MSC-derived exosomes attenuate hepatic fibrosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis through inhibition of Th17 differentiation

Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is an autoimmune cholangiopathy characterized by chronic inflammation of the biliary epithelium and periductal fibrosis,with no curative treatment available,and liver transplantation is inevitable for end-stage patients.Human placentalmesenchymal stem cell(hpMSC)-derived exosomes have demonstrated the ability to prevent fibrosis,inhibit collagen production and possess immunomodulatory properties in autoimmune liver disease.Here,we prepared hpMSC-derived exosomes(Exo^(MSC))and further investigated the anti-fibrotic effects and detailed mechanism on PSC based on Mdr2^(−/−)mice and multicellular organoids established from PSC patients.The results showed that Exo^(MSC) ameliorated liver fibrosis in Mdr2^(−/−)mice with significant collagen reduction in the preductal area where Th17 differentiation was inhibited as demonstrated by RNAseq analysis,and the percentage of CD4+IL-17A+T cells was reduced both in Exo^(MSC)-treated Mdr2^(−/−)mice(Mdr2^(−/−)-Exo)in vivo and Exo^(MSC)-treated Th17 differentiation progressed in vitro.Furthermore,Exo^(MSC) improved the hypersecretory phenotype and intercellular interactions in the hepatic Th17 microenvironment by regulating PERK/CHOP signaling as supported by multicellular organoids.Thus,our data demonstrate the antifibrosis effect of Exo^(MSC) in PSC disease by inhibiting Th17 differentiation,and ameliorating the Th17-induced microenvironment,indicating the promising potential therapeutic role of Exo^(MSC) in liver fibrosis of PSC or Th17-related diseases.

Modulating the crosstalk between macrophage and Th17: potential mechanism of natural products on acute lung injury

Sepsis is a life-threatening multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by the imbalance of the immune response to infection,featuring complex and variable conditions,and is one of the leading causes of mortality in ICU patients.Lung injury is a common organ damage observed in sepsis patients.Macrophages and Th17 cells,as crucial components of innate and adaptive immunity,play pivotal roles in the development of sepsis-induced acute lung injury(ALI).This review summarizes the alterations and mechanisms of macrophages and Th17 cells in sepsis-induced ALI.By focusing on the“cross-talk”between macrophages and Th17 cells,this review aims to provide a solid theoretical foundation for further exploring the therapeutic targets of traditional Chinese medicine formulas in the treatment of sepsis complicated with ALI,thereby offering insights and guidance for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine in managing sepsis-associated ALI.

Detection and Clinical Significance of Th17/Treg Cell-Related Factors in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:To investigate the detection of Th17/Treg cell-related factors in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)and its clinical significance.Methods:In this study,a retrospective cohort research method was used to collect the clinical data of 42 patients who were hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University and received the diagnosis of GDM from January 2018 to December 2022,as well as 42 patients with normal pregnancies during the same period.The Th17/Treg expression levels and metabolism-related indexes in the peripheral blood of patients were detected by radioimmunoassay.Results:The relative expression of Th17 in the serum of patients in the GDM group was significantly higher than that of the control group,and the level of Treg was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);the levels of FBG,FINS,2hBG,TC,TG and HOMA-IR of the patients in the GDM group were significantly higher than that of the control group,and the level of HOMA-βwas significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The imbalance of the Th17/Treg cell ratio in patients with GDM may be related to their disease progression and prognosis,providing new ideas and strategies for the clinical treatment of GDM.

