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 a...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.展开更多
AIM To investigate the role of regulatory T cell(Treg) subsets in the balance between Treg and T helper 17(Th17) cells in various tissues from mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis.METHODS T r e g c e l l s...AIM To investigate the role of regulatory T cell(Treg) subsets in the balance between Treg and T helper 17(Th17) cells in various tissues from mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis.METHODS T r e g c e l l s, T r e g c e l l s u b s e t s, T h 1 7 c e l l s, a n d CD4+CD25+FoxP 3+IL-17+ cells from the lamina propria of colon(LPC) and other ulcerative colitis(UC) mouse tissues were evaluated by flow cytometry. Forkhead box protein 3(FoxP 3), interleukin 17A(IL-17A), and RORC m RNA levels were assessed by real-time PCR, while interleukin-10(IL-10) and IL-17 A levels were detected with a Cytometric Beads Array.RESULTS In peripheral blood monocytes(PBMC), mesenteric lymphnode(MLN), lamina propria of jejunum(LPJ) and LPC from UC mice, Treg cell numbers were increased(P < 0.05), and FoxP 3 and IL-10 mR NA levels were decreased. Th17 cell numbers were also increased in PBMC and LPC, as were IL-17 A levels in PBMC, LPJ, and serum. The number of FrI subset cells(CD4+CD45RA+FoxP 3low) was increased in the spleen, MLN, LPJ, and LPC. FrI I subset cells(CD4+CD45RA-Fox P3high) were decreased among PBMC, MLN, LPJ, and LPC, but the number of Fr III cells(CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low) and CD4+CD25+FoxP 3+IL-17A+ cells was increased. Fox P3 m RNA levels in CD4+CD45RA-Fox P3 low cells decreased in PBMC, MLN, LPJ, and LPC in UC mice, while IL-17 A and RORC mR NA increased. In UC mice the distribution of Treg, Th17 cells, CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3high, and CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low cells was higher in LPC relative to other tissues.CONCLUSION Increased numbers of CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low cells may cause an imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells that is mainly localized to the LPC rather than secondary lymphoid tissues.展开更多
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 wa...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.展开更多
Methylprednisolone pulse treatment is currently used fo r optic neuritis.It can speed visual recovery,but does not improve the ultimate visual outcomes.Recent studies have repo rted that miR-125 a-5 p has immunomodula...Methylprednisolone pulse treatment is currently used fo r optic neuritis.It can speed visual recovery,but does not improve the ultimate visual outcomes.Recent studies have repo rted that miR-125 a-5 p has immunomodulatory effects on autoimmune diseases.However,it remains unclear whether miR-125 a-5 p has effects on optic neuritis.In this study,we used adeno-associated virus to overexpress or silence miR-125 a-5 p in mice.We found that silencing miR-125 a-5 p increased the latency of visual evoked potential and aggravated inflammation of the optic nerve.Ove rexpression of miR-125 a-5 p suppressed inflammation of the optic nerve,protected retinal ganglion cells,and increased the percentage of Treg cells.Our findings show that miR-125 a-5 p exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through promoting the diffe rentiation of Treg cells.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
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 resp...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.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the effect of T helper(Th)17/T regulatory(Treg)cells on hepatic fibrosis in mice and its possible mechanism.METHODS:Hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride....AIM:To investigate the effect of T helper(Th)17/T regulatory(Treg)cells on hepatic fibrosis in mice and its possible mechanism.METHODS:Hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride.Hepatic pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining;the protein levels of interleukin(IL)-6,transforming growth factor(TGF)-βandα-smooth muscle actin(SMA)in liver tissue were determined by Western blotting;and the frequency of Th17 and Treg cells in the liver was estimated by flow cytometry.In addition,hepatic stellate cells were isolated from healthy mouse liver and co-cultured with Th17 or Treg cells.Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were performed to determine the change in HSC activation.RESULTS:In the model group,there were different degrees of fibroplasia,degeneration and necrosis.The protein levels of IL-6,TGF-βandα-SMA in liver tissue were significantly higher than those in the control group at 12 wk(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the frequency of Th17 cells in the model group was increased but the frequency of Treg cells decreased gradually.Furthermore,at 4,8 and 12 wk,there were significant differences in the number of Th17 cells(0.52%±0.16%,1.46%±0.24%,and2.60%±0.41%,respectively,P<0.05)and Treg cells(2.99%±0.40%,2.16%±0.50%,and 1.49%±0.34%,respectively,P<0.05).In vitro,Th17 cells promoted,whereas Treg cells inhibited the expression ofα-SMA,both in a dose-dependent manner,compared with the control group.CONCLUSION:Th17/Treg imbalance exists in mice with liver fibrosis,which potentially promotes liver fibrosis via HSC activation.展开更多
