EFFECTS OF ACUMOXI ON IL2-IFN-NKC IMMUNOREGULATORY NETWORK AND ITS RELATED MACROPHAGE-IL1-Th NETWORK AND ON TUMOR——Observation on the Effect of Acumoxi on the Macrophage-IL1-Th Network and on the Metastasis of Hepatoma

Objective: To observe the effect of acumoxi (acupuncture and moxibustion) on macrophage (Mφ)-lL1-Th net-work and hydroperitoneum hepatoma (H 22) metastasis in mice. Methods: A total of 36 BALB/ c male mice bearing H 22 are randomly divided into control, acupuncture and acumoxi groups with 12 cases in each group. In the later 2 groups, Dazhui (GV 14) and Guanyuan (CV 4) are punctured once daily, continuously for 18 days, and in acumoxi group, the two acupoints were also moxibustioned alternatively with moxa stick once every day. After killing the mice, the tissue samples of the 3 groups are treated routinely step by step and analyzed by means of colorimetric analysis for determining the phagocytic function of the macrophages; and the content of IL1 of the Mφ supernatant is assayed with serum plate agglutination (SPA)-Ig floral hoop method of T helper cell (Th) monoclonal antibody; the weight of the reniportal lymph node, the kidney and the lung, and the number of the cancerous nodes on the pulmonary surface are calculated. Results: After acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, the immunoregulatory network indices of acumoxi group increase obviously compared with those of control group(P<0.01), showing an anti-metastasis effect of acumoxi on H 22. Conclusion: Results of the present study and those of our former research prove that acupuncture and moxibustion can suppress the tumor growth and H 22 metastasis by the enhancement of the immunoregulatory network.

Study on Cytokines IL-2,IL-6,IL-10 in Patients of Chronic Allergic Rhinitis Treated with Acupuncture

OBJECTIVES: To observe the plasmatic concentration of IL-6, IL-10 and IL-2 in the patient of chronic allergic rhinitis before and after acupuncture therapy. METHODS: Cytokine levels were determined before and after treatment in 30 healthy volunteers (Group A) and 90 patients of chronic allergic rhinitis (Group B) with an increased plasma IL-10 level. Group B was then divided into 3 subgroups: 30 patients treated with real acupuncture (Group B1); 30 patients treated with sham acupuncture (Group B2); 30 non-treated patients (Group B3). RESULTS: The allergic subjects of group B1, compared with controls, showed a significant reduction of IL-10 after a specific treatment with acupuncture (P

Effects of chimeric molecule of recombinant Dsg3EC_(1-2) with toxin PE40 on T and B lymphocytes in Pemphigus Vulgaris

Objective:To observe the effects of the recombinant chimeric toxin Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 on T and B lymphocytes isolated from Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) patients to further study its biological therapeutic function for PV. Methods:Recombinant chimeric toxin Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 was first identified, expressed and purified, and then its effects on T and B lymphocytes of PV patients in vitro were detected and quantified by ELISPOT assay and MTT assay.Results:The purity of the expressed protein Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 was up to 80%. In ELISPOT assay, with Dsg3EC 1-2PE40, the overall number of B cells that produce anti-Dsg3 antibodies among PV patients was only about 60% of the comparable number with Dsg3EC 1-2. The proliferation of T cells of PV patients was inhibited markedly by Dsg3EC 1-2PE40. There was significant difference between the different groups with Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 and Dsg3EC 1-2.Conclusion:The recombinant chimeric toxin Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 decrease the number of B cells that produce anti-Dsg3 antibodies in PV patients and can inhibit or kill T cells of PV patients in vitro.