YTE-17 inhibits colonic carcinogenesis by resetting antitumor immune response via Wnt5a/JNK mediated metabolic signaling

The density and composition of lymphocytes infiltrating colon tumors serve as predictive factors for the clinical outcome of colon cancer.Our previous studies highlighted the potent anti-cancer properties of the principal compounds found in Garcinia yunnanensis(YTE-17),attributing these effects to the regu-lation of multiple signaling pathways.However,knowledge regarding the mechanism and effect of YTE-17 in the prevention of colorectal cancer is limited.In this study,we conducted isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification(iTRAQ)analysis on intestinal epithelial cells(IECs)exposed YTE-17,both in vitro and in vivo,revealing a significant inhibition of the Wnt family member 5a(Wnt5a)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)signaling pathway.Subsequently,we elucidated the influence and mechanism of YTE-17 on the tumor microenvironment(TME),specifically focusing on macrophage-mediated T helper 17(Th17)cell induction in a colitis-associated cancer(CAC)model with Wnt5a deletion.Additionally,we performed the single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)on the colonic tissue from the Wnt5a-deleted CAC model to characterize the composition,lineage,and functional status of immune mesenchymal cells during different stages of colorectal cancer(CRC)progression.Remarkably,our findings demon-strate a significant reduction in M2 macrophage polarization and Th17 cell phenotype upon treatment with YTE-17,leading to the restoration of regulatory T(Treg)/Th17 cell balance in azoxymethane(AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)model.Furthermore,we also confirmed that YTE-17 effectively inhibited the glycolysis of Th17 cells in both direct and indirect co-culture systems with M2 macrophages.Notably,our study shed light on potential mechanisms linking the non-canonical Wnt5a/JNK signaling pathway and well-established canonical b-catenin oncogenic pathway in vivo.Specifically,we proposed that Wnt5a/JNK signaling activity in IECs promotes the development of cancer stem cells with b-catenin activity within the TME,involving macrophages and T cells.In summary,our study undergoes the po-tential of YTE-17 as a preventive strategy against CRC development by addressing the imbalance with the immune microenvironment,thereby mitigating the risk of malignancies.

红细胞膜相关蛋白通过IL-6/STAT3/ROR-γt信号通路抑制小鼠实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎中Th17细胞分化

目的探讨小鼠实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)模型中,外源性和内源性红细胞膜相关蛋白(ERMAP)通过白细胞介素6/信号转录及转录激活因子3(IL-6/STAT3)/维甲酸相关孤核受体γt/(ROR-γt)信号通路对辅助性T细胞17(Th17)细胞分化的影响。方法流式细胞术验证不同浓度ERMAP-Ig融合蛋白功能;琼脂糖凝胶电泳鉴定ERMAP基因敲除小鼠。流式细胞术检测ERMAP-Ig融合蛋白在体外对Th17细胞分化影响。40只6周龄普通C57BL/6小鼠随机分为2组建立EAE模型:对照(control)-Ig和ERMAP-Ig组,每组20只;记录临床评分;流式细胞术检测EAE小鼠体内Th17细胞分化情况。40只6周龄已鉴定的野生型和ERMAP基因敲除小鼠分为2组建立EAE模型:ERMAP^(+/+)和ERMAP^(-/-)组,每组20只。记录临床评分;脊髓HE和固蓝(LFB)染色并进行组织学半定量评分。流式细胞术检测IL-17A+CD4+T细胞百分比;Western blotting检测IL-6、白细胞介素17(IL-17)、STAT3、磷酸化STAT3(p-STAT3)、ROR-γt蛋白水平表达;Real-time PCR检测IL-17、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、IL-6、STAT3和ROR-γt的mRNA表达;ELISA检测细胞水平IL-17和TNF-α的表达。结果1.外源性ERMAP-Ig融合蛋白抑制体内外Th17细胞分化且减轻小鼠EAE症状。2.与对照组相比,ERMAP^(-/-)组EAE小鼠炎性浸润和脱髓鞘症状加重,Th17分泌IL-17A增加。3.内源性ERMAP基因敲除后,IL-17、TNF-α、IL-6、STAT3及ROR-γt表达均增加。差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论ERMAP可能通过IL-6/STAT3/ROR-γt信号通路调控Th17细胞分化,参与小鼠EAE发生发展。

Restoring the Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio may alleviate HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

