IL-4 is an important B cell survival and growth factor. IL-4 induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2 in resting B lymphocytes and in LPS- or CD40L-activated blasts. Phosphorylated IRS2 coprecipitated with the p85...IL-4 is an important B cell survival and growth factor. IL-4 induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2 in resting B lymphocytes and in LPS- or CD40L-activated blasts. Phosphorylated IRS2 coprecipitated with the p85 subunit of PI 3’ kinase in both resting and activated cells. By contrast, association of phosphorylated IRS2 with GRB2 was not detected in resting B cells after IL-4 treatment although both proteins were expressed. However, IL-4 induced association of IRS2 with GRB2 in B cell blasts. The pattern of IL-4- induced recruitment of p85 and GRB2 to IRS2 observed in B cells derived from STAT6 null mice was identical to that observed for normal mice. While IL-4 alone does not induce activation of MEK, a MEKI inhibitor suppressed the IL-4-induced proliferative response of LPS-activated B cell blasts. These results demonstrate that costimulation of splenic B cells alters IL-4-induced signal transduction independent of STAT6 leading to proliferation. Furthermore, proliferation induced by IL-4 in LPS-activated blasts is dependent upon the MAP kinase pathway.展开更多
Objective:To perform a systematic review and meta analysis on the association of C-589T and C-590T polymorphisms of IL-4 with asthma and to estimate allele frequencies, the magnitude of the gene effect as well as the ...Objective:To perform a systematic review and meta analysis on the association of C-589T and C-590T polymorphisms of IL-4 with asthma and to estimate allele frequencies, the magnitude of the gene effect as well as the possible mode of inheritance. Methods: A genetic model-free approach was used to perform a meta analysis. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also explored. Results: Our meta analysis summarized the evidence to date regarding the association of C-589T and C-590T polymorphisms in the promoter region of IL-4 gene with asthma. For C-590T, the results showed a significant recessive genetic model, and the CC genotype was about 24% less likely to have asthma than the genotype CT and TT. Although there was evidence suggesting a recessive genetic model for C-589T, the recessive model was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This meta analysis suggests that there may be an important effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of IL-4 gene on the pathogenesis of asthma.展开更多
We investigated the effects of mouse recombinant IL-4 on hematopoiesis in vitro and in vivo. IL-4 alone was found to be incapable of stimulating colony formation, but it inhibited both IL-3-and GM-CSF-induced colony f...We investigated the effects of mouse recombinant IL-4 on hematopoiesis in vitro and in vivo. IL-4 alone was found to be incapable of stimulating colony formation, but it inhibited both IL-3-and GM-CSF-induced colony formation by murine hematopoietic progenitor cells. In contrast, colony formation induced by G-CSF was enhanced in the presence of IL-4. We also studied the influence of IL-4 on hematopoietic reconstiution after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in a murine medel, and found that IL-4 had significant inhibitory effects on neutrophil recovery and that neutrophil recovery accelerated by IL-3 and G-CSF was significantly suppressed by IL-4. The combination of IL-4 and GM-SF caused a significant decrease in the absolute number of neutrophils.展开更多
The authors aimed to assess Thl (T-helper cell 1)/Th2 (T-helper cell 2) balance, through evaluation of serum IFN-γ (interferon gamma) and IL-4 (interleukin 4), during asthma exacerbation and study the effect ...The authors aimed to assess Thl (T-helper cell 1)/Th2 (T-helper cell 2) balance, through evaluation of serum IFN-γ (interferon gamma) and IL-4 (interleukin 4), during asthma exacerbation and study the effect of anti inflammatory therapy. A randomized prospective case-control study was designed. The sludy included 30 asthmatic patients, aging 8-14 years. All were diagnosed as partly controlled asthmatics. Twenty, age and sex matched, healthy children were included in the study as control group All participants were subjected to medical history, clinical examination, pulmonary function testing, eosinophilic blood counting, estimation of serum interleukine-4 and interferon gamma. Patients were treated for 6 weeks with 2 different anti inflammatory drugs. All methods were then repeated for follow up. IL-4 serum level was significantly higher in subjects with partly controlled asthma than in control subjects (P = 0.01), and then in asthmatic patients after therapy (P = 0.0000), while IFN-), serum level was significantly lower in subjects with partly controlled asthma than in control subjects (P = 0.01), and than in asthmatic patients after therapy (P = 0.0000). Interferon gamma showed a significant negative correlation with IL-4 among the healthy control group (r = -0.559, P = 0.010). Both LTA (leukotriene antagonist) and ICS (inhaled corticosteroids) therapy lead to significant improvement, but there were no statistically significant differences (P 〉 0.05) between them as regard the pulmonary functions and the laboratory evaluating parameters. Both serum levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ, could be used as a reliable inflammatory biomarker for the evaluation and follow up of asthmatic patients.展开更多
