Effects of Inula Britannica on the production of antibodies and cytokines and on T cell differentiation in C57BL/6 mice immunized by ovalbumin

In this study, we investigated the effects of Inula Britannica on the production of antibodies against ovalbumin, and the differentiation of T cells, in C57BL/6 mice. The oral administration of Inula Britannica suppressed IL-4 and IL-6 production in lymphocytes collected from an inguinal lymph node in the immunized leg. On the other hand, the intraperitoneal administration of Inula Britannica suppressed IgG1 production, the ratio of IFN-gamma+IL-4-/IFN-gamma-IL-4+ cells and cytokine production of IL-6. It was presumed that the effects of Inula Britannica on the production of antibodies were induced by regulation of the balance of Th1 and Th2. Further, IL-4 and IL-6 production by lymphocytes collected from an inguinal lymph node in the immunized leg were suppressed, and therefore production of antibodies was suppressed.     

The Effect of propolis on Th1/Th2 cytokine expression and production by melanoma-bearing mice submitted to stress

Since propolis possesses immunomodulatory and antitumoral activities, this work aimed to evaluate its effect on Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines mRNA expression and production by melanoma-bearing mice submitted to immobilization stress. C57BL/6 male mice were inoculated with B16F10 cells, treated with propolis and submitted to stress for 14 days. Spleen cells were assessed for Th1/Th2 cytokine expression and production. Stress induced a higher tumor area, while propolis-treated mice, stressed or not, showed a melanoma development similar to the control. In groups without melanoma, stress or propolis treatment did not affect IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 gene expression. On the other hand, IL-2 and IL-10 expression was inhibited in melanoma-bearing mice, stressed or not. Th1 cytokine production was also inhibited in melanoma-bearing mice. Propolis administration to melanoma-bearing mice submitted to stress stimulated IL-2 expression, as well as Th1 cytokine (IL-2 and IFN-γ) production, indicating the activation of antitumor cell-mediated immunity. Propolis also stimulated IL-10 expression and production, which may be related to immunoregulatory effects. The data indicate that propolis exerted an immunomodulatory activity in this assay, which may be related to its antitumoral action in vivo.     

Preventive effect of Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharides on an autoallergic mouse model for Sjogren's syndrome by regulating the Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance

AIM OF STUDY: Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands leading to xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Evidence has accumulated suggesting that a Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance has a role in the pathogenesis of SS. Currently, only palliative treatment is available. Ophiopogon japonicus, a common Chinese herbal, has been used to treat sicca-associated disorders in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this study, we constructed an autoallergic mouse model for SS by immunizing C57BL/6 mouse with submandibular gland (SMG) autoantigen. At the same time, Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharides (OJP) was administered and hydroxychloroquine was served as positive control. During the 4 weeks' experiment, salivary flow rates were determined every week, body weight, food and water intake were measured every 2 days. After death, serum were collected for IFN-gamma and IL-4 ELISA analysis and the IFN-gamma/IL-4 was calculated, SMG and spleen were harvested for organ index calculation, and part of SMG was examined for histological changes. RESULTS: Results showed that immunization with SMG autoantigen induced decreased salivary flow and body weight, increased water intake, SMG index, spleen index, IFN-gamma level and IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio compared with the normal group. However, administration of the OJP could improve these data and the pathological changes of SMG with respect to the model mice, especially the high-dose of OJP group. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, this study provided a basis for the use of Ophiopogon japonicus in SS.     

Traditional Korean medicine (SCRT) modulate Th1/Th2 specific cytokine production in mice CD4+ T cell

Traditional Korea medicine, So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang (SCRT) also called as Xiao-qing-long-tang or Sho-seiru-to, contains eight species of medicinal plants and has been used for treating allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma, for hundreds of years in Asian countries. CD4+ T cells were highly purified by using magnetic bead from splenocytes of BALB/c mice. SCRT treatment slightly decreased the expression of cell surface protein CD69 on CD4+ T cell in the flow cytometry analysis. In RT-PCR analysis, SCRT increases the expression of IL-2 and IL2R-alpha mRNA, and decreases the expression of IL-4 mRNA, which is an important cytokine of Th2 cell development. On the other hand, SCRT treatment increases IFN-gamma expression, which is one of the key cytokines for Th1 cell development. Present study implies that SCRT can correct Th2 dominant condition directly affecting to the CD4+ T cell without significantly depressing general T cell activities. These results also suggest that the effect on CD4+ T cell may be the one of key pharmacological effect point for treating IgE medicated allergic asthma by SCRT.     