AIM: To investigate the role of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).METHODS: We enrolled 79 patients with HBV infection into the study, 50 patients with HBV-related ACLF and 29 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), from the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College from January 2009 to June 2012. The ACLF patients were diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by The 19th Conference of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver in 2009. Twenty healthy individuals with a similar gender and age structures to the two patient groups were also included as the normal controls (NC). Of the 50 ACLF patients, 28 were subsequently classified as non-survivors: 19 patients died from multiorgan failure, 3 underwent liver transplantation, and 6 discontinued therapy during follow-up because of financial reasons. The remaining 22 ACLF patients whose liver and anticoagulation function recovered to nearly normal levels within the next 6 mo were classified as survivors. The number of circulating Treg and Th17 cells was determined upon diagnosis and during the 8th week of follow-up through flow cytometry. RESULTS: The percentage of circulating Treg cells in the ACLF group was significantly higher than that in the CHB group (5.50% ± 1.15% vs 3.30% ± 1.13%, P < 0.01). The percentages of circulating Th17 cells in the ACLF and the CHB groups were significantly higher than that in the NC group (6.32% ± 2.22% vs 1.56% ± 0.44%, P < 0.01; 3.53% ± 1.65% vs 1.56% ± 0.44%, P < 0.01). No significant difference in Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio was observed between the ACLF group and the CHB group (0.98 ± 0.44 vs 1.12 ± 0.64, P = 0.991), whereas those in the two HBV infection groups were significantly lower than that in the NC group (1.85 ± 1.22; both P < 0.01). The percentage of Treg cells in the survivors during the 8th week of follow-up was significantly lower than that during peak ACLF severity [total bilirubin (TBIL) peak] (3.45% ± 0.97% vs 5.18% ± 1.02%, P < 0.01). The percentage of Th17 cells in survivors during the 8th week of follow-up was significantly lower than that during the peak TBIL (2.89% ±0.60% vs 5.24% ± 1.46%; P < 0.01). The Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio during the 8 th week of follow-up was significantly higher than that during the TBIL peak (1.22 ± 0.36 vs 1.10 ± 0.54; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Restoring the Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio during the follow-up phase of ACLF could maintain the immune system at a steady state, which favours good prognosis.

Effects of early enteral nutrition on Th17/Treg cells and IL-23/IL-17 in septic patients

BACKGROUND The imbalance of Th17/Treg cells and the IL-23/IL-17 axis have been confirmed to be associated with sepsis and various inflammatory diseases. Early enteral nutrition (EEN) can modulate the inflammatory response, improve immune dysfunction, and prevent enterogenic infection in critically ill patients;however, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Considering the important roles of Th17 and Treg lymphocytes in the development of inflammatory and infectious diseases, we hypothesized that EEN could improve the immune dysfunction in sepsis by maintaining a balanced Th17/Treg cell ratio and by regulating the IL- 23/IL-17 axis. AIM To investigate the effects of EEN on the Th17/Treg cell ratios and the IL-23/IL-17 axis in septic patients. METHODS In this prospective clinical trial, patients were randomly divided into an EEN or delayed enteral nutrition (DEN) group. Enteral feeding was started within 48 h in the EEN group, whereas enteral feeding was started on the 4th day in the DEN group. The Th17 and Treg cell percentages and the interleukin levels were tested on days 1, 3, and 7 after admission. The clinical severity and outcome variables were also recorded. RESULTS Fifty-three patients were enrolled in this trial from October 2017 to June 2018. The Th17 cell percentages, Th17/Treg cell ratios, IL-17, IL-23, and IL-6 levels of the EEN group were lower than those of the DEN group on the 7th day after admission (P < 0.05). The duration of mechanical ventilation and of the intensive care unit stay of the EEN group were shorter than those of the DEN group (P <0.05). However, no difference in the 28-d mortality was found between the two groups (P = 0.728). CONCLUSION EEN could regulate the imbalance of Th17/Treg cell ratios and suppress the IL- 23/IL-17 axis during sepsis. Moreover, EEN could reduce the clinical severity of sepsis but did not reduce the 28-d mortality of septic patients.

