Recent advances in the management of pruritus in chronic liver diseases

Pruritus is a symptom found in patients with chronic liver diseases,especially cholestatic liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis.This symptom impairs patient quality of life by disturbing sleep and may lead to consideration of liver transplantation.Mechanisms implicated in pruritus have been associated with the peripheral and central nervous systems,leading to the development of various therapeutic options.Little evidence for the efficacy of most of these treatments is currently available,indicating a need for further investigations.

Role of narrow band ultra violet radiation as an add-on therapy in peritoneal dialysis patients with refractory uremic pruritus

AIM To assess the role of narrow band ultraviolet B(UVB) as a treatment option in peritoneal dialysis patients with refractory uremic pruritus.METHODS In this retrospective study, 29 adult patients with end stage renal failure on peritoneal dialysis, and who had refractory uremic pruritus, were given narrow band UVB radiation as an add-on therapy to standard care for a duration of 12 wk. The response to the pruritus was assessed both weekly and at the end of the study period using a visual analogue score(VAS).RESULTS The average VAS score at the end of the study was 3.14 ± 1.59, which was significant compared to the baseline value of 7.75 ± 1.02(P < 0.05). Improvements in symptoms were noted in 19 out of 21(90.4%) patients. However, relapse occurred in six out of the 19 patients who responded. The dropout rate was high during the study period(33.3%).CONCLUSION Narrow band UVB is effective as an add-on therapy in peritoneal dialysis patients with refractory uremic pruritus. However, the present regime is cumbersome and patient compliance is poor.

Hepatitis C virus-associated pruritus: Etiopathogenesis and therapeutic strategies

In addition to its contributing role in the development of chronic liver diseases, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with extrahepatic manifestations, particularly, cutaneous-based disorders including those with pruritus as a symptom. Pruritus is frequently associated with the development of chronic liver diseases such as cholestasis and chronic viral infection, and the accumulation of bile acids in patients&#x02019; sera and tissues as a consequence of liver damage is considered the main cause of pruritus. In addition to their role in dietary lipid absorption, bile acids can trigger the activation of specific receptors, such as the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (GPBA/ TGR5). These types of receptors are known to play a crucial role in the modulation of the systemic actions of bile acids. TGR5 expression in primary sensory neurons triggers the activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) leading to the induction of pruritus by an unknown mechanism. Although the pathologic phenomenon of pruritus is common, there is no uniformly effective therapy available. Understanding the mechanisms regulating the occurrence of pruritus together with the conduction of large-scale clinical and evidence-based studies, may help to create a standard treatment protocol. This review focuses on the etiopathogenesis and treatment strategies of pruritus associated with chronic HCV infection.

Presence of Obstetrics Cholestasis in Mothers Presenting with Pruritus in Pregnancy: In a Low Resource South Asian Setting

Obstetric cholestasis (also referred to as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy—ICP) is a pruritic form of reversible cholestasis that is associated with significant fetal risks. There is a paucity of research regarding pregnancy outcomes of the mothers with obstetric cholestasis in the South Asian setting. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of obstetric cholestasis among mothers presenting with pruritus during pregnancy and to describe the characteristics and outcomes for those diagnosed with ICP in comparison with those with pruritus in the absence of ICP. Methods: All mothers presenting with pruritus to De Soyza Maternity hospital in Colombo Sri Lanka, between 1st January 2011 to 1st January 2014, were recruited for the study. A standard set of biochemical tests were used for diagnosis of ICP. An interviewer administered questionnaire and patient records were used for data collection. Presentation, characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were assessed and compared for mothers with ICP against those with pruritus in the absence of ICP. Results: The prevalence of ICP in the study population was found to be 27% (n = 27). Generalized pruritus with pruritus of the palms and soles was identified as the commonest pattern of pruritus for diagnosed with ICP. Delivery before 37 weeks (p = 0.001), meconium stained liquor (p = 0.004), placental abruption (p = 0.005), postpartum hemorrhage (p = 0.005), bleeding manifestation (p = 0.006), preterm labor (p = 0.031) and fetal distress (p = 0.035) were found to be significantly associated with the presence of ICP. Conclusions: Nearly 1/3 of mothers presenting with pruritus in pregnancy in Sri Lanka are affected by ICP which is associated with an increase in a wide range of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes compared to those with pruritus in the absence of ICP.