Immunomodulatory effect of bergenin and norbergenin against adjuvant-induced arthritis--a flow cytometric study

Bergenin (1), a C-glycoside of 4-O-methyl gallic acid, isolated from rhizomes of Bergenia stracheyi (Saxifragaceae) and its O-demethylated derivative norbergenin (2), prepared from 1, are reported to show anti-arthritic activity through possible modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Flow cytometric study showed that the oral administration of 1 and 2 at doses of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg per oral dose inhibit the production of proinflammatory Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha) while as potentiate anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5) in the peripheral blood of adjuvant-induced arthritic balb/c mice. This shows the potential Th1/Th2 cytokine balancing activity of 1 and 2 which is strongly correlated with their anti-arthritic activity. At similar dose levels, the effect of 2 was found to be more than that of 1. The oral LD(0) for 1 and 2 was more than 2000 mg/kg body weight of the mice.     

阴虚与阳虚动物模型中Th1/Th2类细胞因子表达的差异性

目的 :探讨阴阳失调模型小鼠 Th1/ Th2两类细胞因子的表达模式。方法 :分别采用甲状腺素灌胃和氢化可的松肌肉注射法建立阴虚、阳虚 BAL B/ c小鼠模型 (生理盐水作对照 ) ;利用 RT- PCR方法检测模型动物脾脏单个核细胞中 Th1类细胞因子 (IFN- γ,IL- 2 )、Th2类细胞因子 (IL- 4 ,IL- 10 )的基因转录状态。结果 :阴阳调和的正常小鼠可以同时表达 IFN- γ、IL- 2、IL- 4、IL- 10 ,处于 Th1/ Th2平衡状态 ;阴阳失调模型小鼠在表现明显的阴虚、阳虚体征的同时 ,其 Th1/ Th2两类细胞因子 m RNA的表达显著降低 (P<0 .0 1) ,Th1/ Th2平衡模式发生漂移 ,阴虚小鼠 IFN- γ表达与阳虚模型对比有显著性差异 (P<0 .0 1)。结论 :阴阳失调模型小鼠的 Th1/ Th2类细胞因子表达呈抑制状态 ,阴虚与阳虚的差别在于 Th1类细胞因子 IFN- γ表达的抑制程度不同 ,其中阴虚模型小鼠 IFN- γ的表达处于相对优势     

Propolis effect on Th1/Th2 cytokines production by acutely stressed mice

Aim of the study

Propolis has gained special attention due to its biological properties, however, little is known about its immunomodulatory effects in stress conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate propolis effect on Th1/Th2 cytokines production by spleen cells of acutely stressed mice. Serum corticosterone concentration was determined as a stress indicator.

Materials and methods

Male BALB/c mice were submitted to restraint stress and treated with propolis (200 mg/kg) for 3 days. Supernatants of splenocytes cultures were assessed for Th1/Th2 cytokines determination.

Results

Regarding Th1 cytokines production, no alterations were seen in IL-2 production; however, IFN-γ production was inhibited in stressed mice, even when treated with propolis. As to Th2 cytokines, IL-4 was inhibited in stressed mice, but normal levels were seen when these animals were treated with propolis. No significant differences were found in IL-10 production between the experimental groups. Stressed groups (treated or not with propolis) showed higher corticosterone concentrations in comparison to control group.

Conclusions

Data suggest that propolis treatment was not able to counteract the stress-induced immunosuppressive effect on IFN-γ production; however, propolis showed an immunorestorative role, increasing IL-4 production in stressed mice, favoring humoral immune response during stress. Since the exact mechanisms of this natural product on immune system are still unclear, further studies are still required for a better comprehension of propolis use as a therapeutic alternative against the stress-induced negative effects that could lead to the development of various diseases.     

