Oxalate regulates crystal-cell adhesion and macrophage metabolism via JPT2/PI3K/AKT signaling to promote the progression of kidney stones

Oxalate is an organic dicarboxylic acid that is a common component of plant foods.The kidneys are essential organs for oxalate excretion,but excessive oxalates may induce kidney stones.Jupiter microtubule associated homolog 2(JPT2)is a critical molecule in Ca^(2+)mobilization,and its intrinsic mechanism in oxalate exposure and kidney stones remains unclear.This study aimed to reveal the mechanism of JPT2 in oxalate exposure and kidney stones.Genetic approaches were used to control JPT2 expression in cells and mice,and the JPT2 mechanism of action was analyzed using transcriptomics and untargeted metabolomics.The results showed that oxalate exposure triggered the upregulation of JPT2,which is involved in nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NAADP)-mediated Ca^(2+)mobilization.Transcriptomic analysis revealed that cell adhesion and macrophage inflammatory polarization were inhibited by JPT2 knockdown,and these were dominated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT signaling,respectively.Untargeted metabolomics indicated that JPT2 knockdown inhibited the production of succinic acid semialdehyde(SSA)in macrophages.Furthermore,JPT2 deficiency in mice inhibited kidney stones mineralization.In conclusion,this study demonstrates that oxalate exposure facilitates kidney stones by promoting crystal-cell adhesion,and modulating macrophage metabolism and inflammatory polarization via JPT2/PI3K/AKT signaling.

Bioactive compounds in Hericium erinaceus and their biological properties:a review

Hericium erinaceus is a nutritious edible and medicinal fungi,rich in a variety of functional active ingredients,with various physiological functions such as antioxidation,anticancer,and enhancing immunity.It is also effective in protecting the digestive system and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.In this review paper,we summarize the sources,structures and efficacies of the main active components in H.erinaceus fruiting body,mycelium,and culture media,and update the latest research progress on their biological activities and the related molecular mechanisms.Based on this information,we provide detailed challenges in current research,industrialization and information on the active ingredients of H.erinaceus.Perspectives for future studies and new applications of H.erinaceus are proposed.

Differences in the effects and action modes of gut commensals against dextran sulfate sodium-induced intestinal inflammation

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a complex relapsing inflammatory disease in the gut and is driven by complicated host-gut microbiome interactions.Gut commensals have shown different functions in IBD prevention and treatment.To gain a mechanistic understanding of how different commensals affect intestinal inflammation,we compared the protective effects of 6 probiotics(belonging to the genera Akkermansia,Bifidobacterium,Clostridium,and Enterococcus)on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice with or without gut microbiota.Anti-inflammatory properties(ratio of interleukin(IL)-10 and IL-12)of these strains were also evaluated in an in vitro mesenteric lymph nodes(MLN)co-culture system.Results showed that 4 probiotics(belonging to the species Bifidobacterium breve,Bifidobacterium bifidum,and Enterococcus faecalis)can alleviate colitis in normal mice.The probiotic strains differed in regulating the intestinal microbiota,cytokines(IL-10,IL-1βand interferon(IFN)-γ),and tight junction function(Zonulin-1 and Occludin).By constrast,Akkermansia muciniphila AH39 and Clostridium butyricum FHuNHHMY49T1 were not protective.Interestingly,B.breve JSNJJNM2 with high anti-inflammatory potential in the MLN model could relieve colitis symptoms in antibiotic cocktail(Abx)-treated mice.Meanwhile,E.faecalis FJSWX25M1induced low levels of cytokines in vitro and showed no beneficial effects.Therefore,we provided insight into the clinical application of probiotics in IBD treatment.