Production of Interleukin 2 like Growth Factor from the Mitogen Activated Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita

Optimum conditions for in vitro production of interleukin 2 （IL 2） like activity from the Peripheral blood lymphocytes （PBL） of an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita were studied. Culture supernatants were generated by culturing the PBL in RPMI-1640 media supplemented with Glutamine and 10% fetal bovine serum （FBS） and stimulating with two different mitogens： concanavalin A （Con A） and Phytohaemagglutinin （PHA） at different concentrations separately. Significantly （P 〈 0.01） higher proliferation response was obtained from the culture supematant stimulated with concanavalin A （Con A） at a concentration of 10 lag mLl. The effect of phorbol myristate acetate （PMA） was also studied by co-stimulating PBL with Con A and PHA separately and it was found to synergistically enhancing the stimulation index with Con A whereas the stimulation index remain unchanged with PHA. The Con A （10 μg mLl） stimulated PBL were also cultured at different cell density, incubation period and incubation temperature in order to optimize the in vitro L. rohita IL2 production. The IL2 like activity was studied by lymphocyte proliferation assay on 72 h Con A blasts using WST based assay technique. Significantly （P 〈 0.01） higher stimulation indices were obtained when the PBL were cultured at a cell density of 1 × 10^6 cells mL^-1 for 30-36 h at an incubation temperature of 30 ℃. The IL2 like activity was purified by DEAE-Sepharose anion exchange chromatography and recorded between 70-130 mM NaCI with peak activity at 110 Mm NaCI. The molecular weight of the factor responsible for IL2 like activity was found to be 15-17 KD.

CHANGES ON RECEPTOR EXPRESSIONAND PRODUCTION OF INTERLEUKIN-2 IN CIRCULATING LYMPHOCYTE POPULATION AFTER OPEN HEART SURGERY

To evaluate the change of perioperative cell mediated immunity after cardiac operation with cardiopul-monary bypass (CPB), so as to provide some information for timely prevention and treatment against post-operative immunological disorder, 40 patients were studied. By searching for the effects of CPB and anes-thesia, interleukln-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression upon the surface of peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC), as well as interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in vitro was traced 55 min after anesthesia, at end ofCPB, on postoperative 1, 7, and 14 day versus preanesthesia control. Our data demonstrated that expres-sion of IL-2R on PBMC was significantly suppressed in all comparing with the baseline value, meanwhile,IL-2 production in vitro also statistically dropped. However,no statistical difference was found on perioper-ative IL 2R expression and IL-2 synthesis in the cholecystectomy group. We conclude that postoperativeimmunological disorder seems to be the main factor, which could be denoted as reduced IL 2R expressionon PBMC and lL-2 synthesis in vitro for sepsis, even multiple system organ failure developed after cardiacsurgery.

Cellular immune function and liver damage in post hepatitic cirrhosis

AIM To study the cellular immune function in patients with post hepatitic cirrhosis (PHC) and its relation with different liver damages.

SERUM HAPTOGLOBIN SUPPRESSES T-LYMPHOCYTE FUNCTIONS FOLLOWING BURNS

It is well known that serum immunosuppressive factors play an important role in the mechanism of postburn immunosuppression.This study was intended to investigate the effect of haptoglobin, purified from the serum of burned patients by affinity chromatography,on the proliferation and interleukin-2(IL-2) secretion of normal murine thymocytes induced by ConA and the proliferation of IL-2 dependent cell line(CTLL-2) stimulated by recombinant human IL-2,so as to elucidate the role of serum haptoglobin in postburn T-lymphocyte dysfunction.The results showed that purified haptoglobin,at the level equivalent to the concentration found in serum of burned patients,significantly inhibited the proliferation and IL-2 secretion of normal murine thymocytes as well as CTLL-2 proliferation;whereas it exhibited no immunosuppressive effects at the level equivalent to the concentration found in serum of nomal volunteers.According to the results reported here,it is suggested that extraordinary increase in serum haptoglobin level may be an important factor of impaired T-lymphocyte responses following burns.