Rapamycin ameliorates experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis by inhibiting Th1/Th2/Th17 cells and upregulating CD4+CD25+ Foxp3 regulatory T cells

· AIM: To determine the effects of rapamycin on experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis(EAU) and investigate of role of rapamycin on T cell subsets in the disease.·METHODS: EAU was induced in rats using peptides1169 to 1191 of the interphotoreceptor binding protein(IRBP). Rapamycin(0.2 mg/kg/d) was administrated by intraperitoneal injection for a consecutive 7d after immunization. Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, TGF-β1, and IL-6produced by lymphocyteswere measured by ELISA, while Th17 cells and CD4 +CD25 + regulatory T cells(Tregs)from rat spleen were detected by flow cytometry.·RESULTS: Intraperitoneal treatment immediately after immunization dramatically ameliorated the clinical course of EAU. Clinical responses were associated with reduced retinal inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue destruction. Rapamycin induced suppression of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-17, IL-4, and IL-10 release from T lymphocytes of EAU rats, in vitro.Rapamycin also significantly increased TGF-β1production but had no effect on IL-6 productionof T lymphocytes from EAU rats in vitro. Furthermore,rapamycin decreased the ratio of Th17 cells/CD4 +T cells and upregulated Tregs in EAU, as detected by flow cytometry.·CONCLUSION: Rapamycin effectively interferes with T cell mediated autoimmune uveitis by inhibiting antigen-specific T cell functions and enhancing Tregs in EAU.Rapamycin is a promising new alternative as an adjunct corticosteroid-sparing agent for treating uveitis.

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii supernatant ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis by regulating Th17 cell differentiation

AIM: To explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii(F. prausnitzii) supernatant on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) induced colitis in mice.METHODS: Forty C57BL/6J male mice were randomlydivided into four groups: control group, model group, treatment group, and prevention group. Mice were weighed daily. On day 10, the colon length was measured, the colorectal histopathologic damage score(HDS) was assessed, and plasma interleukin(IL)-17 A, IL-6, and IL-4 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of transcription factor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-γt(RORγt) and IL-17 A in colon inflammatory mucosa tissue were determined by immunohistochemical assay, and the expression levels of RORγt m RNA, IL-17 A m RNA, and IL-6 m RNA were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The proportion of Th17 in mononuclear cells in spleen was assayed by fluorescence activated cell sorter. RESULTS: When compared with the model group, the colon length(P < 0.05) and body weight(P < 0.01) in the treatment and prevention groups were significantly increased, and the colon HDS was decreased(P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the treatment group and prevention group. After treatment with F. prausnitzii supernatant, the plasma levels of IL-17 A and IL-6(P < 0.05), the protein and m RNA expression of IL-17 A and RORγt, and the Th17 cell ratio of spleen cells(P < 0.01) were significantly decreased compared to the model group. Plasma IL-4 level in the prevention group was significantly higher than that in the model group(P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between these two groups in the expression of IL-6 in both the plasma and colon mucosa tissues.CONCLUSION: F. prausnitzii supernatant exerts protective and therapeutic effects on DSS-induced colitis in mice, probably via inhibition of Th17 differentiation and IL- 17A secretion in the plasma and colon mucosa tissues. It can also improve colitis in mice by downregulating IL-6 and prevent colitis by upregulating IL-4.

Treg/Th17 cell balance and phytohaemagglutinin activation of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of systemic sclerosis patients

