Effects of Radiofrequency Ablation on Lymphocyte Subsets and Type 1/Type 2 T Cell Subpopulations in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective： To evaluate whether radiofrequency ablation （RFA） might have an influence on immune status in hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） patients. Methods： We measured the T lymphocytes, B lymphocyte and NK cells, and determined the population of Thl, Th2, Tcl and Tc2 of peripheral blood samples taken from 26 HCC patients before and after RFA. Results： The proportion of Typel cells （Thl and Tcl） and NK cells were significantly increased after RFA, especially in patients of the following subgroups： male, age〉55 years, pathological grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ tumor, clinical stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ or Child-Pugh A and B. Conclusion： TypeⅠ cells and NK cells in HCC patients were increased in a short period after RFA.

Lymphocyte Subsets and Sister-chromatid Exchanges in the Students Exposed to Formaldehyde Vapor

The present report evaluates the effects of formaldehyde (FA) exposure on peripheral lymphocytes by using heth genetic and immunological parameters. Twenty-three non-smoking students in the study had inhalation exposure to 0.508 ±0. 299 mg/m3 of FA for a Period of 8 weeks (3h × 3 times each week) during anatomy classes. As for composition of lymphocyte subsets after FA exposare,significant increase was found in the percentage of CD19(B cells), while sighficant decrease was observed in CD3(total T cells), CD4(T helper-inducer cells), and CD8(T cytotoxic-suppressior cells) with a P<0 .01. Increase in the ratio of T-helper-inducer cells to T-cytotoxic-suppressor cells (T4 / T8) was also observed with statistical sighcance after exposure (P < 0.001). In the meanwhile,no significant difference (P > 0 .05) was reported between lymphocyte prolifendion rate and sisterchromatid exchange (SCE) at the exposure level and duration. It is suggested that the lymphocyte subsets may be most susceptible to the effects of FA, though a single immunological endpoint is rarely related with pathophysiological interpretation.

Therapeutic Effect of Integrative Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on 51 SARS Patients and Its Influence on Their TLymphocyte Subsets

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of integrative Chinese a nd western medicine (ICWM) in treatment of patients with severe acute respirator y syndrome (SARS) and its influence on their T lymphocyte subsets.Methods: Fifty one patients with SARS of severe type were obser ved with synchronous non randomized controlled method. They were divided into the ICWM group (29 patients) and the western medicine (WM) group (22 patients). Western medical treatment was applied to both groups, but to the ICWM group, Ch inese medicine was given additionally. The therapeutic course was 2-3 weeks for both groups. Clinical effect and changes of T lymphocyte subsets (CD4 +) aft er treatment were observed.Results: In the ICWM group, 26 patients (89.66%) were cured and 3 (10.34%) died, while in the WM group, 12 (54.55%) cur ed and 10 (45.45%) died, thus comparison of the cure rate between the two groups showing significant difference ( P <0.01). The score of clinical symptoms in the ICWM group was decreased from 7.14±5.20 scores before treatment to 1.82±3. 75 scores after treatment, while in the WM group, it lowered from 7.36±3.84 sco res before treatment to 5.17±4.17 scores after treatment, significant diffe rence shown in the comparison of the values between the two groups after treatme nt (P<0.01). Immunological function test showed that CD4 + T lymphocyte in the ICWM group rose from 361±278 cells/mm 3 before treatment to 630±454 c ells/mm 3 after treatment, showing significant difference( P <0.01 );bu t in the WM group, it merely rose from 288±186 cells/mm 3 to 376±285 cells/mm 3 in the corresponding period (P>0.05). Conclusion: ICWM could improve the clinical symptoms of SARS pa tients markedly, enhance their T lymphocyte immune function, and reduce their mortality.

