Objective: To investigate the effect of glucocorticoid treatment on the expression of Th1/Treg cell transcription factor and related cytokines in children with myasthenia gravis(MG).Methods: RT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of T-bet and FOXP3 mRNA in children’s peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 52 MG patients and 20 healthy children;ELISA was applied to analyze related cytokines IFN-γ

IL-6 and TGF-β1 concentration changes.Results:Compared with the healthy control group

the T-bet mRNA expression was significantly higher(P<0.05) in children with MG

while the groups before and after hormone treatment were of no significant difference.In the group before hormone treatment

FOXP3 mRNA expression was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05)

while the hormone therapy group and the healthy control group were of no significant difference and the groups before and after hormone therapy were of no significant difference.For the ratio of T-bet mRNA expression to FOXP3 mRNA

the groups before hormone therapy was significantly higher than in healthy controls.In hormone therapy group

compared with the healthy control group and before hormone therapy group

IFN-γ concentration was significantly higher(P <0.05)

while the healthy control group and the before treatment group showed no significant difference.In the three groups

IL-6 and TGF-β1 levels were not significantly different.Conclusion: T-bet mRNA and FOXP3 mRNA expressions are abnormal in children with MG.Th1 and Treg cells are concerned with the pathogenesis of MG.After hormone therapy

the immune function has been restored to some extent.In this research

IL-6 and TGF-β1 levels are not abnormal

suggesting a less extent in children with immune dysfunction and no significant difference;in some cases

IFN-γ levels increase after treatment

which suggests IFN-γ may also play a role in the protection of the body.