Anal pruritus:Don’t look away

Anal pruritus is a common anorectal symptom that can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life,including their mental health.It can be one of the most difficult proctological conditions to treat.Patients often delay seeking medical attention,since it is an embarrassing but non-life-threatening situation.Pruritus ani can be associated with idiopathic and secondary causes,such as anorectal diseases,cancer(anal or colorectal),dermatological and sexually transmitted diseases,fungal infections and systemic diseases.If patients are referred for a colonoscopy,this can sometimes provide the first opportunity to evaluate the perianal area.Classifications of anal pruritus are based on the abnormalities of the perianal skin,one of the most commonly used being the Washington classi-fication.A proper digital anorectal examination is important,as well as an anoscopy to help to exclude anorectal diseases or suspicious masses.Endoscopists should be aware of the common etiologies,and classification of the perianal area abnormalities should be provided in the colonoscopy report.Information on treatment possibilities and follow-up can also be provided.The treatment normally consists of a triple approach:proper hygiene,elimination of irritants,and skin care and protection.Several topical therapies have been described as possible treatments,including steroids,capsaicin,tacrolimus and methylene blue intradermal injections.

Effects of Silk Fibroin Moisturizing Cream on Acetone/Ether-Induced Dry Skin Pruritus in Mice

Objectives: The morbidity of dry and itchy skin was high during a person’s lifetime and it had a significant negative impact. This study aimed to investigate the positive effect of silk fibroin moisturizing cream on dry skin pruritus induced by acetone/ether-water (AEW) method in mice. Method: We established a dry skin model in mice with AEW treatment, and the control group was treated with ultrapure water. The mice in AEW model group were locally administrated with silk fibroin moisturizing cream (SilkArmor)&reg;. The transepidermal water loss (TEWL), scratching behavior, condition of skin erythema, skin histology (by hematoxylin-eosin staining) and the results of electron microscopy were measured to evaluate the positive effect of SilkArmor on dry and itchy skin in mice. Results: The TEWL value, spontaneous scratching behavior and erythema score were significantly increased after AEW modeling compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in the TEWL value, scratching behavior and erythema score between the SilkArmor group and the control group (P > 0.05). Compared with the AEW group, the value of TEWL, scratching behavior and the erythema score of mice in the AEW + SilkArmor group were improved, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Skin histopathology and electron microscopy also showed that SilkArmor had certain improvement and repairment on AEW-induced skin pathological changes. Conclusions: A dry skin model was successfully established in this experiment, showing that SilkArmor brought an obvious alleviation to AEW-induced dry and itchy skin in mice.

Specific Patterns of Spinal Metabolite Ratio Underlying a-Me-5-HTevoked Pruritus Compared with Compound 48/80 Based on Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Summary:Mechanisms of pruritus are implicated in the dysregulation of the metabolites in the spinal cord.We investigated pruritus behavioral testing in three groups of young adult male C57B1/6 mice,including one group treated with normal saline,while the other groups intradermally injected with a-Me-5-HT(histamine-independent pruritogen),compound 48/80(histaminedependent pruritogen)at the nape skin of the neck,respectively.Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS)was used to compare spinal metabolites from the vertebral cervical among three groups,and to study the association of spinal metabolite ratio and pruritus intensity.The MRS-measured N-acetylaspartate-to-myoinositol ratio(NAA/Ins)was significantly correlated with the number of scratches between normal saline group and 48/80 group or a-Me-5-HT group(both P<0.0001),indicating that NAA/Ins may be a robust surrogate marker of histamine-independent/dependent pruritogen.There was significant difference in Glu/Ins between normal saline group and 48/80 group(P=0.017),indicating that Glu/Ins may be a surrogate marker of histamine-dependent pruritogen,while GABA/Ins was highly significantly different between normal saline group and a-Me-5-HT group(P=0.008),suggesting that GABA/Ins may be a surrogate marker of histamineindependent pruritogen.MRS may reflect the extent of pruritus intensity elicited by a-Me-5-HT and compound 48/80 with sensitivity similar to the number of scratches,and above potential markers need to be further validated in pre-clinical and clinical treatment trials.

