Incidence of white matter injury (WMI), which is featured as softening of white matter tissues, has recently increased. Previous studies have demonstrated a close correlation between T helper cell 1 and T helper cell 2 (Th1/Th2) imbalance and nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) with brain disease. Their role in premature WMI, however, remains to be illustrated. Serum samples were collected from 60 premature WMI neonates, plus another control group of 60 premature babies without WMI. Patients were further divided into mild, moderate and severe WMI groups. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to test mRNA expression levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines, including interleukin 2 (IL)‑2, tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), IL‑4, IL‑10 and nuclear factor (NF)‑κB, whilst their serum levels were measured by ELISA. Their correlation with disease occurrence and progression were further analysed, to illustrate the effect of Th1/Th2 balance and NF‑κB on pathology of premature WMI. Serum levels of IL‑4 and IL‑10 were significantly decreased in premature WMI babies, whilst IL‑2, TNF‑α and NF‑κB were upregulated (P<0.05 vs. control group). With aggravated disease, IL‑4 and IL‑10 expression was further decreased while IL‑2, TNF‑α and NF‑κB were increased (P<0.05 vs. mild WMI group). Th1 cytokines IL‑2 and TNF‑α and NF‑κB were negatively correlated with Th2 cytokines IL‑4 and IL‑10. Disease severity was positively correlated with IL‑2, TNF‑α and NF‑κB expression, and was negatively correlated with IL‑4 and IL‑10 (P<0.05). Th1/Th2 imbalance and NF‑κB upregulation were observed in WMI pathogenesis, with elevated secretion of Th1 cytokines and decreased Th2 cytokines, suggesting that Th1/Th2 imbalance and NF‑κB upregulation may be a potential indicator for the early diagnosis and treatment of WMI pathogenesis and progression.
Keywords: premature baby; white matter injury; cytokines; T helper cell 1; T helper cell 2.