Clinical application prospects and transformation value of dental follicle stem cells in oral and neurological diseases

Since dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)were first reported,six types of dental SCs(DSCs)have been isolated and identified.DSCs originating from the craniofacial neural crest exhibit dental-like tissue differentiation potential and neuroectodermal features.As a member of DSCs,dental follicle SCs(DFSCs)are the only cell type obtained at the early developing stage of the tooth prior to eruption.Dental follicle tissue has the distinct advantage of large tissue volume compared with other dental tissues,which is a prerequisite for obtaining a sufficient number of cells to meet the needs of clinical applications.Furthermore,DFSCs exhibit a significantly higher cell proliferation rate,higher colony-formation capacity,and more primitive and better anti-inflammatory effects than other DSCs.In this respect,DFSCs have the potential to be of great clinical significance and translational value in oral and neurological diseases,with natural advantages based on their origin.Lastly,cryopreservation preserves the biological properties of DFSCs and enables them to be used as off-shelf products for clinical applications.This review summarizes and comments on the properties,application potential,and clinical transformation value of DFSCs,thereby inspiring novel perspectives in the future treatment of oral and neurological diseases.

Regulatory role of exosomes in colorectal cancer progression and potential as biomarkers

Colorectal cancer(CRC)remains an enormous challenge to human health worldwide.Unfortunately,the mechanism underlying CRC progression is not well understood.Mounting evidence has confirmed that exosomes play a vital role in CRC progression,which has attracted extensive attention among researchers.In addition to acting as messengers between CRC cells,exosomes also participate in the CRC immunomodulatory process and reshape immune function.As stable message carriers and liquid biopsy option under development,exosomes are promising biomarkers in the diagnosis or treatment of CRC.In this review we have described and analyzed the biogenesis and release of exosomes and current research on the role of exosomes in immune regulation and metastasis of CRC.Moreover,we have discussed candidate exosomal molecules as potential biomarkers to diagnose CRC,predict CRC progression,or determine CRC chemoresistance,and described the significance of exosomes in the immunotherapy of CRC.This review provides insight to further understand the role of exosomes in CRC progression and identify valuable biomarkers that facilitate the clinical management of CRC patients.

Research progress of artesunate in diabetes and its complications

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormally elevated blood glucose levels.Persistent hyperglycemia leads to diabetic nephropathy,diabetic retinopathy,diabetes with periodontal disease and other diabetic complications.These diseases have become the main causes of disability and death in diabetic patients.Artesunate is well known as an antimalarial drug for controlling malaria symptoms.Current studies have shown that artesunate improves diabetes and its complications by protecting islet cells,improving glucose and lipid metabolism,anti-inflammatory and immune regulation.Based on the research status in recent years,this paper focuses on the mechanism of artesunate in diabetes and its complications,to provide a theoretical basis for future diabetes research.

Progress and expectation of stem cell therapy for diabetic wound healing

Impaired wound healing presents great health risks to diabetics.Encouragingly,the current clinical successfully found out meaningful method to repair wound tissue,and stem cell therapy could be an effective method for diabetic wound healing with its ability to accelerate wound closure and avoid amputation.This minireview aims at introducing stem cell therapy for facilitating tissue repair in diabetic wounds,discussing the possible therapeutic mechanism and clinical application status and problems.

Colorectal cancer and immunity:what we know and perspectives

Strong evidence supports the concept of immunosurveillance and immunoediting in colorectal cancer. In particular, the density of T CD8+ and CD45+ lymphocyte infiltration was recently shown to have a better prognostic value than the classic tumor node metastasis classification factor. Other immune subsets, as macrophages, natural killer cells or unconventionnal lymphocytes, seem to play an important role. Induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) or immunosuppressive molecules such as PD-1 or CTLA-4 and downregulation of antigen-presenting molecules are major escape mechanisms to antitumor immune response. The development of these mechanisms is a major obstacle to the establishment of an effective immune response, but also to the use of immunotherapy. Although immunotherapy is not yet routinely used in colorectal cancer, we now know that most treatments used (chemotherapy and biotherapy) have immunomodulatory effects, such as induction of immunogenic cell death by chemotherapy, inhibition of immunosuppression by antiangiogenic agents, and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity induced by cetuximab. Finally, many immunotherapy strategies are being developed and tested in phase I to III clinical trials. The most promising strategies are boosting the immune system with cytokines, inhibition of immunoregulatory checkpoints, vaccination with vectorized antigens, and adoptive cell therapy. Comprehension of antitumor immune response and combination of the different approaches of immunotherapy may allow the use of effective immunotherapy for treatment of colorectal cancer in the near future.

