Xiaoqinglong decoction reduces dendritic cell differentiation and regulates the Th1/Th2 balance in a mouse model of allergic asthma

BackgroundXiaoqinglong decoction (XQLD) is a classic Chinese medicinal formula that is widely used to treat allergic asthma. Recently, the use of XQLD to treat allergic asthma has inspired research to determine its mechanism of action. Because dendritic cells (DCs) and the T helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokine balance play important roles in allergic asthma, the present work aimed to assess how these immune system components are affected by XQLD.MethodsThirty-six female BALB/C mice were randomly divided into three groups: an ovalbumin-based allergic asthma model group, a XQLD treatment group, and a control group. Histology was performed with haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood were collected from the animals and used to analyze the composition of inflammatory cells and expression levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13. The thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) protein expression was assessed by western blot analysis, and the Gata3 and Tbx21 mRNA levels were assessed by polymerase chain reaction.ResultsCompared with the OVA group, the levels of TSLP expression, IL-5, IL-13, and immunoglobulin E in the XQLD group were lower (all P < .01). The level of IL-4-expressing cells (Th2 cells) was lower (P = .0013), and the percentage of IFN-γ-expressing cells (Th1 cells) was higher in the XQLD group compared with those in the OVA group (P = .0065). In addition, XQLD increased the expression of Tbx21 mRNA and decreased the expression of Gata3 mRNA in the lungs compared with the OVA group (both P < .01).ConclusionThese findings suggest that XQLD may ameliorate the course of allergic asthma by regulating the Gata3/Tbx21 balance and inhibiting TSLP expression, changes which are indicative of an altered Th1/Th2 balance. Thus, the clinical effectiveness of XQLD in treating allergic asthma may be due to its regulation of Th1/Th2 balance.     

中药苦参水提取物抑制Th17细胞分化的研究

目的探讨苦参水提取物(Sophora flavescens aqueous extract,SFAE)对Th17细胞分化的影响。方法通过体外分离豚鼠淋巴结获取原代淋巴细胞,采用磁珠分选技术获得初始CD4^+T细胞。采用CCK-8法筛选SFAE对T细胞活力的最佳抑制浓度。通过白细胞介素-6(IL-6)和转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)诱导建立初始CD4^+T细胞向Th17细胞分化的细胞模型,并以SFAE进行干预;采用流式细胞仪检测各组Th17细胞比例,采用qRT-PCR及Western Blot法检测各组细胞中视黄酸相关的孤儿受体γt(RORγt)、信号转导子和转录激活子3(STAT3)、白细胞介素-17A(IL-17A)和白细胞介素-17F(IL-17F)的mRNA及蛋白表达水平。结果与对照组比较,SFAE浓度在0.01 mg·mL^-1时对初始CD4^+T细胞的活力有抑制作用(P<0.01),选择该浓度作为后续实验浓度。与对照组比较,模型组能明显上调CD4^+IL-17A+T细胞的比例(P<0.001),上调RORγt、STAT3、IL-17A、IL-17F mRNA及蛋白的表达(P<0.01,P<0.001)。与模型组比较,SFAE干预后模型处理组的CD4^+IL-17A+T细胞比例明显下调(P<0.05),STAT3、RORγt、IL-17A、IL-17F mRNA及蛋白表达水平均明显下调(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论SFAE能够抑制Th17细胞分化,降低Th17细胞比例,其作用机制可能是通过抑制转录因子RORγt及STAT3的活性,降低IL-17A、IL-17F的表达。     