The essential effect of vitamin A on immune function occurs through various mechanisms including direct effect on ThloTh2 balance modulation. However, it is unclear whether or not vitamin A can regulate Thl-Th2 balanc...The essential effect of vitamin A on immune function occurs through various mechanisms including direct effect on ThloTh2 balance modulation. However, it is unclear whether or not vitamin A can regulate Thl-Th2 balance under a strong Thl-polarizing condition. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine the effect of vitamin A metabolite allotrans retinoic acid （ATRA） on ThloTh2 differentiation in CD4~ T cells under GATA-3 deficiency, which can induce Thl-polarizing condition. In the present study, GATA-3 deficiency T cells were induced by siRNA and checked by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. GATA-3 deficiency CD4＋ T cells and normal CD4＋ T were treated for 48 h with or without ATRA.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Atherosclerosis(AS)is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids,vascular fibrosis,and inflammation.Paeonol(Pae)is a natural phenolic compounds isolated from a traditional Chi...OBJECTIVE Atherosclerosis(AS)is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids,vascular fibrosis,and inflammation.Paeonol(Pae)is a natural phenolic compounds isolated from a traditional Chinese medicine,Cortex Moutan,which exhibits anti-AS effects.Our previous work demonstrated that gut microbiota plays an important role during AS treatment as it affects the efficacy of Pae.However,the mechanism of Pae in protecting against vascular fibrosis as related to gut microbiota has yet to be elucidated.To investigate the anti-fibrosis effect of Pae on AS mice and demonstrate the underlying gut microbiota-dependent mechanism.METHODS ApoE-/-mice were fed with high-fat-diet(HFD)to replicate the AS model.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the plaque formation and collagen deposition.Gut microbiota alteration and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)production were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS.The frequency of immune cells in spleen were phenotyped by flow cytometry.The mRNA expression of aortic inflammatory cytokines were detected by qRT-PCR.The protein expression of LOX and fibrosis related indicators were examined by Western blotting.RESULTS Pae restricted the development of AS and collagen deposition.Notably,the anti-fibrosis effect of Pae was achieved by regulating the gut microbiota.16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS data indicated that the relative abundance of SCFAs-producing bacteria and SCFAs production was increased.Additionally,Pae administration selectively up-regulated the frequency of regulatory T(Treg)cells as well as down-regulated the ratio of T helper type 17(Th17)cells in the spleen of AS mice,improving the Treg/Th17 balance.In addition,as expected,Pae intervention significantly down-regulate the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL^(-1)β,IL-6,TNF-αand IL^(-1)7 in the aorta tissue,up-regulate the levels of anti-inflammatory factor IL^(-1)0,a marker of Treg cells.Finally,Pae′s intervention in the gut microbiota resulted in the restoration of the balance of Treg/Th17,which indirectly down-regulated the protein expression level of LOX and fibrosis-related indicators(MMP-2/9 and collagenⅠ/Ⅲ).CONCLUSION Pae attenuates vascular fibrosis in a gut microbiota-dependent manner.The underlying protective mechanism is associated with the improved Treg/Th17 balance in spleen mediated through the increased microbiota-derived SCFAs production.展开更多
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 o...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.展开更多
Objective:To study the influence of budesonide and salbutamol atomization inhalation on Th17/Treg balance in patients with bronchial asthma and its correlation with airway remodeling.Methods:A total of 90 patients wit...Objective:To study the influence of budesonide and salbutamol atomization inhalation on Th17/Treg balance in patients with bronchial asthma and its correlation with airway remodeling.Methods:A total of 90 patients with bronchial asthma who received systemic treatment in our hospital between July 2013 and April 2016 were divided into control group (n=45) and observation group (n=45) according to random number table. Patients in the control group were treated with salbutamol atomization inhalation alone while those in observation group were treated with budesonide and salbutamol atomization inhalation. The Th17/Treg ratio in peripheral blood as