Objective: To probe into the mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at Shangjuxu (ST 37) for treatment of the ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a nor...Objective: To probe into the mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at Shangjuxu (ST 37) for treatment of the ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a normal group, a model group, a Shangjuxu group and a non-acupoint group, 10 rats in each group. The UC rat model was made with enema of trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBSA), and the changes of interleuldn-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) contents after EA at Shangjuxu (ST 37) were observed. Results: EA at Shangjuxu (ST 37) could significantly decrease the IL-1β content and increase the IL-4 content in the colic tissues of the UC rats with significant differences as compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group (P〈0.05 or P〈0.01). Conclusion: The mechanisms of EA at Shangjuxu (ST 37) for treatment of the UC rats is possibly related with the decrease of IL-1β, a inflammation-promoting cytokine, and the increase of IL-4, a anti-inflammatory cytokine.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the compositions of Th1/Th2/Th3 cells in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected individuals by determining the expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4), inetrferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and transfor...OBJECTIVE: To investigate the compositions of Th1/Th2/Th3 cells in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected individuals by determining the expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4), inetrferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and transform growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in single CD4(+) T cells isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the role of polarized Th cell populations in chronic HBV-infection was discussed. METHODS: PBMCs from chronically infected HBV individuals were isolated, stimulated by PMA/Ionomycin/Monensin, and IL-4, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta production by CD4(+) T cells was determined by using fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. RESULTS: The percentage of IFN-gamma-producing T cells, IL-4-producing T cells and TGF-beta-producing T cells ranged from 2.3% - 18.6%, 1.1% - 8.7% and 0.7% - 7.1% respectively in CD4(+) T cells from non-infected individuals. Most of CD4(+) T cells from PBMCs in chronically infected HBV individuals were Th0 cells. The proportion of Th1 cells increased significantly with hepatic inflammatory activity, and in the active period of chronic hepatitis B infection were higher than those in the non-active period (P 0.05), but were higher than that from controls (P展开更多
Objective To explore the role of nuclear factor κB (NF κB) in the signal conduction of protein kinase C (PKC) regulated proliferation, apoptosis and expression of Th2 cytokines - interleukin 4 (IL 4) and interl...Objective To explore the role of nuclear factor κB (NF κB) in the signal conduction of protein kinase C (PKC) regulated proliferation, apoptosis and expression of Th2 cytokines - interleukin 4 (IL 4) and interleukin 5 (IL 5) of T lymphocytes in the bronchial alveolus lavage fluid (BALF) Methods T lymphocytes were isolated and purified from BALF of asthmatic guinea pigs in normal and asthmatic groups, and were stimulated with PKC agitator phorbol 12 myristate 13 acetate (PMA) and NF κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), respectively The expressions of NF κB, IL 4 and IL 5 mRNA and protein, the proliferation and apoptosis of T lymphocytes were observed by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, ELISA, MTT and TUNEL, respectively Results The activation of NF κB, proliferation response, and expression of IL 4 and IL 5 mRNA and protein in T lymphocytes stimulated by PMA were significantly higher than those of their blank control ( P 【0 01), while those indexes of T lymphocytes stimulated by PMA and PDTC simultaneously were significantly lower than those stimulated by PMA alone ( P 【0 01) The apoptotic index of T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA were significantly lower than that of their blank control ( P 【0 01), and the apoptotic index of asthmatic guinea pig T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and PDTC simultaneously were significantly higher than that stimulated by PMA alone ( P 【0 01) The significant positive correlations were found between the activation of NF κB and the proliferation ( r =0 64, P 【0 001), and the expression of IL 4 and IL 5 mRNA and protein of T lymphocytes, respectively ( r =0 55-0 68, P 【0 001) There was also significant negative correlation between the activation of NF κB and apoptosis of T lymphocytes ( r =0 62, P 【0 001) Conclusions NF κB may participate in the signal conduction of PKC regulated proliferation, apoptosis and expression of IL 4 and IL 5 of T lymphocytes in asthma The activation of NF κB in PKC signal conduction pathway of T lymphocytes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma展开更多