Observation of T Lymphocyte Subsets in the Liver of Patients with Advanced Schistosomiasis and Advanced Schistosomiasis Accompanied with Hepatitis B

T lymphocyte subsets in the liver were detected by Avidin-Biotin Complex (ABC) assay in 22 patients with advanced schistosomiasis (AS) and 5 cases of AS accompanied with hepatitis B. T lymphocytes in the liver of AS patients were distributed in the peripheral layer of egg granuloma or the area near eggs in non-granuloma. No infiltrative T lymphocytes were observed in area with extensive fibrosis. There was infiltration of many T cells in the portal tract, piecemeal and focal necro- sis area as well as in hepatic sinus in AS patients accompanied with hepatitis B. CD8+ T cells (sup pressor/cytotoxic T cells, Ts/Tc) in the liver were predominant in the two groups. In AS patients, marked hepatic fibrosis, a small number of T cell infiltration and slight hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis were observed. However, obvious hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis were seen in AS patients accompanied with hepatitis B, and 3 cases of them developed active liver cirrhosis. The results indicated immune response was weak in the liver in AS patients and T. cells might be predominant in the subset of CDS+ T lymphocytes. Cellular immune response was relatively strong in AS patients accompanied with hepatitis B and the infiltrative CD8+ T lymphocytes might be mainly Tc cells.

STUDIES ON LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS, HUMORAL IMMUNITY AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH SELENIUM IN PATIENTS WITH KASHIN-BECK DISEASE

Objective To study the humoral immunity status and distribution pattern of lymphocyte subgroups of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) in patients with Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD), and their relationship with erythrocyte selenium. Methods 23 X-ray diagnosed patients, 22 age- and sex- matched healthy children in KBD affected area (KAA), and 25 in KBD non-affected area (KNAA) were randomly selected. Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies anti-CD4, anti-CD8, anti-CD20 was conducted to analyze the lymphocyte subsets. Serum IgM, IgA, IgG, Complement C3 and C4 were assayed using rate nephelometry (Array 360 System, USA). The contents of erythrocyte selenium was determined by 2,3-diaminonaphthalene fluorescence assay. Results CD4+ and CD8+ cells percentage in PBMCs and serum IgA were significantly lower in KAA than those in KNAA(P< 0.05). CD20+ percentage in KAA displayed a decreasing trend compared to KNAA, although not statistically significantly. No statistical differences were found in CD4/CD8 ratio, serum IgG, IgM, C3 and C4 levels. Erythrocyte selenium level in KAA still showed a pronounced decrease compared to that in KNAA. Correlation analysis showed that erythrocyte selenium contents had a strong association with the CD4 cell percentage (r= 0.625, P< 0.05), as well as serum IgA (r= 0.462, P< 0.05). In addition, a moderate correlation between the serum IgA and CD4+ percentage (r= 0.130, P> 0.05) was found. Conclusion These results suggested that children in KAA had a comparably low cellular immunity level and their humoral immunity status was also in a state of moderate immune suppression. Of this immune disorder in Kashin-Beck disease patients, selenium deficiency probably played a critical role via affecting the distribution pattern of peripheral blood lymphocyte. Selenium-deficiency and immune impairment maybe both have something to do with the cause-effect chain of KBD.

Study on T lymphocyte subsets and NK cells in patients with Graves' disease combined with type 2 diabetes

Objective To investigate changes in T lymphocyte subsets and NK cells in patients with simple Graves’ disease(GD)and Graves’ disease combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus(GD/T2DM).Methods Fifteen cases of GD/T2DM were selected from our hospital from November 2001 to November 2004.Before and after therapy thyroid function,thyroglobulin antibody(TGA),thyroid microsomal antibody(TMA)and blood glucose level were measured,and T lymphocyte subsets(CD3,CD4,CD8,CD4/CD8)and NK cells(CD56)were measured by immunofluorescence double labeling monoclonal antibody and flow cytometry,respectively.At the same time,comparison was made with simple GD(15 cases),T2DM(15 cases)and healthy control(20 cases).Results Before therapy,CD4/CD8,CD4 and NK cells in GD/T2DM were less than normal,and there was no significant difference in comparison with simple GD(P<0.05).In T2DM group,only CD4/CD8 and CD4 were less than those of healthy controls(P<0.05).When thyroid function recovered after 1 to 3 months of methimazole treatment in both GD/T2DM and simple GD groups,various indexes recovered,which were more obvious in simple GD.Conclusion Immune hypofunction of GD may be the key to the immune abnormality of GD/T2DM,which is more significant than that of simple GD or T2DM.The recovery of thyroid function and immune abnormality is not consistent,and the recovery of GD is more significant than that of GD/T2DM.