AIM To investigate T-cell activation, the percentage of peripheral T regulatory cells(Tregs), Th17 cells and the circulating cytokine profile in systemic sclerosis(SSc).METHODS We enrolled a total of 24 SSc patients and 16 healthy controls in the study and divided the patients as having diffuse cutaneous SSc(dc SSc, n = 13) or limited cutaneous SSc(lc SSc, n = 11). We performed a further subdivision of the patients regarding the stage of the disease-early, intermediate or late. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from all subjects. We performed flow cytometric analysis of the activationcapacity of T-lymphocytes upon stimulation with PHA-M and of the percentage of peripheral Tregs and Th17 cells in both patients and healthy controls. We used ELISA to quantitate serum levels of human interleukin(IL)-6, IL-10, tissue growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), and IL-17 A.RESULTS We identified a decreased percentage of CD3+CD69+ cells in PHA-stimulated samples from SSc patients in comparison with healthy controls(13.35% ± 2.90% vs 37.03% ± 2.33%, P < 0.001). However, we did not establish a correlation between the down-regulated CD3+CD69+ cells and the clinical subset, nor regarding the stage of the disease. The activated CD4+CD25+ peripheral lymphocytes were represented in decreased percentage in patients when compared to controls(6.30% ± 0.68% vs 9.36% ± 1.08%, P = 0.016). Regarding the forms of the disease, dc SSc patients demonstrated lower frequency of CD4+CD25+ T cells against healthy subjects(5.95% ± 0.89% vs 9.36% ± 1.08%, P = 0.025). With regard to Th17 cells, our patients demonstrated increased percentage in comparison with controls(18.13% ± 1.55% vs 13.73% ± 1.21%, P = 0.031). We detected up-regulated Th17 cells within the lc SSc subset against controls(20.46% ± 2.41% vs 13.73% ± 1.21%, P = 0.025), nevertheless no difference was found between dc SSc and lc SSc patients. Flow cytometric analysis revealed an increased percentage of CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ in dc SSc patients compared to controls(10.94% ± 1.65% vs 6.88% ± 0.91, P = 0.032). Regarding the peripheral cytokine profile, we detected raised levels of IL-6 [2.10(1.05-4.60) pg/m L vs 0.00 pg/m L, P < 0.001], TGF-β1(19.94 ± 3.35 ng/m L vs 10.03 ± 2.25 ng/m L, P = 0.02), IL-10(2.83 ± 0.44 pg/m L vs 0.68 ± 0.51 pg/m L, P = 0.008), and IL-17 A [6.30(2.50-15.60) pg/m L vs 0(0.00-0.05) pg/m L, P < 0.001] in patients when compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, we found increased circulating IL-10, TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-17 A in the lc SSc subset vs control subjects, as it follows: IL-10(3.32 ± 0.59 pg/m L vs 0.68 ± 0.51 pg/m L, P = 0.003), TGF-β1(22.82 ± 4.99 ng/m L vs 10.03 ± 2.25 ng/m L, P = 0.031), IL-6 [2.08(1.51-4.69) pg/m L vs 0.00 pg/m L, P < 0.001], and IL-17 A [14.50(8.55-41.65) pg/m L vs 0.00(0.00-0.05) pg/m L, P < 0.001]. Furthermore, circulating IL-17 A was higher in lc SSc as opposed to dc SSc subset(31.99 ± 13.29 pg/m L vs 7.14 ± 3.01 pg/m L, P = 0.008). Within the dc SSc subset, raised levels of IL-17 A and IL-6 were detected vs healthy controls: IL-17 A [2.60(0.45-9.80) pg/m L vs 0.00(0.00-0.05) pg/m L, P < 0.001], IL-6 [2.80(1.03-7.23) pg/m L vs 0.00 pg/m L, P < 0.001]. Regarding the stages of the disease, TGF-β1 serum levels were increased in early stage against late stage, independently from the SSc phenotype(30.03 ± 4.59 ng/m L vs 13.08 ± 4.50 ng/m L, P = 0.017).CONCLUSION It is likely that the altered percentage of Th17 and CD4+CD25-Fox P3+ cells along with the peripheral cytokine profile in patients with SSc may play a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Correlation between microRNA-21 and expression of Th17 and Treg cells in microenvironment of rats with hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective: To study the correlation between mi R-21 and Treg/Th17 ratio in the microenvironment of rats with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Diethylnitrosamine was used to build the hepatocel ular carcinoma model of rats; the content of Treg cells and Th17 cells and the expression of mi R-21 in the peripheral blood of rats with hepatocellular carcinoma were detected. The statistical analysis was performed on the correlation between mi R-21 expression and Treg/Th17 ratio. Results: Hepatocellular carcinoma model of rats was successfully constructed. The proportion of Th17 cells among all CD4+T cells in the peripheral blood of rats with hepatocellular carcinoma was 5.319%, which was higher than the control group; while the proportion of Treg cells was 9.472%, which was higher than the control group. Treg/Th17 ratio in the model group was 1.781, compared with 1.478 in the control group. The expression of mi R-21 was increased in the peripheral blood of rats with hepatocellular carcinoma and it showed a positive correlation with the ratio of Treg/Th17. Conclusions: There is a positive correlation between the expression level of miR-21 and the ratio of Treg/Th17.