4种小鼠的寒、热体质研究

目的研究4种品系小鼠的寒、热体质。方法8～9周龄昆明、BALB/c、C57BL/6J、ICR小鼠,以及4～5周龄昆明小鼠,同步系统检测其生物学特性,然后以统一的评价标准评价4种品系小鼠的寒、热体质。并对BALB/c小鼠给予参桂理中丸和利血平做药物反证。结果①4～5周龄昆明小鼠与8～9周龄昆明小鼠比较体质明显偏热;②BALB/c小鼠与C57BL/6J小鼠比较体质偏寒;③8～9周龄雄性BALB/c小鼠、雄性和雌性C57BL/6J小鼠与8～9周龄相应性别昆明小鼠比较体质无明显差异;8～9周龄雌性BALB/c小鼠与8～9周龄雌性昆明小鼠比较体质偏寒;④8～9周龄ICR小鼠与8～9周龄BALB/c小鼠、C57BL/6J小鼠比较体质偏热;8～9周龄雄性ICR小鼠与8～9周龄雄性昆明小鼠比较体质偏热。结论4种品系小鼠存在寒、热体质差异。     

Restoration of the immune functions in aged mice by supplementation with a new herbal composition, HemoHIM

The effect of a new herbal composition, HemoHIM, on immune functions was examined in aged mice, in which various immune responses had been impaired. The composition HemoHIM was prepared by adding the ethanol-insoluble fraction to the total water extract of a mixture of three edible herbs, Angelica Radix, Cnidium Rhizoma and Paeonia Radix. Supplementation to the aged mice with HemoHIM restored the proliferative response and cytokine production of splenocytes with a response to ConA. Also, HemoHIM recovered the NK cell activity which had been impaired in the aged mice. Meanwhile aging is known to reduce the Th1-like function, but not the Th2-like function, resulting in a Th1/Th2 imbalance. HemoHIM restored the Th1/Th2 balance in the aged mice through enhanced IFN-gamma and IgG2a production, and conversely a reduced IL-4 and IgG1 production. It was found that one factor for the Th1/Th2 imbalance in the aged mice was a lower production of IL-12p70. However, HemoHIM restored the IL-12p70 production in the aged mice. These results suggested that HemoHIM was effective for the restoration of impaired immune functions of the aged mice and therefore could be a good recommendation for immune restoration in elderly humans.     

Th1/Th2 cytokines’ expression and production by propolis-treated mice

Aim of the study

Propolis is a natural product extensively used in food and beverages to improve health and to prevent diseases, showing immunomodulatory properties. The goal of this work was to evaluate the effect of propolis administration over a short-term to mice on Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines’ expression and production.

Materials and methods

Propolis was administered for 3 days to mice by gavage, spleens were removed and RNA was extracted to assess cytokines’ expression by real-time PCR. Supernatants of spleen cell cultures were used for cytokines determination by ELISA.

Results

Propolis administration to mice did not affect IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 expression and production, while IFN-γ production was inhibited in the splenocyte cultures stimulated or not by Con A.

Conclusions

Since IFN-γ is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, our data suggest that propolis administration over a short-term to mice may be associated with anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, and further assays could check propolis efficiency in inflammatory diseases.     

Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. (Menispermaceae): oral treatment decreases IgE levels and induces a Th1-skewed cytokine production in ovalbumin-sensitized mice

The murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy was used to evaluate the effectiveness of oral treatment with the leaf extract of Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. (Menispermaceae) (CS) in the modulation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and T cell activation. CS treatment with doses ranging from 200 to 600 mg/Kg/day for 15 days before and during OVA-sensitization promoted reduction in total and OVA-specific serum IgE. CS at 400 or 600 mg/Kg/day also reduced paw edema induced by local OVA challenge. Daily intake of up to 600 mg/Kg of oral CS by BALB/c mice did not reduce weight gain, which is indicative of a lack of systemic toxicity. To assess the effect of CS treatment on T cell proliferative response to stimuli in vitro, the mitogenic response of spleen cells of treated and control animals were evaluated. Cells from CS-treated animals showed an elevated background proliferative response to concanavalin-A (Con-A) when compared to those from control animals. Oral intake of CS increased the in vitro production of IFN-gamma and IL-10 by Con-A stimulated cells. Mice treated with 200 mg/Kg/day CS showed increasing levels of IFN-gamma. These results show that oral treatment with Cissampelos sympodialis extract has an immunomodulatory effect, reducing allergy-associated responses possibly by a preferential activation of Th1-type cytokines.     