Detection of lymphocyte subsets and regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of patients with acute leukemia and its clinical significance

Objective To study the changes of lymphocyte subsets and regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of patients with acute leukemia(AL) and its clinical significance.Methods The different levels of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and regulatory T cells of 60 AL patients and 40 normal controls were detected with flow cytometry.Results Compared with the normal controls,the percentages of CD3+ T cells,CD4+ T cells,CD16+CD56+ NK cells and the ratio of CD4+ /CD8+ obviously decreased in newly diagnosed AL group(P <0.05),while their percentages of CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells significantly increased(P <0.01).The percentage of CD4+ T cells and the ratio of CD4+ /CD8+ in acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL) group were much lower than those in acute myelogenous leukemia(AML) group(P <0.01).Compared with these in control group,the proportions of CD4+ CD25high Treg cells and CD4+ CD25+ T cells in newly diagnosed AL group were significantly increased(P <0.01).Conclusion Cellular immune function is significantly abnormal in patients with AL.Compared with AML patients,ALL patients had poorer cellular immune function.The increased CD4 + CD25high Treg cells might be one of the important reasons of immunosuppression in AL.Detection of lymphocyte subsets and regulatory T cells is of clinical value on the evaluation of therapeutic effect and prognosis in AL patients.

THE EFFECT OF LOCAL RADIOTHERAPY ON T LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS OF CANCER PATIENT

In the study,we utilized the OKT monoclonal antihuman T Iymphocyte antibodies by indirect immunoenzyme staining method to determinc T lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of 72 cancer patients treated by local radiotherapy.The haematological assays were performed immediately Pre-and Postradiotherapy.In the postoperative radiotherapy group(PR group) of 40 breast cancer patients treated by prophylactic postoperative radiotherapy,after radiotherapy blood platelet,white blood cell and lymphocyte count decreased significantly.CD2,CD4 and CD8 cell counts all very significantly decreased.Proportion of CD2 and CD2 had no apparent change but proportion of CD8 increased significantly.The group appeared apparent hypoimmunity.While the complete response group(CR group) of 32 cancer paticnts treateil with local radiothcrapy,after radiotherapy blood Platelet,white blood cell and lymphocyte count had no significant decrease.CD2,CD4 and CD8 cell count had no significant decrease.Proportion of CD2,CD4 and CD8 had no apparent change.The CR group had no apparent hypoimmunity.Comparing decrease rate of immunologic parameters in these two groups,decrease rate of white blood cell,lympheeyte and T lymphocyte subsets count in CR group significantly were slightened rather than pR group.This study proved that effect of radiation-damaging tumor cell enhance antigenicity of the tumor and stimulate host cell immunity including a type of T-lymphogenesis.Induced hypoimmunity by postoperative radiotherapy should be avoided in this point of view.

Rapid loss of both CD4^+ and CD8^+ T lymphocyte subsets during the acute phase of severe acute respiratory syndrome

Objective To study the alteration of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients and to help improve the early diagnosis of the disease Methods Anti coagulating blood samples from 98 SARS patients in the acute phase, 56 normal healthy blood donors, and from patients infected by HIV, CMV and EBV were collected The T lymphocyte subsets were counted by flow cytometry using fluorescence labeled specific monoclonal antibodies Results A significant decrease was observed in all SARS patients in their peripheral CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocyte absolute counts [256(104)×10 6/L and 256 (117)×10 6/L, respectively], which were also lower than those of the patients infected with HIV, CMV and EBV All patients infected with HIV, CMV and EBV had significantly higher CD8 + T lymphocyte counts in comparison with normal controls Conclusions Decrease of both CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes of patients is related to onset of SARS T lymphocyte subset analysis would help improve the early diagnosis of the disease

The relationship between serum interleukins and T-lymphocyte subsets in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome

Objectives To observe the changes of serum interleukins (IL), T lymphocyte subsets, and white blood cell (WBC) count in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and to investigate the relationship between injured immune function, immune response and disturbed immune adjustment in SARS patients Methods The levels of serum IL 2, IL 10, IL 12 and T lymphocyte subset counts were measured in 35 clinically diagnosed SARS patients by using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) The relationship between the measured results and WBC count was further analyzed Results The level of serum IL was increased to a great extent in the 35 SARS patients, and the levels of serum IL 2, IL 10 and IL 12 were 242 53 (92 69) pg/ml, 77 43 (63 37) pg/ml and 65 94 (43 21) pg/ml, respectively The level of serum IL 2 increased markedly ( P <0 01) The peripheral blood CD 3 +, CD 4 + and CD 8 + counts were lower than normal in 23 patients (67 7%), 26 patients (74 3%) and 15 patients (42 9%), respectively The peripheral blood WBC counts were lower than 4 0×10 9/L in 10 patients, and their CD 3 +, CD 4 + and CD 8 + counts were 583 90 (315 58)×10 6/L, 272 00 (94 13)×10 6/L and 209 00 (72 21)×10 6/L, respectively The peripheral blood WBC counts were (4 0-10 0)×10 9/L in 20 patients, and their CD 3 +, CD 4 + and CD 8 + counts were 700 00 (502 96)×10 6/L, 347 00 (247 58)×10 6/L and 322 05 (228 47)×10 6/L, respectively The peripheral blood WBC counts were higher than 10 0×10 9/L in 5 patients, and their CD 3 +, CD 4 + and CD 8 + counts were 1466 00 (630 86)×10 6/L, 783 00 (311 14)×10 6/L and 640 00 (294 40)×10 6/L, respectively The decreased CD 3 +, CD 4 + and CD 8 + counts were consistent with the decreased WBC counts The level of IL in SARS patients was significantly higher than that in patients with chronic hepatitis B ( P <0 01) Conclusions The level of serum IL is closely related to cell immunity in SARS patients The level of serum IL is increased evidently while CD 3 +, CD 4 + and CD 8 + counts decrease Both serum IL and CD are associated with injury of immune function, and thus they could be regarded as a monitoring index for judging the condition of SARS patients and prescribing immune therapy

Characteristics of blood chemistry, hematology, and lymphocyte subsets in pregnant rhesus monkeys

The present study was designed to characterize the blood chemistry, hematology, and lymphocyte subsets in pregnant rhesus monkeys and provide baseline parameters for future studies of reproductive and developmental toxicity and developmental immunotoxicity. Harem-mating was used in 96 female and 16 male rhesus monkeys. Pregnancy was confirmed on gestation day(GD)18 by ultrasound. The blood samples of rhesus monkeys were collected at various times(20 days before pregnancy and GD20, 100 and 150). The analyses of blood chemistry, hematology, and lymphocyte subsets were performed. Copmpared with 20 days before pregnancy, Significant decreases(P < 0.05) were observed in HCT and RBC on GD20, GD150 and in HGB on GD150, Significant increases in NEUT and decreases in LYMPH on GD20 were observed. Significant decreases in ALB from GD20 to GD150 were observed, significant decreases in TP was observed on GD100. Significant increases in mean GLU were observed on GD20 and GD150 during pregnancy. Significant decreases(P < 0.05) in CD20+ subsets on GD100, GD150 and CD4+/CD8+ ratio on GD150 were observed, The significant changes of MCV, MCHC, RDW-SD, MCV, MONO, ALT, AST, GLB, ALP, TBIL, DBIL, IBIL, GGT, CR-S, URIC, TC, TG and CK were observed during the pregnant period, but no biologic change were observed, There were no significant changes in MCH, RDW-CV, MPV, BUN, CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ during pregnancy. These data provide a database for preclinical study in rhesus monkeys. Physiological anemia, hyperglycemia, and immune suppression may occur in pregnant rhesus monkey which is similar to that found in human, and it is essential to distinguish the physiological changes from the pharmacological effects in reproductive and developmental toxicity and developmental immunotoxicity studies of pharmaceuticals.

