Selenium Supplementation Alleviates Autoimmune Thyroiditis by Regulating Expression of Th1/Th2 Cytokines

Selenium （Se） is an essential trace element. Autoimmune thyroid diseases （AITD） are destructive inflammatory or anti-receptor autoimmune diseases characterized by reactivity to self-thyroid antigens. However, the effects of Se on the cytokines in AITD are still unclear. So we researched the role of Selenium （Se） and Thl/Th2 cytokine productions in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases （AITD）.

Effect of Shoutai Pills on Th1/Th2 Cytokines in Serum and Endometrium of Rats with Stimulated Ovulation

In our previous study,we found that Shoutai pills could improve the embryo implantation rate as well as the levels of estrogen,progesterone and estrogen receptor in rats with stimulated ovulation.However,the mechanism is not clear.This study was designed to investigate the effect of Shoutai pills on the levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in rats with stimulated ovulation and the mechanism.The rat model of stimulated ovulation was established by combined injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin(PMSG)and human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG).Then the rats were randomly divided into model group(M),Shoutai pills group(S),progesterone group(P)and normal group(N).All the pregnant rats were treated from the first day.The S and P groups were administrated with gavage of Shoutai pills and injection of progesterone respectively,and N and M groups were given the same volume of normal saline and distilled water respectively.After treatment for 7 days,the animals were executed for serum and uterine tissues.The ELISA method was adopted to detect the contents of Thl cytokines[interferon-γ(INF-γ),interleukin-2(IL-2)]and Th2 cytokines(IL-4,IL-6,IL-10).The expression of leukemia inhibitory factor(L1F)and leukemia inhibitory factor receptor(LIFR)was detected by Western blotting and real-time PCR.As compared with N group,the expression levels of IFN-y and IL-2 in M group were significantly increased,and those of IL-4,IL-6,IL-10.LIF and LIFR were significantly decreased(P<0.05).As compared with M group,the levels of IL-4,IL-6,IL-10,LIF and LIFR in S group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and those of IFN-γand IL-2 were significantly decreased(P<0.05).It was suggested that Shoutai pills can increase the levels of IL-4.1L-6,IL-10,LIF and LIFR as well as reduce the levels of INF-γand IL-2 in rats with stimulated ovulation.The Shoutai pills may improve endometrial receptivity and promote embryo implantation by maintaining the balanee of Th1/Th2 cytokines.

EXPRESSION AND SWITCHING OF TH1/TH2 TYPE CYTOKINESGENE IN HUMAN GLIOMAS

Objective To study the expression and switching of Thl/Th2 cytokines gene in human gliomas and its effects on occurring and developing of human gliomas. Methods Interleukin（IL）-2 and interferon-3, represent Thl type cytokines. IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13 represent Th2 type cytokines. The gene expressions of Th1/Th2 cytokines in human glioma cells, glioma infiltrating lymphocytes, and glioma cell lines were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The biological activity of cytokines in the supematant of glioma cell lines was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） method. Results The total positive rates of Th1 and Th2 type cytokines gene in human glioma cells were 14.77% and 75%. The total positive rates of Th1 and Th2 type cytokines gene in glioma infiltrating lymphocytes were 22.73% and 68.17%. There was obviously predominant expression of Th2 type cytokines in human glioma tissues, glioma infiltrating lymphocytes, and glioma cell lines. There was no unbalanced expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines in normal brain tissues. Conclusion There is a predominant expression of Th2 type cytokines in human glioma cells. The switching of Th1/Th2 cytokines gene may play an important role in the occurring and developing of human gliomas.