Increase of peripheral Th17 lymphocytes during acute cellular rejection in liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Although many human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases were previously considered to be mediated by T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, the recently described Th17 cells play dominant roles in several of these diseases. We and others speculated that allograft rejection after organ transplantation may also involve Th17 cells. Episodes of acute rejection occur in 30% of liver transplants. This study aimed to determine the frequency of circulating Th17 cells in patients who had received liver transplants for benign end-stage liver disease and to identify any association between acute rejection episodes and levels of Th17 cells in the peripheral blood. METHODS: A prospective study compared Th17 cells from 76 consecutive benign end-stage liver disease patients who had undergone orthotopic liver transplantation from 2007 to 2011 with those from 20 age-matched healthy individuals. Peripheral blood samples were collected at different time points within one year after transplant. Blood samples and liver biopsies were also collected at the diagnosis of acute rejection. Percentages of circulating CD4+ IL-17+ cells were measured by flow cytometry The transplant patients were classified into two groups: a rejection group consisting of 17 patients who had an episode of acute rejection, and a non-rejection group comprising the remaining 59 patients with no acute rejection episodes Percentages of circulating Th17 cells were compared between the two groups and controls. RESULTS: The levels of circulating CD4+ IL-17+ T cells in the rejection group were higher during acute rejection than those in the non-rejection group (2.56±0.43% versus 1.79±0.44% P<0.001). The frequency of CD4+ IL-17+ cells in peripheral blood was positively correlated with the rejection activity index (r=0.79, P=0.0002).CONCLUSION: Circulating Th17 cells may be useful as a surrogate marker for predicting acute rejection in liver transplant recipients.

Mechanism of Liancao-Xieli capsule in the treatment of ulcerative colitis through the differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells

Objective:To observe the effect of Liancao-Xieli Capsule on STAT signal pathway and T cell differentiation in mouse model of ulcerative colitis;Methods:Forty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,mesalazine group and Liancao-Xieli capsule group.Except the control group,the other three groups were treated with 3%dextran sodium sulfate free drinking water to construct the model of ulcerative colitis.During the modeling period,each group was given corresponding drugs for intervention,while the control group and the model group were given the same volume of distilled water by gavage as the control.After treatment,HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue,flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes,and ELISA was used to detect TGF-β,IL-6 and IL-17A in colon tissue.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of related proteins in STAT3/ROR-γt and STAT5/Foxp3 signaling pathways.Results:Compared with the model group,the body weight,colon length and the content of TGF-βin the colon tissue of the mice in the Liancao-Xieli capsule group increased significantly after the experiment,while the DAI score,colon histopathology score,and the contents of IL-6 and IL-17A in the colon tissue were significantly reduced,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).At the same time,Liancao-Xieli capsule can reduce the ratio of Th17 cells and the ratio of Th17/Treg in the spleen and mesenteric lymph node tissues of UC mice,and increase the ratio of Treg cells,and the difference is statistically significant when compared with the model group(P<0.01).In addition,compared with the model group,the expression levels of p-STAT3 and RORγt protein in the colon tissue of the Liancao-Xieli capsule group were significantly reduced,and the expression levels of p-STAT5 and Foxp3 protein were significantly increased after treatment,and the differences are statistically significant(P<0.01),while the expression levels of STAT3 and STAT5 proteins in colon tissue did not change significantly,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05);Conclusion:Liancao-Xieli Capsule can regulate the immune balance of Treg/Th17 and improve the intestinal inflammation of UC.Its mechanism of action is mainly through inhibiting STAT3/ROR-γt and promoting the activation of STAT5/Foxp3 signaling pathway.

