg) response, as well as chemokines, were investigated inMECP2- (MECP2-RTT) (n=16) andCDKL5-Rett syndrome (CDKL5-RTT) (n=8), before and afterω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation. A major cytokine dysregulation was evidenced in untreated RTT patients. InMECP2-RTT, a Th2-shifted balance was evidenced, whereas inCDKL5-RTT both Th1- and Th2-related cytokines (except for IL-4) were upregulated. InMECP2-RTT, decreased levels of IL-22 were observed, whereas increased IL-22 and T-reg cytokine levels were evidenced inCDKL5-RTT. Chemokines were unchanged. The cytokine dysregulation was proportional to clinical severity, inflammatory status, and redox imbalance. Omega-3 PUFAs partially counterbalanced cytokine changes, as well as aberrant redox homeostasis and the inflammatory status. RTT is associated with a subclinical immune dysregulation as the likely consequence of a defective inflammation regulatory signaling system.