CD72 gene expression in children suffering from primary immune thrombocytopenia and its correlation with the disease activity

Abstract

Abstract Background Immune thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the immune system attacks platelets, leading to a low platelet count. CD72 is a co-receptor found on B cells during all developmental stages except those of plasma cells. Activation of CD72 promotes B cell growth and differentiation. We aimed to investigate the expression and role of CD72 in pediatric immune thrombocytopenia, as well as its correlation with disease pathogenesis and activity. The study involved 60 children diagnosed with ITP and 40 healthy controls, who were matched accordingly. All participants underwent a thorough medical history assessment and clinical examination. The RT-PCR method was utilized to determine the level of CD72 expression. Results CD72 expression level was considerably higher in cases than in controls (P-value < 0.001). Within the cases group, we detected a significant inverse correlation between CD72 expression and platelet count (P-value < 0.03). Also, there was a notable rise in CD72 expression among those experiencing active ITP compared to those in remission. Moreover, autoantibody-positive patients exhibited greater levels of CD72 expression than their autoantibody-negative counterparts did. While there was no discernible association detected between CD72 expression and the duration of the disease. Conclusion CD72 expression is linked to the pathogenesis of ITP. Also, expression elevation is associated with disease activity. In addition, it is not related to disease chronicity. CD72 can be considered a new approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of pediatric ITP.