NK ACTIVITY OF LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS AND THE EFFECTS OF LOW DOSE RADIATION

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 3870902). Objective: To determine the NK activity of lymphocyte subsets and the effects of low dose radiation. Methods: Lymphocyte subsets were separated by monoclonal antibodies. The NK activity of each subset on tumor cells was detected by radioactive release method. Results: The results showed that besides NK cells, CD 4, CD 8 and B cells alone can kill tumor cells. But the cellkilling activity of NK cells appeared to be strongest. There was synergistic effect between CD 4 and NK cells. The activity of mixed lymphocytes was more than that of only one subset. The effect of low dose radiation (LDR) on NK activity of panlymphocytes or NK cells was different. Conclusion: This paper demonstrated that NK activity of mononuclear cells was called “NK activity of lymphocytes”, but it is not true. Only when NK cells were separated by monoclonal antibodies, its killer activity can be called “activity of NK cells”.

T LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH BETA－2－MICROGLOBULIN IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA

patients with multiple myeloma (MM) were investigated for lymphocyte subsets using APAAP (Alkaline Phosphastase Anti-Alkaline Phosphatase) technique and a panel of monoclonal antibodies.Radioimmunoassay was used to examine serum beta-2-microglobulin (Sβ2-MG).The results showed that OKT3, OKT4 positive cells and OKT4/OKT8 ratio reduced significantly. OKT8 positive cells increased sharply in MM. We conclude that,in MM,all patients have severe abnormalities in the number and proportion of T cells.The level of S β2-MG increased significantly, especially in the initial and relapsing patients.But,we did not find the relationship between Sβ2-MG and T subsets.

Association of T lymphocyte subset counts with the clinical features of colorectal cancer

Background:Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a common gastrointestinal malignancy.The T lymphocyte subsets are important in the develop-ment,invasion and metastasis of tumors,including CRC.Nevertheless,limited research has explored the relationship between T cell subpopu-lations and the clinical characteristics of CRC.This study compared the T lymphocyte subsets in patients with CRC and healthy individuals,and assessed the relationship between these values and clinical characteristics.Methods:Peripheral blood was collected from 100 patients with CRC and 54 healthy individuals.The numbers of CD3^(+)T,CD4^(+)T,and CD8^(+)T lymphocytes,NK cells,and the CD4^(+)T/CD8^(+)T ratio in peripheral blood were measured using flow cytometry,and were compared between CRC patients and healthy individuals.Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the T lymphocyte subsets in patients diagnosed with CRC and the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)and thymidine kinase 1(TK1).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were utilized to evaluate the potential utility of the T lymphocyte counts in predicting lymph node metastasis,vas-cular infiltration,and high Ki-67 expression.Results:The CRC patients had lower counts of CD3^(+)T,CD4^(+)T,and CD8^(+)T lymphocytes compared to the healthy population(P<0.05).However,no significant differences were observed in the CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)ratio or NK cells(P>0.05).Notably,the CD3^(+)T,CD4^(+)T,and CD8^(+)T lym-phocyte counts were higher in patients with stageⅠ-Ⅱdisease,no lymph node metastasis,no vascular invasion,and low Ki-67 expression than in those with stageⅢ,lymph node metastasis,vascular invasion,and high Ki-67 expression(P<0.05).There was a negative association be-tween the CD3^(+)T,CD4^(+)T,and CD8^(+)T lymphocyte counts and CEA and TK1 levels in patients with CRC.The ROC curves demonstrated that CD3^(+)T,CD4^(+)T,and CD8^(+)T lymphocyte counts had significant predictive value for lymph node metastasis,vascular infiltration,and high Ki-67 expression.Conclusions:The peripheral blood CD3^(+)T,CD4^(+)T,and CD8^(+)T lymphocyte counts are related to the clinical traits of patients with CRC and can predict the prognosis of the disease.