This study assessed and compared the immunogenicity of various immunization strategies in mice using combinations of re- combinant DNA (pCCMp24) and recombinant attenuated vaccinia virus Tian Tan (rddVTT_ccMpe4). ...This study assessed and compared the immunogenicity of various immunization strategies in mice using combinations of re- combinant DNA (pCCMp24) and recombinant attenuated vaccinia virus Tian Tan (rddVTT_ccMpe4). Intramuscular immuniza- tion was performed on days 0 (prime) and 21 (boost). The immunogenicity of the vaccine schedules was determined by meas- uring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific binding antibody levels and cytokine (interleukin-2 and interleukin-4) concentrations in peripheral blood, analyzing lymphocyte proliferation capacity against HIV epitopes and CD4~/CD8+cell ratio, and monitoring interferon-gamma levels at different times post-immunization. The results showed that pCCMp24, rddVTT.ccMp24 and their prime-boost immunization induced humoral and cellular immune responses. The pCCMp24/ rddVTT.ccMp24 immunization strategy increased CD8+ T cells and induced more IFN-7-secreting cells compared with sin- gle-shot rDNA. The prime-boost immunization strategy also induced the generation of cellular immunological memory to HIV epitope peptides. These results demonstrated that prime-boost immunization with rDNA and rddVTT_ccMp24 had a tendency to induce greater cellular immune response than single-shot vaccinations, especially IFN-7 response, providing a basis for further studies.展开更多
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in treatment of chronic urticaria and the change in the content of serum immunoglobulin E(IgE),and to discuss the effect of acupuncture on the imbalance of T h...Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in treatment of chronic urticaria and the change in the content of serum immunoglobulin E(IgE),and to discuss the effect of acupuncture on the imbalance of T helper(Th)1/Th2 cell function via observing the changes in the contents of interferon-y(IFN-y)and interleukin-4(IL-4).Methods:Ninety patients meeting the inclusion criteria of chronic urticaria were randomized into an acupuncture-medication group,an acupuncture group and a Western medication group by the random number table method.The acupuncture-medication group was intervened by acupuncture,cupping,collateral-pricking bloodletting and oral administration of cetirizine hydrochloride tablets;the acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture,cupping and collateral-pricking bloodletting;the Western medication group only received oral administration of cetirizine hydrochloride tablets.Before treatment and after 6-week treatment,the changes in the symptom scores and the contents of serum IgE,IFN-γ and IL-4 in the three groups were observed.Results:There were no significant differences in the total effective rate among the three groups(all P>0.05),but the cured and markedly effective rate was significantly higher in the acupuncture-medication group than that in the Western medication group(P<0.05).After treatment,the total symptom score decreased in the three groups(P<0.05),and the improvement of total symptom score in the acupuncture-medication group was more significant than that in the Western medication group(P<0.05).The component symptom scores all decreased after treatment in the three groups(all P<0.05);the improvements of the scores of itch intensity,and skin lesion size and number were more significant in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Western medication group(all P<0.05);the improvement of the skin lesion size score was more significant in the acupuncture group than in the Western medication group(P<0.01).The contents of IgE and IL-4 dropped(all P<0.05)and the content of IFN-y increased(P<0.05)after treatment in the three groups;the post-treatment changes in the serum contents of IgE and IFN-y were more significant in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Western medication group(both P<0.05).The incidence rate of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the acupuncture-medication group and acupuncture group than in the Western medication group(both P<0.05),and the relapse rate was significantly lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Western medication group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Combined acupuncture and medication can enhance the cured and markedly effective rate in treating chronic urticaria.Acupuncture is equivalent to cetirizine hydrochloride tablets comparing the clinical efficacy in treatment of chronic urticaria.Acupuncture plus medication and acupuncture alone both can effectively mitigate the clinical symptoms,with low incidence of adverse reactions.The relapse rate is low when using acupuncture together with medication.Acupuncture plus medication can work better in regulating the contents of IgE and IFN-y and improving the imbalance of Th1/Th2 cell function.展开更多