Contribution of TLR signaling to the pathogenesis of colitisassociated cancer in inflammatory bowel disease

In the intestine a balance between proinflammatory and repair signals of the immune system is essential for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. The innate immunity ensures a primary host response to microbial invasion, which induces an inflammatory process to localize the infection and prevent systemic dissemination of pathogens. The key elements of this process are the germline encoded pattern recognition receptors including Toll-like receptors (TLRs). If pathogens cannot be eliminated, they may elicit chronic inflammation, which may be partly mediated via TLRs. Additionally, chronic inflammation has long been suggested to trigger tissue tumorous transformation. Inflammation, the seventh hallmark of cancer, may affect all phases of tumor development, and evade the immune system. Inflammation acts as a cellular stressor and may trigger DNA damage or genetic instability. Furthermore, chronic inflammation can provoke genetic mutations and epigenetic mechanisms that promote malignant cell transformation. Colorectal cancers in inflammatory bowel disease patients are considered typical examples of inflammation-related cancers. Although data regarding the role of TLRs in the pathomechanism of cancer-associated colitis are rather conflicting, functionally these molecules can be classified as ”largely antitumorigenic” and ”largely pro-tumorigenic” with the caveat that the underlying signaling pathways are mainly context (i.e., organ-, tissue-, cell-) and ligand-dependent.

Regulatory T cells in viral hepatitis

The pathogenesis and outcome of viral infections are significantly influenced by the host immune response. The immune system is able to eliminate many viruses in the acute phase of infection. However, some viruses, like hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), can evade the host immune responses and establish a persistent infection. HCV and HBV persistence is caused by various mechanisms, like subversion of innate immune responses by viral factors, the emergence of T cell escape mutations, or T cell dysfunction and suppression. Recently, it has become evident that regulatory T cells may contribute to the pathogenesis and outcome of viral infections by suppressing antiviral immune responses. Indeed, the control of HCV and HBV specific immune responses mediated by regulatory T cells may be one mechanism that favors viral persistence, but it may also prevent the host from overwhelming T cell activity and liver damage. This review will focus on the role of regulatory T cells in viral hepatitis.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D_3 regulates LPS-induced cytokine production and reduces mortality in rats

AIM： To study the immunoregulatory effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 Von dominant Thl response in rats. METHODS： Sixty adult Lewis rats were randomized into three groups. Rats in group 1 （n=25） were treated with 1,25-（OH）2D3 first and then challenged with LPS, rats in group 2 （n=25） were treated with vehicle first and then challenged with LPS. Ten animals in groups 1 and 2 were preserved for mortality observation. The remaining animals were injected （i.p） with endotoxin, 24 h after the last administration of 1,25-（OH）2D3 and vehicle. Rats in group 3 （n=10） were treated with 1,25-（OH）2D3 only. Serum IL-12, IFN-y, IL-2 and IL-4 levels were measured and target gene of 1,25-（OH）2D3 on Th cells was studied after 6 h. Gene abundance was verified by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS： No death occurred in rats pretreated with 1,25-（OH）2D3 after LPS injection. Death occurred 9 h after LPS injection in rats pretreated with the vehicle, and the number of deaths was 5 within 24 h, with a mortality rate of 50%. There was no change in the number of deaths within 96 h. Six hours after endotoxin stimulation, serum IL-12 and IFN-y levels decreased significantly in rats pretreated with 1,25-（OH）2D3 as compared with those in rats pretreated with the vehicle. The serum content of these two cytokines was very low in rats not challenged by endotoxin, and there was a significant difference as compared with the previous two groups. CONCLUSION： 1,25-（OH）2D3 attenuates injuryinduced by the lethal dose of 1PS, regulates Thl and Th2 cells at the transcription level, and dominantly responds to cytokine production in rats.