针灸对溃疡性结肠炎大鼠Th1/Th2免疫平衡的影响

目的:探讨针灸对溃疡性结肠炎(UC)大鼠Th 1/Th 2免疫平衡的影响。方法:SD大鼠随机分为模型组、隔药灸组、电针组,每组10只,并另选10只正常大鼠作为对照组。采用免疫学方法并加局部刺激建立大鼠UC模型。隔药灸组、电针组选取"天枢"(双)和"气海"进行隔药灸或电针治疗,连续治疗14d。采用定量PCR法检测结肠组织中干扰素(INF)-γ、白介素(IL)-12、IL-4和IL-10mRNA表达水平;采用酶联免疫吸附法检测结肠组织中INF-γ、IL-12、IL-4和IL-10的含量;采用流式细胞术分析结肠组织细胞中CD4~+INF-γ~+/CD 4~+IL-4~+的比值。结果:与对照组比较,模型组大鼠结肠组织中INF-γ、IL-12mRNA和含量显著升高(P0.05),IL-4、IL-10mRNA和含量显著下降(P0.05);隔药灸组和电针组大鼠结肠组织INF-γ、IL-12mRNA和含量显著低于模型组(P0.05),IL-4、IL-10mRNA和含量显著高于模型组(P0.05)。模型组结肠组织中CD 4~+INF-γ~+/CD 4~+IL-4~+的比值显著高于对照组(P0.05);与模型组比较,隔药灸组和电针组CD4~+INF-γ~+/CD 4~+IL-4~+比值显著下降(P0.05)。隔药灸组和电针组的各项指标比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:隔药灸和电针均能显著改善UC模型大鼠炎性反应,通过下调结肠组织中INF-γ和IL-12水平,上调IL-4和IL-10水平从而保持Th 1/Th 2细胞间平衡,进而改善免疫功能。     

Suppressive effects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (Saururaceae) extract on Th2 immune response

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Houttuynia cordata Thunb (Saururaceae), known as 'E-Sung-Cho' in Korea, has been traditionally used for the treatment of herpes simplex, chronic sinusitis, and allergy. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the inhibitory activity of Houttuynia cordata Thunb fractions (HcFs) on the T helper 2 (Th2) immune response, we evaluated the alternation of the release of Th2-type cytokines and chemokines such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5, and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanol fraction was obtained from dried and powdered whole plants of Houttuynia cordata Thunb using ethanol. The residue was diluted with water and was then successively partitioned with n-hexane, EtOAc and BuOH. HcFs include ethanol, n-hexane, EtOAc, BuOH and water fractions. RT-PCR and ELISA were performed to measure mRNA and protein expression of cytokines. RESULTS: HcFs inhibited the expression of IL-4 and IL-5 in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore (CaI) in Jurkat T cells and the human mast cell line, HMC-1. IL-4- and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced TARC production was blocked by HcFs in skin fibroblast CCD-986sk cells, particularly by the ethanol extract of Hc. Stimulants included in PMA, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and CaI, increased the mRNA level of CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), a receptor of TARC, in Jurkat T cells, and the ethanol extract of HcF weakly blocked the increased mRNA level. However, the stimulants and ethanol extract had no effect on the CCR4 protein level. The ethanol extract inhibited TARC-induced migration, as well as basal migration of Jurkat T cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study may show the usefulness of HcFs in the ethnopharmacological treatment of Th2-mediated or allergic inflammation, through the down-regulation of the production of Th2 cytokines and TARC, as well as cell migration.     

三步序贯法对激素依赖型哮喘患者T辅助细胞亚群的影响

目的 揭示三步序贯法治疗激素依赖型哮喘（steroid—dependent asthma,SDA）的疗效机制。方法 将40例患者随机分为两组,每组各20例,对照组予普米克都保（布地奈德粉吸入剂,Pulmicort Turbuhaler,100μg／吸,AstraZeneca AB,瑞典）,每次400μg,每日两次吸入;治疗组予中药三步序贯方煎剂,每次100ml,每日2次口服,同时给予普米克都保200μg,每日两次吸入。两组疗程均12～14周。观察治疗前后哮喘症状积分、口服激素用量以及肺功能变化;流式细胞仪技术检测治疗前后外周血CD4^＋胞内细胞因子IL-4和IFN-γ的阳性细胞表达率（即Th1％和Th2％）。结果 两组患者治疗前后哮喘症状积分、口服激素用量以及肺功能比较,差异均有显著性（P〈0．01）;两组治疗后Th2表达率均显著降低（P〈0．01,P〈0．05）,Th1／Th2比值均显著升高（P〈0．01）;上述两组之间比较差异均有显著性（P〈0．01）;Th1表达率在治疗前后及组间比较差异均无显著性（P〉0．05）。结论 三步序贯法能够有效调节Th细胞亚群失衡,抑制炎性细胞因子的产生,减轻气道高反应性,从而改善了肺通气功能,减轻了哮喘症状,减少了患者对激素的依赖。     

Selective Th1 upregulation by ethyl acetate fraction of Labisia pumila

Aim of the study

Labisia pumila has rejuvenating properties that help women to regain the strength and vigour after giving birth (Burkill, 1935) leading us to speculate that Labisia pumila might also modulate the immune matrix as it is one of the important aspect of healthy state of the living body.