Diagnostic role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography for follicular lymphoma with gastrointestinal involvement

AIM:To investigate the capacity for 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose(18F-FDG) positron emission tomography(PET) to evaluate patients with gastrointestinal lesions of follicular lymphoma.METHODS:This retrospective case series consisted of 41 patients with follicular lymphoma and gastrointestinal involvement who underwent 18F-FDG-PET and endoscopic evaluations at ten different institutions between November 1996 and October 2011.Data for endoscopic,radiological,and biological examinations performed were retrospectively reviewed from clinical records.A semi-quantitative analysis of 18F-FDG uptake was performed for each involved area by calculating the maximum standardized uptake value(SUVmax).Based on the positivity of 18F-FDG uptake in the gastrointestinal lesions analyzed,patients were subdivided into two groups.To identify potential predictive factors for 18F-FDG positivity,these two groups were compared with respect to gender,age at diagnosis of lymphoma,histopathological grade,pattern of follicular dendritic cells,mitotic rate,clinical stage,soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels detected by 18F-FDG-PET,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) levels,hemoglobin levels,bone marrow involvement,detectability of gastrointestinal lesions by computed tomography(CT) scanning,and follicular lymphoma international prognostic index(FLIPI) risk.RESULTS:Involvement of follicular lymphoma in the stomach,duodenum,jejunum,ileum,cecum,colon,and rectum was identified in 1,34,6,3,2,3,and 6 patients,respectively.No patient had esophageal involvement.In total,19/41(46.3%) patients exhibited true-positive 18F-FDG uptake in the lesions present in their gastrointestinal tract.In contrast,false-negative 18F-FDG uptake was detected in 24 patients(58.5%),while false-positive 18F-FDG uptake was detected in 5 patients(12.2%).In the former case,2/19 patients had both 18F-FDG-positive lesions and 18F-FDGnegative lesions in the gastrointestinal tract.In patients with 18F-FDG avidity,the SUVmax value of the involved gastrointestinal tract ranged from 2.6 to 17.4(median:4.7).For the 18F-FDG-negative(n = 22) and-positive(n = 19) groups,there were no differences in the male to female ratios(10/12 vs 4/15,P = 0.186),patient age(63.6 ± 2.4 years vs 60.1 ± 2.6 years,P = 0.323),presence of histopathological grade 1 vs 2(20/2 and 17/2,P = 1.000),follicular dendritic cell pattern(duodenal/nodal:13/5 vs 10/3,P = 1.000),mitotic rate(low/partly high,14/1 vs 10/3,P = 0.311),clinical stage according to the Ann Arbor system(stages ⅠE and ⅡE/other,15/7 vs 15/4,P = 0.499),clinical stage according to the Lugano system(stages Ⅰ and Ⅱ-1/other,14/8 vs 14/5,P = 0.489),soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels(495 ± 78 vs 402 ± 83,P = 0.884),LDH levels(188 ± 7 vs 183 ± 8,P = 0.749),hemoglobin levels(13.5 ± 0.3 vs 12.8 ± 0.4,P = 0.197),bone marrow involvement(positive/negative,1/8 vs 1/10,P = 1.000),detectability by CT scanning(positive/negative,1/16 vs 4/13,P = 0.335),and FLIPI risk(low risk/other,16/6 vs 13/6,P = 0.763),respectively in each case.CONCLUSION:These findings indicate that it is not feasible to predict 18F-FDG-avidity.Therefore,18FFDG-PET scans represent a complementary modality for the detection of gastrointestinal involvements in follicular lymphoma patients,and surveillance of the entire gastrointestinal tract by endoscopic examinations is required.