Gynostemma pentaphyllum decreases allergic reactions in a murine asthmatic model

The increasing incidence of asthma in developing countries emphasizes the importance of identifying more effective treatments that have low cost. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (Cucurbitaceae), a common herbal tea in China, has been used to treat lung inflammation. Since the Th2 cytokines are the major mediators in the pathogenesis of asthma, Th1-biased immune responses caused by G. pentaphyllum might have the potential to relieve asthmatic symptoms. We hypothesized that oral administration of G. pentaphyllum extracts might suppress Th2 cytokine-induced airway inflammation responses in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitive mice. BALB/c mice were sensitized with intraperitoneal injection and challenged 3 times with OVA inhalation (IH) (the IH3 model). G. pentaphyllum was orally administered for 7 consecutive days before the end of the OVA challenge. In the IH5 model, 2 more OVA challenges were administered to mimic the encounter with an allergen after drug treatment. G. pentaphyllum extracts significantly attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inhibited eosinophil infiltration in mice in both models. Serum OVA-specific antibodies were also reduced with the treatment. Decreased Th2-type cytokines and increased IFN-gamma were detected in the cultures of OVA-activated splenocytes from treated mice. Our results suggest that G. pentaphyllum extracts might be beneficial for asthma airway inflammation through the suppression of Th2 activity.     

Suppression of T lymphocyte activity by lupeol isolated from Crataeva religiosa

Lupeol has been shown to possess antiarthritic activity through possible suppression of the immune system. As seen in the following studies, it was found to suppress various immune factors such as the phagocytic (cell-killing) activity of macrophages, T-lymphocyte activity that included CD4+T cell mediated cytokine generation. Assessment of T cells and their intracellular content of cytokines was carried out by flow cytometric analysis in Balb/c mice. Oral administration of lupeol at doses of 12.5-200 mg/kg p.o. inhibited CD4+ T and CD8+ T cell counts and cytokines IL-2, IFN-gamma (Th1) and IL-4 (Th2). Cytometric bead array (CBA) technology was applied to carry out simultaneous measurement of multiple serum cytokines. The oral LD(0) in mice was more than 2 g/kg body weight.     

Inonotus obliquus extracts suppress antigen-specific IgE production through the modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokines in ovalbumin-sensitized mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus, IO) has been used as a folk remedy for cancer, digestive system diseases, and other illnesses in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Aim of the study

In the present study, we investigated the immunomodulating effects of IO through in vivo and ex vivo studies.

Materials and methods

Serum immunoglobulins (IgE, IgG₁, and IgG_2a) and cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-2) were measured in concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated splenocytes and CD4⁺ T cells. The nitric oxide (NO) secretion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages was also measured after oral administration of 50, 100, or 200 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹ IO hot water extract (IOE) to ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice.

Results

We found that the OVA-induced increase in serum IgE and IgG_2a was significantly suppressed when IOE was orally administered after the second immunization with OVA. ConA stimulation in spleen cells isolated from OVA-sensitized mice treated with 100 mg kg⁻¹ IOE resulted in a 25.2% decrease in IL-4 production and a 102.4% increase in IFN-γ, compared to the controls. Moreover, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-2 were significantly reduced after ConA stimulation in isolated CD4⁺T cells. We also determined that IOE inhibits the secretion of NO from LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages ex vivo.

Conclusions

We suggest that IO modulates immune responses through secretion of Th1/Th2 cytokines in immune cells and regulates antigen-specific antibody production.     

蓝萼甲素对小鼠脾细胞Th1/Th2型5种细胞因子水平的影响

目的：探讨蓝萼甲素对小鼠脾细胞Th1/Th2型细胞因子水平的影响。方法：采用Cytometric Bead Array (CBA)法检测蓝萼甲素对小鼠脾细胞Th1/Th2型5种细胞因子(IL-2，IFN-γ，TNF-α，IL-4，IL-5)水平的影响。结果：蓝萼甲素对ConA诱导的Th1细胞来源的细胞因子(IL-2，IFN-γ，TNF-α) 和Th2细胞来源的细胞因子(IL-4，IL-5)的产生均有显著的抑制作用，且蓝萼甲素对Th1细胞来源的细胞因子的抑制作用要强于Th2细胞来源的；对未经ConA活化的小鼠脾细胞，蓝萼甲素对IL-2，IFN-γ和TNF-α的产生有抑制作用，而对IL-4，IL-5则有促进作用。结论：蓝萼甲素的免疫抑制作用可能与其对Th1/Th2型细胞因子的影响有关。     