Materials and methods

Studies were carried out for the evaluation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in murine neutrophils followed by expression of T cell-surface markers and corresponding intracellular expression of cytokines related to T helper1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) activity.

Results

The ethyl acetate fraction (A001/3b) obtained from ethanolic extract of leaves of Labisia pumila at graded doses (in vitro) showed increased expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12. IL-12 is a strong inducer of Th1 response in activated CD4+ T cells and accordingly T cell studies were carried out (in vivo). These specific studies showed A001/3b to cause marked stimulation of CD4+ T helper cells and related cytokine expression like IL-2 and IFN-gamma (a potent Th1 inducer), thereby, having a predominant Th1 upregulation pathway. This was further validated by suppression of IL-4 and IL-10 expression which are the Th2 pathway cytokines.

Conclusion

This study showed ethyl acetate fraction (A001/3b) of Labisia pumila to have Th1 upregulating activity and suggests its possible usefulness as a therapeutic agent in immune compromised patients.     

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Flavonoids Present in Anti‐Asthma Formula,ASHMITM, Inhibit Memory Th2 Responses in Vitro and in Vivo

Allergic asthma is associated with Th2‐mediated inflammation. Several flavonoids were isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, one of the herbs in the anti‐asthma herbal medicine intervention. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether Glycyrrhiza uralensis flavonoids have inhibitory effects on memory Th2 responses in vitro and antigen‐induced Th2 inflammation in vivo. The effects of three Glycyrrhiza uralensis flavonoids on effector memory Th2 cells, D10.G4.1 (D10 cells), were determined by measuring Th2 cytokine production. Isoliquiritigenin, 7, 4′‐dihydroxyflavone (7, 4′‐DHF) and liquiritigenin significantly suppressed IL‐4 and IL‐5 production in a dose‐dependent manner, 7, 4′‐DHF being most potent. It was also evaluated for effects on D10 cell proliferation, GATA‐3 expression and IL‐4 mRNA expression, which were suppressed, with no loss of cell viability. Chronic treatment with 7, 4′‐DHF in a murine model of allergic asthma not only significantly reduced eosinophilic pulmonary inflammation, serum IgE levels, IL‐4 and IL‐13 levels, but also increased IFN‐γ production in lung cell cultures in response to antigen stimulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

补肾中药对哮喘缓解期患儿Th1/Th2平衡的影响

目的探讨补肾中药调节T1／Th2平衡治疗哮喘的分子机制。方法哮喘缓解期儿童20例,抽取静脉抗凝血分离单个核细胞（peripheral blood mononuelear cells,PBMC）。每份血样均分为3部分,分为空白组、喘可治（CKZ）Ⅰ组和CKZⅡ组,加入不同浓度的药物体外培养48h,分别收集细胞沉淀。荧光定量PCR检测T—bet mRNA、GATA-3 mRNA的表达强度及细胞因子IFN-γ mRNA、IL-4 mRNA的表达水平。结果不同剂量CKZ干预后,PBMC中T—bet mRNA的表达均较空白组显著增强,以CKZⅡ组的差异更为明显（P〈0．01）;CKZ组与空白组比较,GATA-3 mRNA的表达强度差异无显著性;CKZ组的IFN-γ mRNA的表达较空白组增强,其中CKZⅡ组与空白组比较差异有显著性（P〈0．05）;CKZⅡ组IL-4 mRNA的表达强度较空白组显著减低（P〈0．01）。CKZ组的T—bet／GATA-3比值与空白组比较,差异无显著性（P〉0．05）;CKZ组的IFN-γ／IL-4的比值较空白组上升,其中CKZⅡ组与空白组相比显著升高（P〈0．05）。结论补肾中药CKZ可以通过转录因子和细胞因子多个环节,增强Th1细胞的功能,同时抑制Th2细胞的功能,对Th1／Th2平衡具有多层次的调节作用。     