Umbilical Cord Blood-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Graft-Versus-Host Disease Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation through Multiple Immunoregulations

Summary： Although mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） are increasingly used to treat graft-versus-host disease （GVHD）, their immune regulatory mechanism in the process is elusive. The present study aimed to investigate the curative effect of third-party umbilical cord blood-derived human MSCs （UCB-hMSCs） on GVHD patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation （allo-HSCT） and their immune regulatory mechanism. Twenty-four refractory GVHD patients after allo-HSCT were treated with UCB-hMSCs. Immune cells including T lymphocyte subsets, NK ceils, Treg cells and dendritic cells （DCs） and cytokines including interleukin-17 （IL-17） and tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α） were monitored before and after MSCs transfusion. The results showed that the symptoms of GVHD were alleviated significantly without increased relapse of primary disease and transplant-related complications after MSCs transfusion. The number of CD3^＋, CD3＋CD4^＋ and CD3＋CD8^＋ cells decreased significantly, and that of NK cells remained unchanged, whereas the number of CD4^＋ and CD8^＋ Tregs increased and reached a peak at 4 weeks; the number of mature DCs, and the levels of TNF-α and IL-17 decreased and reached a trough at 2 weeks. It was concluded that MSCs ameliorate GVHD and spare GVL effect via immunoregulations.

Mesenchymal stromal cells as potential immunomodulatory players in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by SARSCoV- 2 infection

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and the related coronavirus disease-19(COVID-19)is a worldwide emerging situation,which was initially reported in December 2019 in Wuhan,China.Currently,more than 7258842 new cases,and more than 411879 deaths have been reported globally.This new highly transmitted coronavirus is responsible for the development of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.Due to this disorder,a great number of patients are hospitalized in the intensive care unit followed by connection to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for breath supporting and survival.Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome is mostly accompanied by the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines,including interleukin(IL)-2,IL-6,IL-7,granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(GSCF),interferon-inducible protein 10(IP10),monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP1),macrophage inflammatory protein 1A(MIP1A),and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),an event which is known as“cytokine storm”.Further disease pathology involves a generalized modulation of immune responses,leading to fatal multiorgan failure.Currently,no specific treatment or vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)has been developed.Mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs),which are known for their immunosuppressive actions,could be applied as an alternative co-therapy in critically-ill COVID-19 patients.Specifically,MSCs can regulate the immune responses through the conversion of Th1 to Th2,activation of M2 macrophages,and modulation of dendritic cells maturation.These key immunoregulatory properties of MSCs may be exerted either by produced soluble factors or by cell-cell contact interactions.To date,several clinical trials have been registered to assess the safety,efficacy,and therapeutic potential of MSCs in COVID-19.Moreover,MSC treatment may be effective for the reversion of ground-glass opacity of damaged lungs and reduce the tissue fibrosis.Taking into account the multifunctional properties of MSCs,the proposed stem-cell-based therapy may be proven significantly effective in critically-ill COVID-19 patients.The current therapeutic strategy may improve the patient’s overall condition and in parallel may decrease the mortality rate of the current disease.

Effects of living and metabolically inactive mesenchymal stromal cells and their derivatives on monocytes and macrophages

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent and self-renewing stem cellsthat have great potential as cell therapy for autoimmune and inflammatorydisorders, as well as for other clinical conditions, due to their immunoregulatoryand regenerative properties. MSCs modulate the inflammatory milieu by releasingsoluble factors and acting through cell-to-cell mechanisms. MSCs switch theclassical inflammatory status of monocytes and macrophages towards a nonclassicaland anti-inflammatory phenotype. This is characterized by an increasedsecretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, a decreased release of pro-inflammatorycytokines, and changes in the expression of cell membrane molecules and inmetabolic pathways. The MSC modulation of monocyte and macrophage phenotypesseems to be critical for therapy effectiveness in several disease models, sincewhen these cells are depleted, no immunoregulatory effects are observed. Here,we review the effects of living MSCs (metabolically active cells) and metabolicallyinactive MSCs (dead cells that lost metabolic activity by induced inactivation) andtheir derivatives (extracellular vesicles, soluble factors, extracts, and microparticles)on the profile of macrophages and monocytes and the implications forimmunoregulatory and reparative processes. This review includes mechanisms ofaction exhibited in these different therapeutic appro-aches, which induce the antiinflammatoryproperties of monocytes and macrophages. Finally, we overviewseveral possibilities of therapeutic applications of these cells and their derivatives,with results regarding monocytes and macrophages in animal model studies andsome clinical trials.

Citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids for immunoregulation and potential targeting ACE2

The most recent outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus,named as COVID-19,caused pneumonia epidemic in Wuhan with 2121 deaths cases as of February 20th 2020.Identification of effective antiviral agents to combat the novel coronavirus is urgently needed.Citrus fruit peel or wild citrus are rich in flavonoids,and clinically documented for roles in relief of cough and promotion of digestive health.Therefore,citrus fruits are assumed to possess antivirus activities or enhance the host immunity.A previous study found that hesperetin could act as a high potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV 3CLpro.We determined six flavonoid compounds’content in three citrus species by using LC-MS technique.The content of naringin and naringenin was at higher levels in pummelo.Hesperetin and hesperidin were highly accumulated in mandarin and sweet orange.The subsequent in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that naringin could inhibit the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines(COX-2,iNOS,IL-1βand IL-6)induced by LPS in Raw macrophage cell line,and may restrain cytokine through inhibiting HMGB1 expression in a mouse model.The results revealed that naringin may have a potential application for preventing cytokine storm.We simulated molecular docking to predict the binding affinity of those flavonoids to bind Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE 2),which is a receptor of the coronavirus.Consideration of the potential anti-coronavirus and anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids,the citrus fruit or its derived phytochemicals are promising in the use of prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Differences and similarities between mesenchymal stem cell and endothelial progenitor cell immunoregulatory properties against T cells

Bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells have some interesting biological properties that make them unique for cell therapy of degenerative and cardiovascular disorders.Although both cell populations have been already studied and used for their regenerative potentials,recently their special immunoregulatory features have brought much more attention.Mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells have both proangiogenic functions and have been shown to suppress the immune response,particularly T cell proliferation,activation,and cytokine production.This makes them suitable choices for allogeneic stem cell transplantation.Nevertheless,these two cells do not have equal immunoregulatory activities.Many elements including their extraction sources,age/passage,expression of different markers,secretion of bioactive mediators,and some others could change the efficiency of their immunosuppressive function.However,to our knowledge,no publication has yet compared mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells for their immunological interaction with T cells.This review aims to specifically compare the immunoregulatory effect of these two populations including their T cell suppression,deactivation,cytokine production,and regulatory T cells induction capacities.Moreover,it evaluates the implications of the tumor necrosis factor alpha-tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 axis as an emerging immune checkpoint signaling pathway controlling most of their immunological properties.

Research progress in immune regulation mechanism of Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharide

Polygonati Rhizoma is the dry rhizome of Liliaceae plants Polygonatum kingianum coil ethemsl,Polygonatum sibiricum Redoute and Polygonatum cyrtonem Hua.It tastes sweet and has a flat nature.It belongs to the spleen,lung and kidney channels.Polygonati Rhizoma contains a variety of chemical components,including polysaccharides,alkaloids,steroidal saponins,lignans,phytosterols,and so on.Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharide(PSP)is one of the main bioactive components of Polygonati Rhizoma.It is widely used.It has the effects of enhancing immunity,anti-inflammatory,anti-virus and regulating blood lipid.In recent years,the immunomodulatory function of PSP has been paid more and more attention by researchers.PSP can play an immunomodulatory role through a variety of mechanisms.(1)Effects of PSP on innate immunity.①Macrophages have a strong ability to phagocytize and clear foreign bodies.When polysaccharides bind to macrophage specific membrane receptors,the immune response will be officially activated.RAW264.7 cells can be activated by PSP MR and TLR4 mediated signal pathway to improve the pinocytosis and phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells.②Natural killer cell(NK cell)is a very important immune cell in the body.It is a non-specific immune killer cell naturally existing in the body.It has the dual functions of immune regulation and cytotoxicity.It was found that the signal pathway mediated by PSP CR3 and TRL2 may play a major role in the stimulation of NK cells.(2)Effects of PSP on adaptive immune response.①Lymphocytes can be divided into two forms:T cells and B cells due to different differentiation and maturation sites.T lymphocytes are the general name of thymus dependent lymphocytes.B lymphocytes differentiate and mature from animal bone marrow cells and exert their humoral immune function by secreting different antibodies.It was found that PSP could activate T/B lymphocytes and increase the ratio of CD4+/CD8+in lymph cells to promote the regulation of immune system.②Thymus and spleen index refers to the level of body immunity through the development of immune organs and the functional status of immune cells.The higher the index of thymus and spleen,the higher the immune activity.A large number of studies have found that PSP can improve immune activity by promoting the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes and regulating organ index,so as to increase the weight and index of thymus and spleen induced by CY.③Antibody is a glycoprotein secreted by B cells after antigen stimulation and a series of proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells.Antibody production level is one of the main indicators of nonspecific immune function.PSP can not only improve the serum antibody level of mice by regulating the phagocytosis of mouse macrophages and the level of serum hemolysin,but also enhance the concentration of IL-2 secreted by spleen lymphocytes in vitro to increase the level of antibody response,and then improve the humoral immune function of the body.(3)Effect of PSP on cytokines.①A large number of experiments have proved that PSP has a significant effect on promoting the production of interleukin(IL).PSP can combine with specific receptors on the surface of immune cells to activate various intracellular signal transduction pathways,enhance the secretion of cytokines such as IL-2,IL-4,IL-6 and IL^(-1)0 by spleen lymphocytes in vitro,make them directly kill target cells and regulate the immune function of the body at the molecular level.②Interferon(IFN)is a special protein or glycoprotein produced by human or animal cells in response to various stimuli.It plays an important role in anti-virus,immune regulation and cell proliferation control.It was found that PSP could increase IFN-γsecreted by T cells and NK cells,activate macrophages to regulate immune function.③Tumor necrosis factor(TNF)is mainly produced by activated macrophages,NK cells and activated T cells.It is a cytokine with important biological activity in antitumor immune response.④Tumor necrosis factor(TNF)is mainly produced by activated macrophages,NK cells and activated T cells.It is a cytokine with important biological activity in antitumor immune response.PSP can promote the proliferation and phagocytic activity of macrophage RAW264.7 to reduce its apoptosis rate.By increasing the secretion of TNF-α,PSP can promote the dissociation between NF-κВprotein and IκВp65 protein after phosphorylation,so as to start the expression and transcription of related immune genes.In conclusion,PSP can improve immunity and has a good application prospect in the development of immunomodulatory drugs.

Immunomodulatory effect of pachymaran on cyclosporine A(CsA)-induced lung injury in mice

