Association of clinical indicators of pulmonary tuberculosis with expression of ORAI1 and STIM1 genes in blood

The aim of this study is to measure levels of expression of store-operated Ca2+ entry essential genes (ORAI1, STIM1) in blood of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and to detect a relationship between changes in these genes expression and clinical indicators – sputum culture and chest radiography (CXR). From Lung Disease and Tuberculosis Ward of Daugavpils Regional Hospital 53 patients were included from October 2017 to January 2020, aged between 18 and 85 (mean age 51, 30 % females). All patients received the first line treatment. The level of expression of ORAI1 and STIM1 (mRNA) genes were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Dynamic measurements were conducted after 4 months of controlled therapy. Evaluation of sputum culture and CXR dynamic (decrease of consolidations, cavities, hilar lymphadenopathy) were performed at the outset of therapy, repeated every 2 months. IBM SPSS 22.0 was used for the statistical analyses. Positive CXR dynamic and sputum culture conversion during 4th months were detected in 32% and in 34% of patients, respectively. In group with sputum culture conversion, ORAI1 decrease was statistically significant (p=0,003). Significant decrease of ORAI1 expression was detected independently of CXR changes, in group with positive CXR dynamic (p=0,043) and in group without positive CXR dynamic (p=0,006). No statistical significance in dynamic changes of STIM1 was identified. Regardless no convincing association between clinical improvement and ORAI1, STIM1 expression, significant changes of ORAI1 were detected. Assumed that decline of SOCE proteins expression indicates decrease of immune reactivity by eradication of primary infection and itself may be a mark of positive dynamic.