well as serum contents of airway remodeling-related indicators was compared between two groups before and after treatment. The correlation between Th17/Treg balance and airway remodeling in patients with bronchial asthma was detected by Pearson test. Results:Before treatment, the differences in peripheral blood Th17/Treg ratio as well as serum contents of inflammatory mediators, growth factor indexes and collagen metabolism indexes were not statistically significant between two groups of patients. After treatment, peripheral blood Th17/Treg ratio in observation group was lower than that in control group, serum CRP, IL-8, IL-13 and TNF- contents in observation group were lower than those in control group, serum PDGF-BB, b-FGF and VEGF contents in observation group were lower than those in control group, and serum HA, PCⅢ and LN contents in observation group were lower than those in control group. The Th17/Treg ratio in patients with bronchial asthma after treatment was positively correlated with the levels of airway remodeling-related indexes.Conclusion:Budesonide combined with salbutamol atomization inhalation can optimize the Th17/Treg balance in patients with bronchial asthma, and Th17/Treg is directly correlated to the degree of airway remodeling.展开更多
文摘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.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81300294State Scholarship Fund of China,No.201509110033
文摘AIM To investigate the role of regulatory T cell(Treg) subsets in the balance between Treg and T helper 17(Th17) cells in various tissues from mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis.METHODS T r e g c e l l s, T r e g c e l l s u b s e t s, T h 1 7 c e l l s, a n d CD4+CD25+FoxP 3+IL-17+ cells from the lamina propria of colon(LPC) and other ulcerative colitis(UC) mouse tissues were evaluated by flow cytometry. Forkhead box protein 3(FoxP 3), interleukin 17A(IL-17A), and RORC m RNA levels were assessed by real-time PCR, while interleukin-10(IL-10) and IL-17 A levels were detected with a Cytometric Beads Array.RESULTS In peripheral blood monocytes(PBMC), mesenteric lymphnode(MLN), lamina propria of jejunum(LPJ) and LPC from UC mice, Treg cell numbers were increased(P < 0.05), and FoxP 3 and IL-10 mR NA levels were decreased. Th17 cell numbers were also increased in PBMC and LPC, as were IL-17 A levels in PBMC, LPJ, and serum. The number of FrI subset cells(CD4+CD45RA+FoxP 3low) was increased in the spleen, MLN, LPJ, and LPC. FrI I subset cells(CD4+CD45RA-Fox P3high) were decreased among PBMC, MLN, LPJ, and LPC, but the number of Fr III cells(CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low) and CD4+CD25+FoxP 3+IL-17A+ cells was increased. Fox P3 m RNA levels in CD4+CD45RA-Fox P3 low cells decreased in PBMC, MLN, LPJ, and LPC in UC mice, while IL-17 A and RORC mR NA increased. In UC mice the distribution of Treg, Th17 cells, CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3high, and CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low cells was higher in LPC relative to other tissues.CONCLUSION Increased numbers of CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low cells may cause an imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells that is mainly localized to the LPC rather than secondary lymphoid tissues.
基金Baoding Science and Technology Program Project(2041ZF295)Hebei University Medical Discipline Cultivation Program(2022B03)。
文摘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.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81560162the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation of China,No.2018GXNSFAA050052(both YD)。
文摘Methylprednisolone pulse treatment is currently used fo r optic neuritis.It can speed visual recovery,but does not improve the ultimate visual outcomes.Recent studies have repo rted that miR-125 a-5 p has immunomodulatory effects on autoimmune diseases.However,it remains unclear whether miR-125 a-5 p has effects on optic neuritis.In this study,we used adeno-associated virus to overexpress or silence miR-125 a-5 p in mice.We found that silencing miR-125 a-5 p increased the latency of visual evoked potential and aggravated inflammation of the optic nerve.Ove rexpression of miR-125 a-5 p suppressed inflammation of the optic nerve,protected retinal ganglion cells,and increased the percentage of Treg cells.Our findings show that miR-125 a-5 p exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through promoting the diffe rentiation of Treg cells.
基金Supported by The Major National Science and Technology Projects for Infectious Diseases (11th and 12th Five Year, China),No. 2008ZX10002-007, No. 2012ZX10002-007the Foundation of Shaanxi Provincial Science and Technology Plan Projects,No. 2011K14-09-09
文摘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.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81701881the Nanjing Medical Science and Technology Development Foundation,No.YKK15098 and No.YKK17102
文摘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.
