Alteration of T-cell subpopulations and lipid peroxidation in the blood of patients with vulvar non-neoplastic epithelial disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between vulvar non-neoplastic epithelial disorder and thymus-dependent lymphyocyte levels and lipid peroxidation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: the authors measured the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+ T cell, and the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the blood of 62 patients with vulvar non-neoplastic epithelial disorder. A control group consisted of 30 normal women from the present hospitals.

RESULTS: The level of CD4+/CD8+ T-lymphocytes and SOD in the blood of the patients with vulvar non-neoplastic epithelial disorder was significantly lower than that in control subjects, but the level of MDA was higher as compared with normal women.

CONCLUSION: There is increased immune activation and lipid peroxidation in patients with vulvar non-neoplastic epithelial disorder, which could contribute to destruction of vulvar tissue.