Sceptridium ternatum extract exerts antiasthmatic effects by regulating Th1/Th2 balance and the expression levels of leukotriene receptors in a mouse asthma model

Aim of the study

Sceptridium ternatum Lyon (ST), a common Chinese herb, has been used in treatment of allergic asthma and whooping cough. In the present study, we investigated the Th1/Th2 ratio of peripheral blood and mRNA levels of leukotriene receptors after the treatment of ST in allergic asthma mouse model.

Materials and methods

Mouse asthma model was developed by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization followed by the inhalation of aerosol allergen. Montelukast (10 mg/kg), as a positive control drug, and ST were administrated six days before the OVA sensitization for ten days. Airway responsiveness was evaluated by the Medlab 12.0 biological signal processing system. The ratio of Th1/Th2 cells was determined by flow cytometry. The expression level of Cyslt1 was measured by PCR. Pathological changes of lung tissues were examined by H&E staining.

Results

ST significantly reduced the airway responsiveness, elevated the ratio of Th1/Th2, and decreased Cyslt1 mRNA level in a dose-dependent manner. High-dose ST distinctly prevented the pathological changes of lung tissues.

Conclusion

High-dose ST had the same efficacy as Montelukast in a mouse asthma model, and ST could be a potential anti-asthmatic agent.     

再生障碍性贫血患者淋巴细胞免疫及血浆细胞因子水平研究

目的探讨再生障碍性贫血(AA)患者免疫功能状态以及Th1/Th2类细胞因子在其发病中所起的作用。方法流式细胞术(FCM)检测淋巴细胞表面CD分子,流式细胞组合微球细胞因子捕获法(CBA)联合检测血浆中细胞因子含量。结果AA患者外周血T(CD3+)淋巴细胞增多,但CD3+HLA-DR+细胞无明显异常。Th(CD3+/CD4+)细胞减少,而Ts(CD3+/CD8+)细胞增多,Th/Ts降低(P<0.01);NKT(CD3+/CD16+56+)细胞减少(P<0.05)。AA患者血浆中IFN-γ、TNFI、L-2和IL-4含量升高(P均<0.05)。结论AA的发生与T淋巴细胞数量和功能异常有一定联系,AA患者Th格局明显向Th1偏移。     

黄芪当归配伍对气道变应性炎症大鼠Th1/Th2平衡的影响

目的通过研究黄芪当归配伍对气道变应性炎症模型大鼠鼻黏膜、肺组织干扰素-γ（IFN-γ）、白细胞介素-4（IL-4）表达及血清中IFN-γ、IL-4含量的影响,探讨其作用机制。方法 48只雄性SD大鼠随机分为空白对照组、模型对照组、黄芪组、当归组、芪归配伍组、阳性对照组。采用卵清蛋白（OVA）皮下及腹腔注射致敏、OVA喷雾激发的方法造成大鼠气道变应性炎症模型,各给药组分别用黄芪、当归、黄芪当归配伍水煎液及曲尼司特水溶液灌胃给药。用免疫组化法测定鼻黏膜及肺组织中IFN-γ、IL-4的表达,ELISA方法测定血清中IFN-γ、IL-4含量。结果模型组血清及肺组织中IFN-γ降低,鼻黏膜中IFN-γ变化不明显,而血清、鼻黏膜、肺组织中IL-4均升高;黄芪组可增加鼻黏膜及血清中IFN-γ,当归组可降低肺组织、鼻黏膜及血清中IL-4。芪归配伍组可增加肺组织及血清中IFN-γ,降低鼻黏膜、肺组织、血清中IL-4。相关分析显示,鼻与肺之间IL-4、IFN-γ呈正相关。结论黄芪当归配伍可能通过调节气道变应性炎症中Th1/Th2细胞因子平衡,从而对气道变应性炎症起到抑制作用。     