Differential effects of energy balance on experimentally-induced colitis

AIM： To characterize the influence of diet-induced changes in body fat on colitis severity in SlVlAD3-/- mice.METHODS： SMAD3-/- mice （6-8 wk of age） were ran- domly assigned to receive a calorie restricted （30% of control; CR）, control （CON）, or high fat （HF） diet for 20 wk and were gavaged with sterile broth or with Helicobacter hepaticus （H. hepaticus） to induce colitis. Four weeks after infection, mice were sacrificed and the cecum and colons were processed for histological evaluation.RESULTS： Dietary treatment significantly influenced body composition prior to infection （P 〈 0.05）, with CR mice having less （14%±2%） and HF-fed mice more body fat （32% ± 7%） compared to controls （22%±4%）. Differences in body composition were associated with alterations in plasma levels of leptin （HF 〉 CON 〉 CR） and adiponectin （CON 〉 HF 〉/ CR） （P 〈 0.05）. There were no significant differences in colitis scores between CON and HF-fed mice 4 wk post-infection. Consistent with this, differences in proliferation and in- flammation markers （COX-2, iNOS）, and infiltrating cell types （CD3^＋ T lymphocytes, macrophages） were not observed. Unexpectedly, only 40% of CR mice survived infection with H. hepaticus, with mortality observed as early as I wk following induction of colitis.CONCLUSION： Increased adiposity does not influence colitis severity in SMAD3-/- mice. Importantly, caloric restriction negatively impacts survival following pathogen challenge, potentially due to an impaired immune response.

Changes in Ca^(2+) -ATPase in a guinea pig endolymphatic hydrops model

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the localization of Ca(2+)-ATPase (Ca(2+) pump) in the cochlear and its change after endolymphatic hydrops, and to study the relationship between compound action potential (CAP) threshold and the Ca(2+)-ATPase activety. METHODS: The left endolymphatic sac was ablated to induce endolymphatic hydrops in fourteen healthy guinea pigs with normal action potential thresholds measured after a sliver ball electrode placed on the round window. Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was studied cytochemically using a lead citrate reaction in control and hydropic ears. The reaction product was lead phosphate particles as an expression of Ca(2+)-ATPase activity, observed with an eletron microscope. RESULTS: Ca(2+)-ATPase activity is mainly found on the endolymphatic surface of Reis sner's membrane, the stereocilia and cuticular plate of inner and outer hair cells, and along the infolded plasma membrane of strial marginal cells. CAP thresholds of filtered click are increased and Ca(2+)-ATPase activity significantly decreased after endolymphatic hydrops in the mentioned locations. CONCLUSIONS: CAP thresholds are increased and Ca(2+)-ATPase activity are significantly decreased in the cochlea after endolymphatic hydrops. These results suggest that there is a negative correlation between them.

Effects of electroacupuncture on conjunctival cell apoptosis and the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3,Fas and Bcl-2 in rabbits with dry eye syndrome

Objective:By observing the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)on the apoptosis of conjunctival cells of rabbits with dry eye syndrome(DES)and the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3,Fas and Bcl-2,to discuss the mechanism of EA in the treatment of DES from the perspective of cell apoptosis.Methods:Male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group(NG),a model group(MG),an EA group(EAG)and a sham EA group(SEAG).DES rabbit model was developed by eye drop of 0.1%benzalkonium chloride.The rabbit tear secretion and tear film break-up time(BUT)were measured;terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)assay was used to detect the apoptosis of conjunctival cells;the expressions of Caspase-3,Fas and Bcl-2 proteins in conjunctival cells were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:Compared with the NG,the rabbit tear secretion decreased and the BUT was shortened in the MG(both P<0.01);compared with the MG and the SEAG,the rabbit tear secretion increased and the BUT was prolonged in the EAG(all P<0.05).Compared with the NG,the apoptosis of rabbit conjunctival cells increased(P<0.01),the expressions of Caspase-3 and Fas proteins increased(both P<0.05),and the expression of Bcl-2 protein decreased(P<0.01)in the MG;compared with the MG and the SEAG,the apoptosis of rabbit conjunctival cells decreased(both P<0.01),the expressions of Caspase-3 and Fas proteins decreased(all P<0.05),and the expression of Bcl-2 protein increased(both P<0.01)in the EAG.Conclusion:EA can inhibit the apoptosis of rabbit conjunctival cells,down-regulate the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3 and Fas,and up-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 protein,which may be one of the mechanisms of EA in treatment of DES.

