Abstract:Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study the TH2 state as represented by the percentage of CD30+ cells, levels of IL24, IL25, and IL26 in PBMC, and serum IgE levels in children with the steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome(SSNS). METHODS: CD30+ cells were assayed using FACS. IL24, 5, 6 and serum IgE were determined using EL ISA. RESULTS: There was a higher percentage of CD30+ cells (11.96%) and higher levels of IL24 (lg2.11 pg/ml) and serum IgE (299 IU/ml) in children with SSNS compared to the healthy control group (2.81%, lg1.37 pg/ml, 110 IU/ml, respectively) (P<0.01). No significant difference was found in the levels of IL25 and IL26 in the two groups. There was a significant correlation between the percentage of CD30+ cells and IL24(r=0.94, P<0.01) and between CD30+ cells and serum IgE(r=0.740 P<0.01). NO correlation was noted with IL25(r=-0.39, P>0.05)or with IL26 levels (r=0.08,P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The abnormal increase of CD30+ cells does not mean that all TH2 cells are activated. The TH1/TH2 imbalance in children with SSNS is not proved in this study.