基金Supported by Grants for Scientific Research Innovation Project of Shanghai Education Committee,China,No.13yz040
文摘AIM:To investigate the effect of T helper(Th)17/T regulatory(Treg)cells on hepatic fibrosis in mice and its possible mechanism.METHODS:Hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride.Hepatic pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining;the protein levels of interleukin(IL)-6,transforming growth factor(TGF)-βandα-smooth muscle actin(SMA)in liver tissue were determined by Western blotting;and the frequency of Th17 and Treg cells in the liver was estimated by flow cytometry.In addition,hepatic stellate cells were isolated from healthy mouse liver and co-cultured with Th17 or Treg cells.Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were performed to determine the change in HSC activation.RESULTS:In the model group,there were different degrees of fibroplasia,degeneration and necrosis.The protein levels of IL-6,TGF-βandα-SMA in liver tissue were significantly higher than those in the control group at 12 wk(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the frequency of Th17 cells in the model group was increased but the frequency of Treg cells decreased gradually.Furthermore,at 4,8 and 12 wk,there were significant differences in the number of Th17 cells(0.52%±0.16%,1.46%±0.24%,and2.60%±0.41%,respectively,P<0.05)and Treg cells(2.99%±0.40%,2.16%±0.50%,and 1.49%±0.34%,respectively,P<0.05).In vitro,Th17 cells promoted,whereas Treg cells inhibited the expression ofα-SMA,both in a dose-dependent manner,compared with the control group.CONCLUSION:Th17/Treg imbalance exists in mice with liver fibrosis,which potentially promotes liver fibrosis via HSC activation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30671761)
文摘The essential effect of vitamin A on immune function occurs through various mechanisms including direct effect on ThloTh2 balance modulation. However, it is unclear whether or not vitamin A can regulate Thl-Th2 balance under a strong Thl-polarizing condition. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine the effect of vitamin A metabolite allotrans retinoic acid （ATRA） on ThloTh2 differentiation in CD4~ T cells under GATA-3 deficiency, which can induce Thl-polarizing condition. In the present study, GATA-3 deficiency T cells were induced by siRNA and checked by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. GATA-3 deficiency CD4＋ T cells and normal CD4＋ T were treated for 48 h with or without ATRA.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(81773937)。
文摘OBJECTIVE Atherosclerosis(AS)is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids,vascular fibrosis,and inflammation.Paeonol(Pae)is a natural phenolic compounds isolated from a traditional Chinese medicine,Cortex Moutan,which exhibits anti-AS effects.Our previous work demonstrated that gut microbiota plays an important role during AS treatment as it affects the efficacy of Pae.However,the mechanism of Pae in protecting against vascular fibrosis as related to gut microbiota has yet to be elucidated.To investigate the anti-fibrosis effect of Pae on AS mice and demonstrate the underlying gut microbiota-dependent mechanism.METHODS ApoE-/-mice were fed with high-fat-diet(HFD)to replicate the AS model.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the plaque formation and collagen deposition.Gut microbiota alteration and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)production were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS.The frequency of immune cells in spleen were phenotyped by flow cytometry.The mRNA expression of aortic inflammatory cytokines were detected by qRT-PCR.The protein expression of LOX and fibrosis related indicators were examined by Western blotting.RESULTS Pae restricted the development of AS and collagen deposition.Notably,the anti-fibrosis effect of Pae was achieved by regulating the gut microbiota.16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS data indicated that the relative abundance of SCFAs-producing bacteria and SCFAs production was increased.Additionally,Pae administration selectively up-regulated the frequency of regulatory T(Treg)cells as well as down-regulated the ratio of T helper type 17(Th17)cells in the spleen of AS mice,improving the Treg/Th17 balance.In addition,as expected,Pae intervention significantly down-regulate the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL^(-1)β,IL-6,TNF-αand IL^(-1)7 in the aorta tissue,up-regulate the levels of anti-inflammatory factor IL^(-1)0,a marker of Treg cells.Finally,Pae′s intervention in the gut microbiota resulted in the restoration of the balance of Treg/Th17,which indirectly down-regulated the protein expression level of LOX and fibrosis-related indicators(MMP-2/9 and collagenⅠ/Ⅲ).CONCLUSION Pae attenuates vascular fibrosis in a gut microbiota-dependent manner.The underlying protective mechanism is associated with the improved Treg/Th17 balance in spleen mediated through the increased microbiota-derived SCFAs production.
文摘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.
文摘Objective:To study the influence of budesonide and salbutamol atomization inhalation on Th17/Treg balance in patients with bronchial asthma and its correlation with airway remodeling.Methods:A total of 90 patients with bronchial asthma who received systemic treatment in our hospital between July 2013 and April 2016 were divided into control group (n=45) and observation group (n=45) according to random number table. Patients in the control group were treated with salbutamol atomization inhalation alone while those in observation group were treated with budesonide and salbutamol atomization inhalation. The Th17/Treg ratio in peripheral blood as well as serum contents of airway remodeling-related indicators was compared between two groups before and after treatment. The correlation between Th17/Treg balance and airway remodeling in patients with bronchial asthma was detected by Pearson test. Results:Before treatment, the differences in peripheral blood Th17/Treg ratio as well as serum contents of inflammatory mediators, growth factor indexes and collagen metabolism indexes were not statistically significant between two groups of patients. After treatment, peripheral blood Th17/Treg ratio in observation group was lower than that in control group, serum CRP, IL-8, IL-13 and TNF- contents in observation group were lower than those in control group, serum PDGF-BB, b-FGF and VEGF contents in observation group were lower than those in control group, and serum HA, PCⅢ and LN contents in observation group were lower than those in control group. The Th17/Treg ratio in patients with bronchial asthma after treatment was positively correlated with the levels of airway remodeling-related indexes.Conclusion:Budesonide combined with salbutamol atomization inhalation can optimize the Th17/Treg balance in patients with bronchial asthma, and Th17/Treg is directly correlated to the degree of airway remodeling.