Etiologies and Associated Factors of Generalised Pruritus Sine Materia in the Dermatology-Venerology Department of CHUD-Borgou/Alibori (Benin)

Introduction: The aim was to identify the etiologies of generalised pruritus sine materia and to determine the associated factors in Parakou. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted from January 2011 to June 2022. The patients included were of all ages and both sexes in whom the sine materia nature of the pruritus was noted after clinical examination. These patients had an etiological assessment available or not, complete or partial. For each patient, socio-demographic, socio-cultural, socio-economic and clinical data were collected using a pre-established survey form. They were then processed and analysed using Epi Data 3.1 and SPSS version 21 software respectively. Results: The incidence of generalised pruritus sine materia was 0.89% (73 cases/8214 consultants). The predominant etiologies were aquagenic pruritus (16.4%) and intestinal parasitosis (12.3%). After a bi-variate analysis, two risk factors were identified: frequency of towel change greater than 1 month (OR = 3.02;CI95% = 0.98 - 9.31;P = 0.0486) and use of cold water for bath (OR = 3.28;CI95% = 1.09 - 9.81;P = 0.0274). Conclusion: The etiologies and associated factors of generalised pruritus sine materia found in Parakou are varied but are linked to lifestyle. There is an urgent need to raise public awareness of the need to improve lifestyle in order to reduce the frequency of pruritus sine materia. .

Effect of lavender aromatherapy on pruritus, anxiety, and sleep quality of patients undergoing hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial

Background:Patie nts un dergo ing hemodialysis experie nces some symptoms.Pruritus,an xiety,and sleep quality are three of the most com mon symptoms.Eve n though some pharmacological treatme nts use to cope with these symptoms,they are still experie need by the patie nts at a high level.Aim:This study aimed to determine the effect of lavender oil aromatherapy on pruritus,anxiety,and sleep quality of patients undergoing hemodialysis.Method:This randomized con trolled study was carried out betwee n December 2019 and March 2020.Eighty of 895 eligible patients were included in the study.Aromatherapy inhalation and massage together applied to the patients for six weeks.5D-Itch Scale,State Anxiety Inventory(SAI),and Richard Campbell Sleep Questio nn aire(RCSQ)were used for data collecti on.IBM SPSS 25.0 were used for statistical an alysis.Mann-Whit ney U,Wilcox on sig ned-ra nks test,and repeated measures-ANOVA tests were used to compare the difference between the groups and simple regression analysis to investigate the relationship between the dependent and independent variables.Results:Most of the patients were male(57.5%)and aged between 41 and 55 years(52.5%).There was significant difference in the mean scores of SAI(Pretest:44.02±5.33,Post-test:35.40±4.52,P=0.003),5D-Itch scale(Pretest:9.80±2.04,Post-test:7.00±2.31,P=0.001),and RCSQ(Pretest:17.11±40.30,Post-test:58.55±33.74,P=0.002)with in time in the in terve ntio n group.There was a statistically significant differenee between the groups regarding the mean scores of SAI(Intervention:35.40±4.52,Control:46.84±4.62,P=0.003),5D-Itch scale(Intervention:7.00±2.31,Control:8.96±2.05,P=0.004),and RCSQ(Intervention:58.55±33.74,Control:19.93±28.36,P=0.001)after the intervention.Conclusion:After six-weeks intervention,lavender aromatherapy was found an effective way to reduce pruritus,anxiety and to improve the sleep quality of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Therapeutic Effect of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Anal Pruritus After Anorectal Surgery

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine on anal pruritus after anorectal surgery.Methods:Ninety-eight patients with anal pruritus after anorectal surgery in our hospital were selected as the research subjects.They were divided into two groups,the control group(50 cases)and the study group(48 cases),according to the treatment plan.The control group was under a simple western medicine treatment plan,while the study group was under an integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment plan.The overall efficacy,severity of anal pruritus,time to eliminate clinical symptoms,and anxiety and depression scores of the two groups of patients under different treatment plans were compared.Results:After two weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the study group was 95.83%,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(82.00%,P<0.05).After 7 and 14 days of treatment,the anal pruritus scores improved significantly in both the groups,but the study group was superior to the control group,with statistical difference(P<0.01).The time of disappearance of skin itching and skin damage in the study group was shorter than that in the control group.After 14 days of treatment,the anxiety and depression scores of both groups were lower than those after 7 days of treatment;however,there was statistical difference between the two groups(P<0.01).Conclusion:In the clinical treatment of anorectal postoperative diseases,such as anal pruritus,the combination of traditional Chinese and western medicine can significantly improve the symptoms of pruritus,shorten the time of disappearance of clinical symptoms,improve depression and anxiety,and create a positive clinical application value in promoting the rehabilitation of patients and improving their quality of life.

