Effects of ephedra asarum aconite decoction on Th1/Th2 balance in two animal models of allergic rhinitis

Objective:Ephedra asarum aconite decoction is used in the clinical treatment of allergic rhinitis.We investigated the effects of ephedra asarum aconite decoction on Th1/Th2 balance in two animal models of allergic rhinitis and in activated T cells in vitro.Methods:Animal models of simple and compound kidney yang deficiency types of allergic rhinitis were treated with ephedra asarum aconite decoction to observe the efficacy of this traditional Chinese medicine formula on allergic symptoms,serum cytokines,and tissue RNA levels.We also cultured and activated T cells from the mouse.After treatment with ephedra asarum aconite decoction,we tested the proliferation and differentiation of T cells.Results:Ephedra asarum aconite decoction relieved allergy symptoms in both types of animal models,and was more effective in the compound kidney yang deficiency model In addition to its anti-allergic efficacy,ephedra asarum aconite decoction significantly improved the health status of animals in the compound kidney yang deficiency groups,significantly made their bodyweight rising up,and significantly increased the T-bet mRNA/GATA-3 mRNA ratio.Moreover,ephedra asarum aconite decoction promoted the proliferation of activated T cells and inhibited the differentiation to Th2 cells in vitro.Conclusions:Ephedra asarum aconite decoction regulates the balance of Th1/Th2 to ameliorate allergic conditions.

Mahuang Xixin Fuzi decoction protects against ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis by inhibiting type 2 innate lymphoid cells in mice

Objective:As a traditional herbal formula,Mahuang Xixin Fuzi decoction(MXFD)has been used to treat allergic rhinitis(AR).It regulates the transcription factor GATA3 in T cells,blocks Th2 skewing and rebalances the Th1/Th2 immunity.Type 2 innate lymphoid cells(ILC2s)are closely associated with GATA3.However,it remains unknown whether ILC2s could be one mechanism through which MXFD acts.We sought to elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of action of this decoction in AR treatment.Methods:Forty C57BL/6J female mice were equally divided into control,model,loratadine-and MXFDtreated groups in random.AR was induced by ovalbumin(OVA),and then treatment with loratadine or MXFD was administered.AR scores were evaluated and compared before and after treatment.Pathological changes in the nasal mucosa and lung were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining of tissue samples.Activation of ILC2 in nasal mucosa was assessed by immunofluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.ILC2 cell count in lungs was measured by flow cytometry and levels of interleukin-(IL)4,IL-5 and IL-13 in serum were detected by ELISA.Results:The decoction alleviated the symptoms of AR in mice,improved vascular congestion and expansion,glandular hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration in mouse nasal mucosa and slowly improved the interstitial pneumonia and lesions.Meanwhile,MXFD reduced the number and percentage of ILC2s in the nasal mucosa and lungs,downregulated the expression of GATA3 mRNA and RORa mRNA,and reduced the related inflammatory cytokine levels,including IL-4,IL-5 and IL-13.Conclusion:These data suggest that inhibition of ILC2s by MXFD may be an important means by which to treat AR.

正六边形孔蜂窝组合梁腹板纯弯屈曲研究

蜂窝构件具有承载力高、抗弯刚度大和方便穿越管线等优点,近年来广泛应用于各类高层建筑和大跨度结构中。对于蜂窝构件来说,腹板的局部屈曲是其主要破坏模式之一,屈曲会导致腹板局部变形的急速增加,直至退出工作,并可能导致构件整体失稳及结构上的连锁反应。在传统钢结构设计中通过对腹板高厚比进行限制来避免腹板局部屈曲的发生,而蜂窝构件相比于实腹构件受力更加复杂,孔间墩板及其桥板都有可能发生局部屈曲。目前对于蜂窝构件局部稳定问题的研究大多围绕着纯钢蜂窝梁开展,对于蜂窝组合梁的研究较少。因此有必要对蜂窝组合梁的纯弯屈曲开展研究。在已有2个纯钢蜂窝梁的基础上,设计并制作了两个简支蜂窝组合梁,对这两根蜂窝组合梁在四分点处施加集中力进行静力加载试验研究,通过观察钢梁上屈曲发生位置及混凝土裂缝开展的位置及形态,对腹板屈曲性能、承载力和蜂窝孔应变等进行分析,与纯钢蜂窝梁进行对比,研究混凝土板和腹板间加劲肋的设置对蜂窝钢梁试件破坏形态、应力分布及承载力的影响。利用有限元软件ABAQUS建立模型进行数值模拟,将试验结果与有限元模拟结果进行对比,发现模型结果与试验结果较为吻合。以试验模型为基础,分析纯弯作用下,高厚比和开孔率的改变对蜂窝组合梁的纯弯屈曲和极限承载力的影响规律,得到蜂窝组合梁发生强度破坏和屈曲破坏的临界值。研究表明:纯钢蜂窝梁在上翼缘及相应桥板屈曲,组合梁试件在桥板和墩板屈曲,混凝土板可以有效提高组合梁的屈服荷载和极限荷载,提高试件延性,有效避免局部屈曲的发生;组合梁腹板间设置加劲肋可以提高对腹板的约束作用,减弱孔角处应力集中,避免孔间墩板屈曲失稳;组合梁共出现两种屈曲模式,均为孔间墩板发生半波形平面外失稳,区别在于平面外位移分布方式;第一种屈曲模式位移相对跨中呈对称轴分布,第二种屈曲模式位移相对跨中呈中心对称分布。高厚比是影响组合梁破坏模式和纯弯屈曲的决定性因素,高厚比小于80时,发生强度破坏,高厚比大于80时,发生屈曲破坏,减小腹板高厚比可以有效提高组合梁屈曲荷载,提高试件抗屈曲能力;开孔率是影响组合梁破坏模式和纯弯屈曲的重要因素,在一定范围内增大开孔率可以提高试件屈曲荷载。