The Expression of IL-27, Th17 Cells and Treg Cells in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Objective: To explore the expression of IL-27, Th17 cells and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) as well as its associated cytokines in peripheral blood of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Method: From March 2012 to May, the peripheral blood of 24 cases of AR patients (AR group) and 16 cases of healthy volunteers (control group) was collected, and the percentage of Th17 cells and Treg cells in the peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry (FCM);the levels of IL-27, IL-17 and IL-10 in serum was detected by ELISA. Result: The percentage of Th17 cells in AR group and the control group was 1.76% ± 0.60% and 0.59% ± 0.17%, respectively. It was higher in AR group than in control group, and the difference between two groups was statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: In the peripheral blood of AR patients there was a reduction of IL-27 level and imbalance of Th17/Treg cell function. IL-27 on Th17/Treg cells adjustment may play an important role on the pathogenesis of the AR.

Silencing of <i>ERK2</i>with Small Interference RNA Regulates the Expression of CXCL1 in Th17 Cell

Patients with steroid-resistant asthma had their monocyte-derived TH17 cells collected. The expression levels of ERK2 in the TH17 were silenced and inhibited using ERK2 specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). By screening of CXCL1 and IL-17A in the TH17 culture supernatant, the expression levels of ERK2 and CXCL1 were determined. Using targeted siRNA to inhibit ERK2, the expression of ERK2 in the TH17 was reduced. Furthermore, inhibiting ERK2 hindered CXCL1 expression and decreased CXCL1 and IL-17A production. These findings suggest that ERK2 is involved in the synthesis of CXCL1 and IL-17A, two proteins that play a key role in the pathogenesis of hormone-resistant asthma.

Higher Viral Load and Prolonged Viral Shedding Period is Associated with Impaired Th17 Cell Response in Patients with H1N1 Influenza A

Objective To explore whether age,disease severity,cytokines and lymphocytes in H1N1 influenza A patients correlate with viral load and clearance.Methods Total of 70 mild and 16 severe patients infected with H1N1 influenza A virus were enrolled in this study.Results It was found that the patients under 14 years old and severe patients displayed significantly higher viral loads and prolonged viral shedding periods compared with the patients over 14 years old and mild patients,respectively(P < 0.05).Moreover,the patients under 14 years old and severe patients displayed significantly lower Th17 cell frequency than the patients over 14 years old and mild patients(P < 0.01).The viral shedding period inversely correlated with the frequency of IL-17+IFN-γ-CD4+ T cells.Additionally,the decreased concentration of serum TGF-β correlated with the decreased frequency of IL-17+IFN-γ-CD4+ T cells.Conclusions Both younger and severe patients are associated with higher viral loads and longer viral shedding periods,which may partially be attributed to the impaired Th17 cell response.

急性哮喘患者外周血中Th17细胞的变化及其意义

目的:探讨哮喘急性发作期患者外周血中Th17细胞的变化及其与哮喘严重程度的关系。方法:选取轻度急性哮喘患者、重度急性哮喘患者和健康对照者各10名。从血清单个核细胞中分离T淋巴细胞,流式细胞仪检测阳性Th17细胞率,分析其与哮喘严重程度的关系。结果:轻度急性哮喘组和重度急性哮喘组外周血阳性Th17细胞均较健康对照组增高(P<0.05),而重度哮喘组高于轻度哮喘组(P<0.05)。重度哮喘组外周血IL-17水平明显高于轻度哮喘组和健康对照组(P<0.05)。外周血中Th17阳性细胞数与急性哮喘严重程度呈正相关(r=0.869,P<0.05)。结论:急性哮喘患者外周血Th17细胞表达增加,且与其病情的严重程度呈正相关。