补肾固胎方联合黄体酮注射液治疗肾虚型早期先兆流产疗效及对妊娠激素水平和Th1/Th2细胞因子的影响

目的 观察补肾固胎方联合黄体酮注射液治疗肾虚型早期先兆流产疗效及对妊娠激素水平和Th1/Th2细胞因子的影响。方法 采用随机数字表法将符合入选标准的120例肾虚型早期先兆流产患者分为观察组和对照组。对照组予黄体酮注射液治疗,观察组同联合补肾固胎方治疗。连续治疗2周后,比较两组中医证候积分(妊娠期阴道流血、小腹坠胀或疼痛、腰酸痛、膝关节酸软)、妊娠激素水平[雌二醇(Estradiol, E_(2))、人绒毛膜促性腺激素(Human chorionic gonadotropin, β-HCG)、孕酮(Progesterone, P)]、Th1/Th2细胞因子[白细胞介素2(interleukin-2,IL-2)、白细胞介素4(interleukin-4,IL-4)、γ干扰素(Interferon-γ,INF-γ)]改善情况,统计两组治疗总有效率、妊娠结局及不良反应发生率。结果 两组治疗后妊娠期阴道流血、小腹坠胀或疼痛、腰酸痛、膝关节酸软积分,IL-2、INF-γ水平均低于治疗前(P<0.05),且观察组治疗后以上中医证候积分和IL-2、INF-γ水平均低于对照组(P<0.05);两组治疗后IL-4水平均高于治疗前(P<0.05),且观察组治疗后IL-4水平高于对照组(P<0.05);观察组总有效率为(91.7%,55/60),高于对照组(75.0%,45/60)(P<0.05);观察组足月分娩率为(85.0%,51/60),高于对照组(56.7%,34/60)(P<0.05);观察组不良反应发生率为3.3%,低于对照组(25.0%)(P<0.05)。结论 补肾固胎方联合黄体酮注射液能够有效调节肾虚型早期先兆流产患者妊娠激素水平和Th1/Th2细胞因子水平,纠正免疫功能紊乱,降低患者流产率,提高足月妊娠率,改善妊娠结局。

基于正邪理论探讨Th17/Treg细胞在慢性心衰中的作用

慢性心力衰竭是多种心血管疾病的终末期阶段,心肌损伤后,免疫介导的Th17、Treg细胞在心衰的发病机制具有关键作用,通过分泌炎症因子,导致心肌纤维化、心室重塑。中医正邪理论内涵丰富,对于认识Th17/Treg细胞与心衰的发展及相互作用具有指导意义,隶属于正邪理论范畴,即Th17/Treg细胞平衡,有利于维持机体的免疫平衡,属于“正气”范畴;Th17/Treg细胞失衡可能破坏机体内环境的稳定,导致免疫异常,促进疾病的发生,属于“邪气”范畴。基于此,作者以正邪理论为切入点,从宏观、微观角度来阐述Th17/Treg细胞在慢性心力衰竭发展中的作用,提出心衰早期,正虚为主,邪实为辅;心衰中期,正虚邪实;心衰晚期,邪实为主,正虚为辅;心衰终末期,正虚为主。临床通过扶正祛邪,调整机体正邪平衡,恢复机体Th17/Treg细胞的动态平衡,以期为中医理论阐述Th17/Treg在心衰的发展作用的现代研究奠定基础,为心衰的诊治提供新的理论依据。