COVID-19: Lymphocyte Subpopulations Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients

Background: The alteration of lymphocyte subpopulations can help to predict the severity and the prognosis of severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our goal was to describe the kinetics of lymphocyte subsets, and their impact on the severity and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods: We collected demographic data, comorbidities, clinical signs on admission, laboratory findings on admission then a follow-up during hospitalization. Lymphocyte subsets including CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells were counted by flow cytometer. Results: On admission, we observed lymphopenia in 57% of cases, decreased CD3+ T cells in 76% of cases, decreased CD4+ T cells in 81% of cases, decreased CD8+ T cells in 62% of cases, decreased B cells in 52% of cases, and decreased natural killer (NK) cells in 33% of cases. After treatment, decreased CD3+ T cells, decreased CD4+ T cells, decreased CD8+ T cells, and decreased natural killer cells were predictor factors of mortality, in the univariable analysis. Conclusion: CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and natural killer cells were predictor factors of severity, ICU mortality, and also a useful tool for predicting disease progression.

Clinical Evaluation of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine in Treating SARS

Objective:To evaluate the effective treatment with integrative Chinese and western medicine (ICWM) of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Methods: The 65 cases of SARS patients were treated with ICWM and 37 cases with western medicine (WM) alone as the control in our hospital from March 11 to April 30, 2003. The results were analyzed, with T subset profile tested for all the 102 patients. Results: Sixty-five cases of SARS patients treated with ICWM included 52 mild cases of whom 51 cases were cured (98.1%) and no patient died. As to the 13 severe cases in this group, 9 were cured (69. 2%) and 2 died (15. 4%). Of the 37 cases treated with WM alone, 16 out of the 18 common cases were cured (88. 9%) and 10 out of the 19 severe cases were cured (52. 6%), with the other 9 died (47. 4%). Comparison between the two groups (P=0. 061) showed the difference was close to the value for statistical significance. But considering that the number of samples was small, more cases are needed for further study. The immune function examination: in cases of the common type, after ICWM treatment, CD4 + T lymphocytes were increased from 360±247 cell/mm3 to 563±479 cell/mm3 (P<0. 05). In the group treated with WM alone, CD4+ T lymphocytes were increased from 331 ±193 cell/mm3 to 772±354 cell/mm3 (P<0. 05). As to the severe cases after ICWM treatment, CD4+ T lymphocytes increased from 352±279 cell/mm3 to 525±490 cell/mm3 (P>0. 05). In the group of severe cases treated with WM alone, CD4+ T lymphocytes reduced from 229±69 cell/mm3 to 205±108 cell/mm3 (P>0. 05). While after ICWM treatment, CD4+ T lymphocytes were significantly higher than that of the group treated with WM alone (P< 0. 05). Conclusion: Compared with the group treated with WM alone, ICWM can significantly improve the prognosis, reduce the mortality as well as improve the immune function of SARS patients.

Effect of Early Intensive Insulin Therapy on Immune Function of Aged Patients with Severe Trauma

This study examined the effect of intensive insulin therapy on immune function and inflammatory factors at the early phase after severe trauma. At day 1, 3, 5, 7 after admission, subsets of CD4＋ helper T lymphocytes （Th1/Th2） and human leukocyte antigen （HLA）-DR expression on CD14＋ monocytes were flow cytometrically measured. Levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）, interleukin-6 （IL-6）, interleukin-10 （IL-10） and other immunity markers, such as IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, C4 and C reaction protein （CRP） were examined in two groups. The results showed that TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP levels in the intensive insulin therapy group were significantly lower than those in the conventional therapy group, whereas IL-10 levels were substantially increased after intensive insulin therapy. C3 level at day 3, 5, 7 and C4 levels at day 5, 7 were lower in the intensive therapy group than in the conventional therapy group. Th1/Th2 ratios decreased gradually over time in both groups, and were much lower at day 3, 5, 7 in intensive therapy group. There were significant differences among day 3 to day 7 after admission in HLA-DR expression in CD14＋ monocytes. It was concluded that the intensive insulin therapy could decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines in the elderly suffering from severe trauma, at the same time, with complement recovery being delayed. Moreover, intensive insulin therapy promoted immune suppression and, therefore, measures need be taken to address the issue.