Th17细胞与CD4^+CD25^+调节性T细胞在儿童过敏性紫癜发病机制中的作用

目的探讨Th17细胞与CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞在儿童过敏性紫癜(HSP)免疫发病机制中的作用。方法过敏性紫癜急性期患儿48例,采用流式细胞术检测外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞(CD4+CD25+Treg)的比例,采用荧光定量PCR(real-time PCR)检测CD4+ T细胞IL-17A、IL-17F、转录因子ROR-γt、Foxp3及细胞因子IL-6、TGF-β等mRNA表达;同期40例同龄健康儿童作为对照。结果过敏性紫癜急性期患儿CD4+ T细胞高表达IL-17A及IL-17F(P<0.01)。Th17细胞转录因子ROR-γt及前炎症细胞因子IL-6 mRNA表达明显增高(P<0.01)。CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞比例明显低于正常对照组(P<0.01),其转录因子Foxp3表达亦明显降低(P<0.01)。结论Th17等促炎性T细胞高表达和CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞数量减少导致的免疫抑制效应不足,是导致过敏性紫癜免疫失衡的重要原因,IL-6高表达与此密切相关。

Correlation of Th17 cell function with the inflammatory response and apoptosis in the course of prostatitis

Objective: To study the correlation of Th17 cell function with the inflammatory response and apoptosis in the course of prostatitis. Methods: A total of 128 patients with chronic prostatitis who were treated in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2016 were collected, and 50 healthy men who received physical examination in our hospital during the same period were selected as normal control group. The differences in Th17 cell ratio and IL-17 levels in peripheral blood, inflammatory factor levels in serum, and apoptosis gene expression in prostatic fluid were compared between the two groups. Pearson test was used to assess the correlation of Th17 cell function in peripheral blood with inflammation and apoptosis in patients with chronic prostatitis. Results: Th17 cell ratio and IL-17 level in peripheral blood of observation group were higher than those of normal control group;inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, TNF-α and M-CSF levels in serum were higher than those of normal control group;apoptosis gene BAX mRNA in prostatic fluid was higher than that of control group while anti-apoptosis genes Bcl-2, livin and hPEBP4 mRNA expression were lower than those of normal control group. Pearson test showed that Th17 cell ratio and IL-17 level in peripheral blood of patients with chronic prostatitis were positively correlated with IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, TNF-α and M-CSF levels in serum as well as BAX mRNA expression in prostatic fluid, and negatively correlated with Bcl-2, livin and hPEBP4 mRNA expression in prostatic fluid. Conclusion: There is Th17 cell hyperfunction in patients with chronic prostatitis, and it is an important cause of the systemic inflammatory response and prostate cell apoptosis aggravation.

Correlation of peripheral blood Th17 cell surface CCR4, CCR6 and CXCR3 expression with the illness in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective:To study the correlation of peripheral blood Th17 cell surface CCR4, CCR6 and CXCR3 expression with the illness in patients with chronic hepatitis b (CHB).Methods: A total of 48 patients who were diagnosed with chronic hepatitis b in Jianyang People's Hospital between July 2014 and January 2017 were selected as the CHB group of the research, 66 healthy volunteers who received physical examination during the same period were selected as control group, the peripheral blood was collected to determine Th17 cell surface CCR4, CCR6 and CXCR3 expression, and serum was collected to determine the levels of Th17 cytokines, liver function indexes and liver fibrosis indexes.Results: Peripheral blood Th17 cell surface CCR4, CCR6 and CXCR3 fluorescence intensity of CHB group were significantly higher than those of control group;serum IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, ALT, AST, GLB, HA, PC-Ⅲ, LN and C-Ⅳ levels of CHB group were significantly higher than those of control group and positively correlated with peripheral blood Th17 cell surface CCR4, CCR6 and CXCR3 fluorescence intensity while serum ALB level was significantly lower than that of control group and negatively correlated with peripheral blood Th17 cell surface CCR4, CCR6 and CXCR3 fluorescence intensity.Conclusion: The high expression of peripheral blood Th17 cell surface CCR4, CCR6 and CXCR3 in patients with CHB can result in increased secretion of Th17 cytokines, liver function injury and liver fibrosis.