外感湿热证患者Th1／Th2细胞因子水平变化的研究

目的：通过观察外感湿热证患者外周血T细胞免疫水平的变化,探讨外感湿热证的部分发病机制。方法：30例均为外感发热患者,辨证属外感湿热证者。正常对照组15例,为同时期健康志愿者。采用酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）检测患者与健康者血清白介素4（IL-4）、干扰素γ（IFN-γ）水平,运用蒿芩清胆汤治疗患者3天,复测上述指标,观察蒿芩清胆汤的干预作用。结果：经蒿芩清胆汤治疗后,外感湿热组血清IFN-γ水平显著降低（P〈0．01）,INF-γ,／IL-4比值明显降低（P〈0．01）。结论：提示Th1／Th2比值失衡可能是外感湿热证发病机制之一,调整Th1／Th2失衡是蒿芩清胆汤治疗外感湿热证的机制之一。     

New insights into roles of basophils in initiating T helper type 2 immunity

Allergic diseases, mainly mediated by T helper type 2 (Th2) immunity, have become a worldwide public health problem. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been used in treating and preventing allergic symptoms. As the new target of anti-allergy TCM, basophils, after approximately 140 years since their discovery, are just now gaining respect as important contributors in the pathogenesis underlying allergic inflammation and disease. In addition to their role as effector cells, basophils can release early IL-4, migrate from circulatory system into draining lymph nodes, present antigen to naive CD4+ T cells, and promote the differentiation of Th2 cells. Herein, we briefly summarized the recent research advances of the essential contributions of basophils in the initiation of Th2 immune responses.     

New insights into roles of basophils in initiating T helper type 2 immunity

Allergic diseases, mainly mediated by T helper type 2(Th2) immunity, have become a worldwide public health problem. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has long been used in treating and preventing allergic symptoms. As the new target of anti-allergy TCM, basophils, after approximately 140 years since their discovery, are just now gaining respect as important contributors in the pathogenesis underlying allergic inflammation and disease. In addition to their role as effector cells, basophils can release early IL-4, migrate from circulatory system into draining lymph nodes, present antigen to naive CD4~+T cells,and promote the differentiation of Th2 cells. Herein, we briefly summarized the recent research advances of the essential contributions of basophils in the initiation of Th2 immune responses.     

雷公藤甲素对小鼠淋巴细胞体外活化的抑制作用

目的:研究雷公藤甲素(TRD)对小鼠T淋巴细胞活化标志CD69、CD25及细胞因子IL-2及IFN-γmRNA表达的影响,为阐明其免疫抑制作用提供分子药理学依据.方法:无菌分离小鼠淋巴结细胞,加入不同浓度的雷公藤甲素预先孵育1 h,用多克隆刺激剂刀豆蛋白(ConA)刺激T细胞活化,利用荧光标记的单克隆体双染技术,流式细胞仪检测TRD对小鼠T细胞CD69、CD25表达的影响;采用半定量RT-PCR技术从mRNA水平检测TRD对细胞因子IL-2、IFN-γ mRNA的表达的影响.结果:TRD能抑制T细胞早期活化标志CD69和CD25,同时TRD也能抑制IL-2及IFN-γmRNA的表达.结论:TRD对T细胞早期活化分子及细胞因子表达的抑制作用可能是其发挥免疫抑制作用的机制之一.     

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.     

“阳虚哮喘敷贴方”穴位敷贴对支气管哮喘免疫机制的影响

目的探讨"阳虚哮喘敷贴方"穴位敷贴对支气管哮喘缓解期患者免疫功能的影响。方法三伏天对62例患者采用本方进行穴位敷贴,每周两次,共3个月。观察患者治疗前后外周血T细胞、Th细胞、Ts细胞、Th/Ts、B细胞、NK细胞、CD4+CD8+T细胞比率,以及血清IgG、IgA、IgE、IgM含量。结果经治疗后外周血T细胞、Th/Ts比值提高,Ts细胞下降,B细胞明显下降,IgE含量明显降低,IgG、IgM含量升高,CD4+CD8+阳性细胞增多,有显著性差异。结论 "阳虚哮喘敷贴方"穴位贴敷对支气管哮喘具有较好的免疫调节作用。