Effect and mechanism of ligustrazine on Th1/Th2 cytokines in a rat asthma model

Ligustrazine is an alkaloid isolated from the rhizome of Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort), which is known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis and immunomodulative effects. It is used clinically to treat asthma as an assistant therapy of glucocorticoid. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of intraperitoneal ligustrazine on Th1/Th2 cytokines in a rat asthma model and the underlying mechanism. SD rats were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish an asthmatic model. Within 24 hours after the last ovalbumin challenge, changes in airway histology were observed. The concentrations of IL-4 and IFN-gamma in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expressions of GATA-3 and T-bet in lung were measured by Western blot. The results showed that an increase of Th2 cytokine and an inhibition of Th1 cytokine were accompanied by an increased expression of GATA-3 protein and a decreased expression of T-bet protein in rat asthmatic airways compared to those in normal control group. Intraperitoneal ligustrazine administration could significantly lower the level of IL-4 in BALF and the expression of GATA-3 protein in lung and also increase the level of IFN-gamma and T-bet in asthmatic rats, resulting in a decreased percentage of eosinophils (EOS) in BALF and ameliorated airway inflammatory cell infiltration. In conclusion, ligustrazine inhibits OVA induced airway inflammation by modulating key master switches GATA-3 and T-bet that result in reversing the Th2 cytokine patterns in asthma.     

龙葵甾体类生物碱对S180及Lewis肺癌移植瘤小鼠的影响

目的：观察龙葵甾体类生物碱对荷瘤（S180）小鼠及对Lewis肺癌移植瘤小鼠的影响，探讨部分作用机理。方法：分别采用接种S180移植性实体瘤及Lewis肺癌瘤株的方法造成两种荷瘤小鼠。注射给予药物后，观测荷瘤（S180）小鼠瘤重及抑瘤率、血清TNF-α及IL-2水平、胸腺及脾指数指标；观测Lewis肺癌移植瘤小鼠瘤重及抑瘤率、血清IL-6及IL-8水平。结果：ICR小鼠接种S180移植性实体瘤后，模型组肿瘤平均重量大于1g，血清TNF-α含量明显低于正常对照组；龙葵甾体类生物碱各组小鼠肿瘤浸润范围均小于模型组，瘤体易剥离，瘤重明显减轻，龙葵甾体类生物碱各组均可以升高血清TNF-α、IL-2含量；C57BL／6J小鼠接种Lewis肺癌细胞后，4天皮下可见肿瘤。模型组小鼠血清IL-6和IL-8水平均明显下降，龙葵甾体类生物碱各给药组瘤重均低于模型组，并可以显著增加模型小鼠血清中IL-6和IL-8水平。结论：龙葵甾体类生物碱不仅具有抑制肿瘤增长的作用，还可以显著提高荷瘤小鼠血清TNF-α、IL-2、IL-6、IL-8的水平，对肿瘤的治疗具有积极意义，这可能是其发挥抗肿瘤作用的机理之一。     

The mechanism of sesame oil in ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 mice

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a Th1 cell‐mediated autoimmune disease of the CNS that serves as an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). The study investigated the effectiveness of treatment with sesame oil on the development of EAE. EAE was induced in 8 week old C57BL/6 mice with an emulsion of MOG35‐55. Therapy with sesame oil (4 mL/kg/day as oral gavage) was started on day 3 before the immunization. IFN‐gamma and IL‐10 production from cultured spleen supernatants were determined by the ELISA method. The results showed that daily oral gavage of sesame oil significantly reduced the clinical symptoms of EAE in C57BL/6 mice. In addition, sesame oil‐treated mice displayed a significantly delayed disease onset. Mononuclear cells isolated from spleen of sesame oil‐treated mice showed a significant decrease in the production of IFN‐gamma compared with control mice (p = 0.001). IL‐10 production was also enhanced in splenic mononuclear cells in sesame oil‐treated mice. The ratio of IFN‐gamma to IL‐10 in sesame oil‐treated EAE mice was significantly less than in non‐treated EAE mice (p = 0.01). This report indicates that sesame oil therapy protected mice from developing EAE by reducing IFN‐gamma secretion. Thus, sesame oil treatment may be effective in MS patients by immunomodulating the Th1 immune response. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.