Objective To investigate the immunomodulatory effect of pachymaran on cyclosporine A(CsA)-induced lung injury in mice.Methods(i) Fifty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups(10 mice in each group): normal control(NC) group, 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg CsA groups, and lipopolysaccharide(LPS) group. Except for the NC group, other groups underwent CsA modeling. The NC group was treated with phosphate-buffered saline(PBS), the LPS group with 10 mg/kg LPS eight hours before mice euthanized, and the 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg CsA groups with corresponding doses of CsA for seven consecutive days. After treatment, the body and organ mass of each group were weighed, and the lung, thymus, and spleen indexes were calculated. Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE) staining was performed to observe histopathological changes in the lungs of the mice. The protein expression levels of interleukin(IL)-2 and IL-1β in the blood were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and those of surfactant protein D(SP-D), IL-2, and IL-6 in lung tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC). The mRNA expression levels of SP-D, IL-1β, IL-6, and myeloperoxidase(MPO) in the lung tissues were detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR).(ii) Another 60 BALB/c mice were divided into six groups(10 mice in each group) : NC group,model control(MC) group, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg pachymaran groups, and polyinosinicpolycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] group. Except for the NC group, other groups underwent45 mg/kg CsA modeling. The NC and MC groups were treated with distilled water, the pachymaran groups with corresponding doses pachymaran, and the poly(I:C) group with 0.1 mg/kg poly(I:C) for seven days.The mice were euthanized to obtain tissues and serum for detection.Detection methods were identical to those described in(i) above.Results(i) CsA(30 mg/kg) increased the lung index of mice(P < 0.001), and decreased the spleen index(P < 0.01), thymus index(P < 0.05), and the serum level of IL-2(P < 0.05). CsA(45 mg/kg) decreased the spleen, thymus indexes, and the serum level of IL-2(P < 0.01) in mice, and increased the serum level of IL-1β(P < 0.05) and the protein level of lung SP-D(P <0.001). CsA(60 mg/kg) increased the lung index of mice(P < 0.01), the serum level of IL-1β(P < 0.05), the protein level of lung SP-D(P < 0.01), and the mRNA levels of lung MPO and SP-D( P < 0.05), and decreased the thymus index of mice(P < 0.01). HE staining showed that 30, 45, and60 mg/kg CsA, and LPS caused pathological changes in the lung tissue of mice.(ii) After pachymaran intervention in MC mice, the spleen and thymus indexes(P < 0.05) were increased in the 100 and 200 mg/kg pachymaran groups, and the lung index was decreased(P < 0.05).Moreover, 50 mg/kg pachymaran increased the thymus index(P < 0.05) and decreased the lung index(P < 0.01) in MC group. Pachymaran(50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) improved lung tissue injury, reduced the serum level of IL-1β(P < 0.001), and the mRNA levels of MPO and SPD in lung tissues(P < 0.05) of mice. Pachymaran(100 mg/kg) increased the protein level of lung IL-2(P < 0.01), decreased the protein level of lung SP-D(P < 0.01), and the mRNA level of IL-1β(P < 0.001) in the lung tissues of mice. Pachymaran(200 mg/kg) increased the serum level of IL-2(P < 0.01) and lung IL-6 of mice(P < 0.05). Pachymaran(50 and 200 mg/kg) increased the mRNA level of IL-6 in the lung tissues of mice(P < 0.05).Conclusion While the immune function of mice was suppressed by CsA, the lung tissue was also damaged. Pachymaran can improve the immunosuppression induced by CsA and improve the lung tissue injury in immunosuppressed mice.

Effects of Cimetidine on IL－2 and T Suppressor Cell Function in Rats with Obstructive Jaundice

Susceptibility to infection in patients with obstructive jaundice is much more higher than non-jaundiced patients. The reasons for this are not completely understood. It is postulated that this may have some relation to changes of patients′immune function. This article reported the changes of splenocyte IL-2 production and T Suppressor cell activity in rats with obstructive jaundice. Meanwhile, we also investigated effects of cimetidine on immune function in rats with bile duct ligation. The results show that IL-2 production in obstructive jaundiced rats significantly decreased and T suppressor cell activity markably increased. Cimetidine could remarkably enhance IL-2 production and suppress T Suppressor cell activity. Abmormaility of immune function may be one reason for high susceptibility to infection in patients with obstructive jaundice in perioperative period. Cimetidine, which could clearly improve immune function in rats with obstructive jaundice, might be a valuable agent for strengthening the capacity of fighting infection in patients with obstructive jaundice.

Anti-inflammatory effect of plant compositions of Tibetan medicine in vitro on early rheumatoid arthritis

Materials and Methods: lymphocytes of 10 pa-tients having early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (the duration of the illness was 3 - 6 months) with a marked exudational process in joints were ex-amined. The content of lymphocytes expressing the CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD56, CD20, CD72, CD38, CD23, CD25, CD71, HLA-DR, CD95, CD30, CD54, mIgM, mIgG antigens was determined. Results: the “Taban-Arshan” extract corrects the changes of the immune system characterized by the evident activation of the B-cell part of the immune system and normalizes immune parameters of the lymphocytes taken from the patients with autoimmune diseases (early rheumatoid arthritis). The immunocorrective effect of the “Taban-Arshan” extract is related to its ability to suppress the lymphocyte increased activation by normalizing expression of the main activation antigens (CD23, CD25, CD71, HLA-DR, CD54).