胃食管反流致类支气管哮喘样病理生理变化的研究

目的探讨胃食管反流能否导致类似支气管哮喘（哮喘）样病理生理变化及发生机制。方法雄性BALB／c小鼠60只，随机分为4组：胃食管反流对照组（A组），哮喘对照组（B组），胃食管反流组（C组），哮喘组（D组）。以卵清蛋白致敏及激发制备哮喘模型，用盐酸胃蛋白酶溶液制备胃食管反流模型，末次吸人卵清蛋白与灌胃后，24h内测定每组小鼠的呼吸道阻力变化；计数支气管肺泡灌洗液中嗜酸性粒细胞和中性粒细胞所占百分比；采用流式细胞术测定脾细胞中IL-4、IFN-1及Th1／Th2比值的变化；经HE染色后观察肺组织以及食管病理形态变化。结果C组、D组呼吸道阻力比值比A组、B组增高，差异均有统计学意义（P均〈0．05）。C组、D组小鼠IL-4较A组、B组明显增高，IFN-γ、Th1／Th2比值较A组、B组明显降低，差异均有统计学意义（P均〈0．05）。C组、D组可见大量嗜酸性粒细胞，与A组、B组比较差异均有统计学意义（P均〈0．05）。肺组织病理切片示C组、D组支气管管腔变形，上皮细胞脱落，基底膜增厚，管壁周围炎性细胞浸润，周围血管水肿，炎性细胞浸润，肺泡腔变大，肺泡壁变薄。A组、B组上皮细胞及纤毛完整，支气管管腔规则，周围未见炎性细胞浸润，以假复层纤毛柱状上皮细胞为主。食管病理切片示c组食管下段明显黏膜下水肿，黏膜下有炎性细胞浸润，角质亢进。A组、B组、D组基本正常，未见病理变化。结论胃食管反流可引起小鼠Thl／Th2比值下降，呼吸道高反应，发生类似哮喘的病理生理变化。

A clinical study of Weining Granules in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical effects of Weining Granules on gastric precancerous lesions(GPLs).METHODS:120 patients with GPLs were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive Weining Granules(trial group) or the comparator Weifuchun tablets(control group) for 6 months.Outcomes were compared between the two groups including:overall response;gastroscopically-determined response;pathologically-confirmed response;eradication of Helicobacter pylori(HP);microvessel density(MVD) in the gastric mucosa;expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF);interleukin 2(IL-2);interleukin 6(IL-6);T lymphocyte subsets;immunoglobulins;symptom scores;quality of life(QOL);and adverse reactions.RESULTS:Patients in the trial group had a significantly higher(P<0.05) overall response rate(81.7%) as compared with those in the control group(63.3%).Relative to treatment with Weifuchun tablets treatment with Weining Granules resulted in a significant improvement(P<0.05) in the scores for gastric pain,distension and stuffiness in the hypochondrium,and anorexia.As compared with the tablets the Granules were associated with a significantly higher overall gastroscopically-determined response rate(78.3%;P<0.05).Pathological examination of tissue samples indicated that 61.7% of patients receiving the granules were cured with an overall response rate of 75.5%;these rates were significantly higher than in the control group(P<0.05).In comparison with patients receiving the tablets,those given the granules were significantly more likely to have their HP eradicated(75.0% vs.51.4%;P<0.05).Improvements in MVD,VEGF,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+,IL-2,IL-6 and IgG were significantly greater with the Weining Granules than with the Weifuchun tablets(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After follow-up of 1 year,17.5% of patients in the trial group relapsed as compared with 39.5% in the control group(P<0.05).Relative to the control group,the trial group showed significantly greater improvements in physical,psychological and social relationships,and in environmental domains(P<0.05 or P<0.01).No significant adverse reactions were observed during treatment.CONCLUSION:The Weining Granules appear to be effective in improving the gastric precancerous state and the main symptoms,in inhibiting angiogenesis,enhancing immune function and QOL,and in reducing 1-year relapses.In addition,this preparation seems to be associated with a low risk of adverse events,making it a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of GPLs.