儿童难治性肺炎支原体肺炎肺泡灌洗液病菌量与Th1/Th2细胞免疫应答的相关性研究

目的探究儿童难治性肺炎支原体肺炎肺泡灌洗液病菌量与Th1/Th2细胞免疫应答的相关性。方法随机选择郑州大学附属儿童医院诊治的96例难治性肺炎支原体肺炎患儿为研究对象,根据肺泡灌洗液中肺炎支原体DNA含量进行分组,即>106/m L为高菌量组(n=35),103~106/m L为中菌量组(n=30),<103/m L为低菌量组(n=31)。检测三组患儿肺泡灌洗液的炎性因子水平,对比三组的炎性因子水平、肺部影像学与实验室检查结果、临床表现和基础情况,分析肺泡灌洗液中肺炎支原体DNA含量与炎性因子的相关性。结果在体温高于39℃、热程高于10天患儿占比以及总发热时间、使用抗生素后热程、住院时间、乳酸脱氢酶、血小板计数、中性粒细胞计数、淋巴细胞计数上,三组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),白细胞计数比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);双侧或大量胸腔积液、肺不张或者大片肺实变发生率、白细胞介素-4(interleukin-4,IL-4)水平比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),三组之间的双侧肺病变、左侧肺病变、右侧肺病变发生率以及肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、干扰素(interferon-γ,INF-γ)、IL-8水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);肺泡灌洗液中IL-4与肺炎支原体DNA水平呈正相关(P<0.05),肺泡灌洗液中TNF-α、INF-γ、IL-8与肺炎支原体DNA水平无相关性(P>0.05)。结论儿童难治性肺炎支原体肺炎肺泡灌洗液病菌量与Th1/Th2细胞免疫应答具有相关性,肺炎支原体DNA菌量越高,肺内外损害和肺部炎症越严重,Th1/Th2免疫应答失衡。

中医药对变应性鼻炎Th细胞因子影响的研究进展

变应性鼻炎(Allergic rhinitis,AR)是一种IgE介导的鼻黏膜炎症性疾病,由草花粉、树木、杂草花粉霉菌、尘螨和动物皮屑等空气变应原诱发。AR的特征是流涕、阵发性打喷嚏、鼻痒、鼻塞和流泪等症状^([1])。AR可根据病因分为常年AR和季节性AR,因为暴露于季节性过敏原后会出现季节性症状,这些症状在春季、夏季和秋季达到高峰^([2])。AR影响全球10%~30%的人口,且其患病率仍在上升,其中约67%的病例由草花粉和尘螨过敏组成^([3-4])。目前,西医对本病的干预手段大多选择药物治疗或免疫疗法,但药物治疗不良反应较大,患者依从性较差,且远期疗效欠佳;而免疫疗法费用昂贵,不易推广使用。近年,中医药疗法在本病的治疗中发挥出愈加重要的治疗作用,且绿色安全、患者接受度更高,对患者的临床症状、生活质量及各项免疫因子均有较为理想的改善作用。现综述近年来中医药对AR免疫因子影响的研究进展,以期为中医药在AR及其他变态反应性疾病领域的应用提供参考。

清热化瘀方调控Th17对小鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探索清热化瘀方通过调控T辅助细胞17(Th17)对小鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤(I/R)的影响。方法 45只小鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组和清热化瘀方低、中、高剂量组(13、26、52 g/kg),各组小鼠灌胃给予不同剂量清热化瘀方或蒸馏水7 d,通过左冠状动脉结扎30 min再灌注24 h建立心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型。术后24 h采用心脏超声检测心功能,HE染色观察心脏组织病理改变,TTC染色观察心脏梗死面积,试剂盒检测血清乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、白介素17(IL-17)和白介素6(IL-6)水平,Western blot和RT-qPCR法检测心脏组织中RORγt mRNA和蛋白表达,流式细胞术检测外周血中Th17、Treg和Th17/Treg细胞比例。结果 与模型组比较,清热化瘀方组小鼠心功能提高,梗死面积减少,Th17细胞比例降低,促炎因子IL-17和IL-6水平降低,Th17/Treg动态平衡得到恢复(P<0.05)。结论 清热化瘀方可通过调节Th17恢复Th17/Treg稳态,从而减轻心肌缺血再灌注损伤。