文摘IL-4 is an important B cell survival and growth factor. IL-4 induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2 in resting B lymphocytes and in LPS- or CD40L-activated blasts. Phosphorylated IRS2 coprecipitated with the p85 subunit of PI 3’ kinase in both resting and activated cells. By contrast, association of phosphorylated IRS2 with GRB2 was not detected in resting B cells after IL-4 treatment although both proteins were expressed. However, IL-4 induced association of IRS2 with GRB2 in B cell blasts. The pattern of IL-4- induced recruitment of p85 and GRB2 to IRS2 observed in B cells derived from STAT6 null mice was identical to that observed for normal mice. While IL-4 alone does not induce activation of MEK, a MEKI inhibitor suppressed the IL-4-induced proliferative response of LPS-activated B cell blasts. These results demonstrate that costimulation of splenic B cells alters IL-4-induced signal transduction independent of STAT6 leading to proliferation. Furthermore, proliferation induced by IL-4 in LPS-activated blasts is dependent upon the MAP kinase pathway.
基金Supported by a grant from the Science Foundation of Third Military Medical University (No. XG200353)
文摘Objective:To perform a systematic review and meta analysis on the association of C-589T and C-590T polymorphisms of IL-4 with asthma and to estimate allele frequencies, the magnitude of the gene effect as well as the possible mode of inheritance. Methods: A genetic model-free approach was used to perform a meta analysis. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also explored. Results: Our meta analysis summarized the evidence to date regarding the association of C-589T and C-590T polymorphisms in the promoter region of IL-4 gene with asthma. For C-590T, the results showed a significant recessive genetic model, and the CC genotype was about 24% less likely to have asthma than the genotype CT and TT. Although there was evidence suggesting a recessive genetic model for C-589T, the recessive model was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This meta analysis suggests that there may be an important effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of IL-4 gene on the pathogenesis of asthma.
文摘We investigated the effects of mouse recombinant IL-4 on hematopoiesis in vitro and in vivo. IL-4 alone was found to be incapable of stimulating colony formation, but it inhibited both IL-3-and GM-CSF-induced colony formation by murine hematopoietic progenitor cells. In contrast, colony formation induced by G-CSF was enhanced in the presence of IL-4. We also studied the influence of IL-4 on hematopoietic reconstiution after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in a murine medel, and found that IL-4 had significant inhibitory effects on neutrophil recovery and that neutrophil recovery accelerated by IL-3 and G-CSF was significantly suppressed by IL-4. The combination of IL-4 and GM-SF caused a significant decrease in the absolute number of neutrophils.
文摘The authors aimed to assess Thl (T-helper cell 1)/Th2 (T-helper cell 2) balance, through evaluation of serum IFN-γ (interferon gamma) and IL-4 (interleukin 4), during asthma exacerbation and study the effect of anti inflammatory therapy. A randomized prospective case-control study was designed. The sludy included 30 asthmatic patients, aging 8-14 years. All were diagnosed as partly controlled asthmatics. Twenty, age and sex matched, healthy children were included in the study as control group All participants were subjected to medical history, clinical examination, pulmonary function testing, eosinophilic blood counting, estimation of serum interleukine-4 and interferon gamma. Patients were treated for 6 weeks with 2 different anti inflammatory drugs. All methods were then repeated for follow up. IL-4 serum level was significantly higher in subjects with partly controlled asthma than in control subjects (P = 0.01), and then in asthmatic patients after therapy (P = 0.0000), while IFN-), serum level was significantly lower in subjects with partly controlled asthma than in control subjects (P = 0.01), and than in asthmatic patients after therapy (P = 0.0000). Interferon gamma showed a significant negative correlation with IL-4 among the healthy control group (r = -0.559, P = 0.010). Both LTA (leukotriene antagonist) and ICS (inhaled corticosteroids) therapy lead to significant improvement, but there were no statistically significant differences (P 〉 0.05) between them as regard the pulmonary functions and the laboratory evaluating parameters. Both serum levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ, could be used as a reliable inflammatory biomarker for the evaluation and follow up of asthmatic patients.