The Immunity Induced by Recombinant Spike Proteins of SARS Coronavirus in Balb/c Mice

The immune effect of two recombinant protein fragments of spike protein in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV) was investigated in Balb/c mice. Two partial spike gene fragments S1 (322-1464 bp) and S2 (2170-2814 bp) of SARS coronavirus were amplified by RT-PCR, and cloned into pET-23a prokaryotic expression vector, then transformed into competent Escherichia E.coli BL21 (DE3)(pLysS) respectively. Recombinant proteins were expressed and puri- fied by Ni2+ immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. The purified proteins mixed with com- plete Freund adjuvant were injected into Balb/c mice three times at a two-week interval. High titer antibody was detected in the serum of immunized Balb/c mice, and mice immunized with S1 protein produced high titer IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3, while those immunized with S2 protein produced high titer IgG1, IgG2a, but lower titer IgG2b and IgG3. Serum IFN-γ concentration was increased significantly but the concentrations of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 had no significant change. And a marked increase was observed in the number of spleen CD8+ T cells. The results showed that recombinant proteins of SARS coronavirus spike protein induced hormonal and cellular immune response in Balb/c mice.

LW-AFC,a new formula derived from Liuwei Dihuang decoction,ameliorates behavioral and pathological deterioration via modulating the neuroendocrine-immune abnormalities in PrP-hAβPPswe/PS1^(ΔE9) transgenic mice

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of LW-AFC,a new formula of the main active components extracted fromLiuwei Dihuang decoction,on treatment of Alzheimer disease(AD) in mouse models.METHODS After treatment LW-AFC,mice were cognitively evaluated in behavioral experiments.Neuron loss,amyloid-β(Αβ) deposition,and Αβ level were analyzed using Nissl staining,immunofluorescence,and an Alpha LISA assay,respectively.Multiplex bead analysis,a radioimmunoassay,immunochemiluminometry,and an ELISA were used to measure cytokine and hormone levels.Lymphocyte subsets were detected using flow cytometry.RESULTS LW-AFC ameliorated the cognitive impairment observed in APP/PS1 mice,including the impairment of object recognition memory,spatial learning and memory,and active and passive avoidance.In addition,LW-AFC alleviated the neuron loss in the hippocampus,suppressed Αβ deposition in the brain,and reduced the concentration of Aβ1-42 in the hippocampus and plasma of APP/PS1 mice.LW-AFC treatment also significantly decreased the secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus,and adrenocorticotropic hormone,luteinizing hormone,and follicle-stimulating hormone in the pituitary.Moreover,LW-AFC increased CD8+CD28+T cells,and reduced CD4^+CD25^+Foxp3^+T cells in the spleen lymphocytes,down-regulated interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-23,granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor,and tumor necrosis factor-α and-β,and up-regulated IL-4 and granulocyte colony stimulating factor in the plasma of APP/PS1 mice.CONCLUSION LW-AFC ameliorated the behavioral and pathological deterioration of APP/PS1 transgenic micevia the restoration of the NIM network to a greater extent than either memantineor donepezil,which supports the use of LW-AFC as a potential agent for AD therapy.

Effects of microwave heating on systemic and localinfiltratinglymphocytesin patients with chroniclimb lymphedema

ObjectivesTo observe the characteristics of lymphocyte phenotypes in systemic and local skin and to evaluate the effects of microwave heating and bandaging treatment on chronic limb lymphedema Methods Totally 27 patients with lymphedema and 10 normal subjects were examined with alkaline phosphatase anti alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) and avidin biotin peroxidase (ABC) immunohistochemistry for the observation of systemic lymphocyte phenotypes and inflammatory cell infiltration of skin tissues Results In the peripheral blood of patients with chronic limb lymphedema, the number of CD4 T lymphocytes and the ratio of CD4/CD8 decreased, while the number of CD8 T lymphocytes increased Obvious dermal perivascular infiltration of T lymphocytes was also observed After two courses of microwave heating and bandaging treatment, the number of CD4 T lymphocytes augmented and the decreased CD4/CD8 ratio returned to normal, and the number of CD8 T lymphocytes reduced The perivascular T lymphocyte infiltration in the dermis resolved and the number of macrophages elevated Conclusion Microwave heating and bandaging treatment can regulate the imbalance of systemic and local immunity in patients with chronic lymphedema