芍药苷对慢性支气管炎模型大鼠Th17及Treg细胞亚群的影响

目的:探究芍药苷对慢性支气管炎(CB)大鼠Th17、Treg细胞亚群、肺功能的影响以及药理作用。方法:将SD大鼠采用复合诱导法建立CB模型,随机分成CB组(生理盐水)、低剂量芍药苷组(50 mg/kg)、中剂量芍药苷组(100 mg/kg)、高剂量芍药苷组(200 mg/kg)和核酪组(阳性对照,核酪口服液),10只;另设对照组(生理盐水)10只,造模后按照分组灌胃2 ml/100 g相应药物。给药完成后,观察大鼠一般情况并进行肺功能及血气分析;HE染色观察肺组织形态;流式细胞仪检测大鼠肺组织CD4^(+)T、CD8^(+)T、Th17(CD4^(+)IL-17^(+)T)、Treg(CD4^(+)CD25^(+)FOXP3^(+)T)细胞;ELISA法检测肺组织中IL-10、IL-22、IL-17水平。结果:CB组大鼠活动迟缓,毛色暗淡,身体卷缩,伴咳嗽、鼻腔潮湿,肺组织可见淋巴细胞浸润、支气管壁变形、黏膜阻塞等病变;芍药苷各组及核酪组上述症状及损伤不同程度缓解,高剂量组最轻。与对照组比较,CB组气道阻力、动脉血二氧化碳分压(Pa‐CO_(2))、IL-17、IL-22水平及CD4^(+)T、CD8^(+)T、Th17细胞、Th17/Treg、CD4^(+)T/CD8^(+)T均升高,动脉血氧分压(PaO_(2))、IL-10水平及Treg细胞均降低(P均<0.05);与CB组比较,低、中、高剂量芍药苷组气道阻力、PaCO_(2)、IL-17、IL-22水平及CD4^(+)T、CD8^(+)T、Th17细胞、Th17/Treg、CD4^(+)T/CD8^(+)T水平依次降低,PaO_(2)、IL-10水平及Treg细胞依次升高(P均<0.05);中剂量芍药苷组气道阻力等以上指标与核酪组相比差异无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。结论:芍药苷可调节T淋巴细胞活化,减少Th17细胞分化,增加Treg细胞分化,减轻CB大鼠炎症水平及肺损伤。

面向汽车安全的中国体征50^(th)百分位男性乘员生物力学模型开发及验证

汽车安全领域的智能化和数字化发展都急需能代表真实人体特征的生物力学计算模型。本文以最新中国成年人人体尺寸标准为依据,开发具有自主知识产权的50^(th)百分位中国男性体征汽车乘员生物力学模型(TUST IBMs M50-O)。通过重构3组正面钝性冲击、5组侧面钝性冲击和3组整人滑车尸体及志愿者试验,模拟C-NCAP可变形移动壁障侧面碰撞试验,多角度、全方位验证所开发模型的有效性及应用价值。结果表明:11组重构试验数据均在相应的尸体及志愿者试验通道内,平均差异在10%左右,验证了模型的有效性。TUST IBMs M50-O与WorldSID 50^(th)假人模型在侧面碰撞中的运动趋势相同,但TUST IBMs M50-O模型上肢对胸部的挤压,使得胸椎T4和T12质心合成加速度峰值达到43.5g和47.3g,高于WorldSID 50th模型峰值38.5g和41.2g。同时,TUST IBMs M50-O模型也从应力应变角度评估人体组织层面的损伤风险。综上,TUST IBMs M50-O模型展现了类似真实人体的高生物逼真度,可用于组织层面的损伤机理研究,也可为智能汽车安全防护装置及智能高端装备领域产品研发、汽车虚拟测评提供可靠的计算工具和技术支撑。