文摘Objective: To probe into the mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at Shangjuxu (ST 37) for treatment of the ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a normal group, a model group, a Shangjuxu group and a non-acupoint group, 10 rats in each group. The UC rat model was made with enema of trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBSA), and the changes of interleuldn-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) contents after EA at Shangjuxu (ST 37) were observed. Results: EA at Shangjuxu (ST 37) could significantly decrease the IL-1β content and increase the IL-4 content in the colic tissues of the UC rats with significant differences as compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group (P〈0.05 or P〈0.01). Conclusion: The mechanisms of EA at Shangjuxu (ST 37) for treatment of the UC rats is possibly related with the decrease of IL-1β, a inflammation-promoting cytokine, and the increase of IL-4, a anti-inflammatory cytokine.
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate the compositions of Th1/Th2/Th3 cells in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected individuals by determining the expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4), inetrferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and transform growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in single CD4(+) T cells isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the role of polarized Th cell populations in chronic HBV-infection was discussed. METHODS: PBMCs from chronically infected HBV individuals were isolated, stimulated by PMA/Ionomycin/Monensin, and IL-4, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta production by CD4(+) T cells was determined by using fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. RESULTS: The percentage of IFN-gamma-producing T cells, IL-4-producing T cells and TGF-beta-producing T cells ranged from 2.3% - 18.6%, 1.1% - 8.7% and 0.7% - 7.1% respectively in CD4(+) T cells from non-infected individuals. Most of CD4(+) T cells from PBMCs in chronically infected HBV individuals were Th0 cells. The proportion of Th1 cells increased significantly with hepatic inflammatory activity, and in the active period of chronic hepatitis B infection were higher than those in the non-active period (P 0.05), but were higher than that from controls (P
文摘Objective To explore the role of nuclear factor κB (NF κB) in the signal conduction of protein kinase C (PKC) regulated proliferation, apoptosis and expression of Th2 cytokines - interleukin 4 (IL 4) and interleukin 5 (IL 5) of T lymphocytes in the bronchial alveolus lavage fluid (BALF) Methods T lymphocytes were isolated and purified from BALF of asthmatic guinea pigs in normal and asthmatic groups, and were stimulated with PKC agitator phorbol 12 myristate 13 acetate (PMA) and NF κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), respectively The expressions of NF κB, IL 4 and IL 5 mRNA and protein, the proliferation and apoptosis of T lymphocytes were observed by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, ELISA, MTT and TUNEL, respectively Results The activation of NF κB, proliferation response, and expression of IL 4 and IL 5 mRNA and protein in T lymphocytes stimulated by PMA were significantly higher than those of their blank control ( P 【0 01), while those indexes of T lymphocytes stimulated by PMA and PDTC simultaneously were significantly lower than those stimulated by PMA alone ( P 【0 01) The apoptotic index of T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA were significantly lower than that of their blank control ( P 【0 01), and the apoptotic index of asthmatic guinea pig T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and PDTC simultaneously were significantly higher than that stimulated by PMA alone ( P 【0 01) The significant positive correlations were found between the activation of NF κB and the proliferation ( r =0 64, P 【0 001), and the expression of IL 4 and IL 5 mRNA and protein of T lymphocytes, respectively ( r =0 55-0 68, P 【0 001) There was also significant negative correlation between the activation of NF κB and apoptosis of T lymphocytes ( r =0 62, P 【0 001) Conclusions NF κB may participate in the signal conduction of PKC regulated proliferation, apoptosis and expression of IL 4 and IL 5 of T lymphocytes in asthma The activation of NF κB in PKC signal conduction pathway of T lymphocytes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81001342)the National Basic Research Program of China (2011CB512110)the National Mega Project on Major Infectious Diseases Prevention (2012ZX10001005-006)