银杏提取物对UC大鼠肠黏膜屏障功能的改善作用及对Th17/Treg细胞免疫稳态的影响

目的:探究银杏提取物对溃疡性结肠炎(UC)大鼠肠黏膜屏障功能的改善作用及对Th17/Treg细胞免疫稳态的影响。方法:雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型组及银杏提取物低、中、高剂量组,除正常对照组外其余各组大鼠均给予硝基苯磺酸、乙醇复合诱导建立UC大鼠模型。造模成功后各给药组灌胃相应剂量药物,正常对照组和模型组大鼠灌胃相应体积生理盐水,共给药14 d。记录各组大鼠一般状态,并追踪记录疾病活动指数(DAI),采用腹壁回撤反应(AWR)检测大鼠内脏敏感程度,检测各组大鼠外周血Th17、Treg细胞比例和血清IL-2、IL-6、IL-8、IL-10、TNF-α水平,检测肠道菌群及结肠组织中TLR4、NOD2 mRNA及蛋白表达。结果:与治疗前比较,各给药组大鼠饮水量、体质量、肛温显著升高,DAI显著降低(P<0.05)。与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠饮水量、体质量、肛温显著降低,DAI、AWR显著升高,外周血Treg细胞比例及血清IL-2、IL-10水平显著降低,外周血Th17细胞比例及Th17/Treg和血清IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α水平显著升高,肠道大肠杆菌、肠球菌水平显著升高,乳酸杆菌、双歧杆菌水平显著降低,结肠组织中TLR4、NOD2 mRNA及蛋白表达显著升高(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,银杏提取物各剂量组大鼠饮水量、体质量、肛温显著升高,DAI、AWR显著降低,外周血Treg细胞比例及血清IL-2、IL-10水平显著升高,外周血Th17细胞比例及Th17/Treg和血清IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α水平显著降低,肠道大肠杆菌、肠球菌水平显著降低,乳酸杆菌、双歧杆菌水平显著升高,结肠组织中TLR4、NOD2 mRNA及蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.05)。银杏提取物的作用呈现剂量依赖性。结论:银杏提取物可降低UC大鼠结肠组织TLR4、NOD2 mRNA及蛋白表达,改善肠黏膜屏障功能,维持Th17/Treg细胞免疫稳态,抑制其炎症反应。

上调IL-37a表达对急性呼吸窘迫综合征大鼠肺功能及Th1/Th2平衡的影响

目的探究上调白细胞介素-37a(IL-37a)表达对急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)大鼠肺功能及Th1/Th2平衡的影响。方法构建过表达IL-37a的间充质干细胞(MSC),并与单个核细胞共培养,流式细胞术检测过表达IL-37a对Th1、Th2表达影响,ELISA检测培养基上清液IFN-γ、IL-4水平。取30只SD大鼠随机分为Control组(假手术)、ARDS组(脂多糖诱导建立ARDS模型)、IL-37a组(建模+尾静脉注射10μg/kg IL-37a重组蛋白)各10只,建模12 h后,血气分析仪检测大鼠动脉氧分压(PaO2)、氧合指数(PaO2/FiO2),并测定肺干/湿(W/D)比,HE染色观察肺组织病理并评估肺部病理损伤评分,ELISA检测肺泡灌洗液(BALF)及血清中IL-4、IFN-γ表达,流式细胞术检测脾脏Th1/Th2,Westernblot检测肺组织NF-κB、NLRP3蛋白表达。结果过表达IL-37a组细胞外周Th1、Th1/Th2、IL-4表达低于阴性对照组细胞,Th2、IFN-γ表达高于阴性对照组细胞(P<0.05);与Control组比较,ARDS组和IL-37a组PaO2、PaO2/FiO2、BALF及血清IL-4表达降低,W/D、肺部病理损伤评分、BALF及血清IFN-γ、脾脏Th1/Th2、肺组织NF-κB、NLRP3蛋白表达升高;与ARDS组比较,IL-37a组PaO2、PaO2/FiO2、BALF及血清IL-4表达升高,W/D、肺部病理损伤评分、BALF及血清IFN-γ、脾脏Th1/Th2、肺组织NF-κB、NLRP3蛋白表达降低(P<0.05)。结论上调IL-37a表达可改善ARDS大鼠肺部损伤,这可能与IL-37a能影响MSC免疫调节功能,促进Th1/Th2恢复平衡有关。

中医药调控白癜风Th17/Treg细胞失衡的研究进展

白癜风是一种临床常见的慢性炎症性色素脱失性皮肤疾病,在世界范围内的患病率约为0.5%~2%^([1])。目前对于本病的发病机制尚不清楚,有多种学术假说被提出来进行解释,如氧化应激理论、神经体液假说等,但是自身免疫学说是最被认可的一种,同时动物模型和人体研究也都强调了免疫系统在白癜风中的重要作用^([2-4])。皮肤作为人体最大的器官,是机体抵御外来感染的第一道防线。