文摘This study assessed and compared the immunogenicity of various immunization strategies in mice using combinations of re- combinant DNA (pCCMp24) and recombinant attenuated vaccinia virus Tian Tan (rddVTT_ccMpe4). Intramuscular immuniza- tion was performed on days 0 (prime) and 21 (boost). The immunogenicity of the vaccine schedules was determined by meas- uring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific binding antibody levels and cytokine (interleukin-2 and interleukin-4) concentrations in peripheral blood, analyzing lymphocyte proliferation capacity against HIV epitopes and CD4~/CD8+cell ratio, and monitoring interferon-gamma levels at different times post-immunization. The results showed that pCCMp24, rddVTT.ccMp24 and their prime-boost immunization induced humoral and cellular immune responses. The pCCMp24/ rddVTT.ccMp24 immunization strategy increased CD8+ T cells and induced more IFN-7-secreting cells compared with sin- gle-shot rDNA. The prime-boost immunization strategy also induced the generation of cellular immunological memory to HIV epitope peptides. These results demonstrated that prime-boost immunization with rDNA and rddVTT_ccMp24 had a tendency to induce greater cellular immune response than single-shot vaccinations, especially IFN-7 response, providing a basis for further studies.
文摘Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in treatment of chronic urticaria and the change in the content of serum immunoglobulin E(IgE),and to discuss the effect of acupuncture on the imbalance of T helper(Th)1/Th2 cell function via observing the changes in the contents of interferon-y(IFN-y)and interleukin-4(IL-4).Methods:Ninety patients meeting the inclusion criteria of chronic urticaria were randomized into an acupuncture-medication group,an acupuncture group and a Western medication group by the random number table method.The acupuncture-medication group was intervened by acupuncture,cupping,collateral-pricking bloodletting and oral administration of cetirizine hydrochloride tablets;the acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture,cupping and collateral-pricking bloodletting;the Western medication group only received oral administration of cetirizine hydrochloride tablets.Before treatment and after 6-week treatment,the changes in the symptom scores and the contents of serum IgE,IFN-γ and IL-4 in the three groups were observed.Results:There were no significant differences in the total effective rate among the three groups(all P>0.05),but the cured and markedly effective rate was significantly higher in the acupuncture-medication group than that in the Western medication group(P<0.05).After treatment,the total symptom score decreased in the three groups(P<0.05),and the improvement of total symptom score in the acupuncture-medication group was more significant than that in the Western medication group(P<0.05).The component symptom scores all decreased after treatment in the three groups(all P<0.05);the improvements of the scores of itch intensity,and skin lesion size and number were more significant in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Western medication group(all P<0.05);the improvement of the skin lesion size score was more significant in the acupuncture group than in the Western medication group(P<0.01).The contents of IgE and IL-4 dropped(all P<0.05)and the content of IFN-y increased(P<0.05)after treatment in the three groups;the post-treatment changes in the serum contents of IgE and IFN-y were more significant in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Western medication group(both P<0.05).The incidence rate of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the acupuncture-medication group and acupuncture group than in the Western medication group(both P<0.05),and the relapse rate was significantly lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Western medication group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Combined acupuncture and medication can enhance the cured and markedly effective rate in treating chronic urticaria.Acupuncture is equivalent to cetirizine hydrochloride tablets comparing the clinical efficacy in treatment of chronic urticaria.Acupuncture plus medication and acupuncture alone both can effectively mitigate the clinical symptoms,with low incidence of adverse reactions.The relapse rate is low when using acupuncture together with medication.Acupuncture plus medication can work better in regulating the contents of IgE and IFN-y and improving the imbalance of Th1/Th2 cell function.