Pre-evaluation of humoral immune response of Bactrian camels by the quantification of Th2 cytokines using real-time PCR

With the increasing immunological studies on camels due to the advantage of their single-chain antibodies for humanizations,it is demanding to develop an easy-to-handle evaluation method of their humoral immune response before proceeding with immunization of foreign antigens that may be toxic to camels.In this study,we quantitatively determined the expression levels of T-helper 2(Th2) cytokines in peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from Bactrian camels by real-time PCR.The recorded kinetic profiles resulting from the immunization of ovalbumin(OVA) indicated that after immunization,Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL) families such as IL-4,IL-10,and IL-13 in the camels were up-regulated by a factor of 1.78,3.15,and 1.22,respectively,which was validated by traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) methods.Unlike ELISA which requires specific enzyme-labeled antibodies,this established method based on the minimal amount of blood samples holds an advantage in the preliminary evaluation of camel humoral immune response with desirable precision,which is meaningful for biomedical explorations of camel-derived antibodies.

T Lymphocytes and Th1/Th2 Cytokines in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Recurrent Genital Herpes

Objective: This study analyzed the T lymphocytes and Th1/Th2 type cytokine profile shift in the peripheral blood ofpatients with recurrent genital herpes (RGH). Methods: Immunofluorescent staining or cell surface antigenand intracellular cytokines(IL-2、IL-4、IL-12、IFN-r)inperipheral blood from 20 RGH patients and 10 controls wereanalyzed using flow cytometric techniques. Results: RGH patients had signiflcantly lower levels ofCD3^+T cells, CD4^+T cells and CD4^+ T/ CD8^+ T cells ratiocompared to control levels (P<0.001), and IL-2-producing,IFN-r-producing and IL-12-producing T cells were increasedin RGH patients (CD4^+T: P<0.001, CD8^+T: P<0.05respectively), whereas IL-4-producing T cells were increased inRGH patients compared to controls (CD4^+T: P<0.05; CD8^+T:P<0.001 respectively). Conclusions: RGH patients have T lymphocyte subsetvariations and Th1/Th2 cytokine changes. The increase in Th2cells Th1/Th2 imbalance may have important implications forRGH pathogenesis.

Local Th1/Th2 Cytokine Expression in Experimental Murine Vaginal Candidiasis

In order to investigate the expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the vaginal candidiasis caused by Candida, the fungal vaginitis model was established in female ICR mice by intravaginal inoculation of suspension of C. albicans after the animals were pretreated with estradiol. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） was used to detect the expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β1 in the vagina in the mice of different groups at different time points after the beginning of the experiment. The average expression level of IL-2 mRNA in group D （estrogen-treated mice） was significantly higher than that in groups H （estrogen-untreated mice） and I （control group） on the day 2. The average expression level of IL-4 mRNA in group D was significantly higher than that in groups I and H on the day 5. The average expression level of IL-10 mRNA in group D was significantly higher than that in groups H and I from day 7 to 11. The average expression level of TGF-β1 mRNA in group D was significantly higher than that in groups H and I at all time points. It was concludes that the high-level expression of IL-2 mRNA during early infection was associated with clearance of mucosal C. albicans, and the high-level expression of IL-10 mRNA during late stage of the infection was related to susceptibility to infection. TGF-β1 may play a predominant role when the virtual absence of changes in other Th-type cytokines during infection.

Association of the expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines and lymphocyte subsets with clinical characteristics and outcomes in 207 Chinese children with Burkitt’s lymphoma

To the Editor:Burkitt’s lymphoma(BL)is the most common subtype of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma(NHL),accounting for nearly 40%of cases.[1,2]The 5-year overall survival(OS)rate is nearly 90%owing to the use of existing standard chemotherapy regimens in conjunction with rituximab.[2]Approximately 25%patients with pediatric BL present with central nervous system(CNS)disease and a poor prognosis.[1]The significance of the expressions of T helper 1/T helper 2(Th1/Th2)cytokines and lymphocyte subsets in the occurrence,development,and prognosis of adult malignant lymphoma has been reported in the literature,but data on pediatric BL are limited.This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of cytokines and lymphocyte subset expression in patients with pediatric BL,identify the differences between the CNS-positive and CNS-negative groups,and determine the risk factors in the CNS-positive group.

Impact of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Free Fatty Acids (FFA) on Th2 Cytokine Secretion from INS-1 Cells

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in huge amounts for many plastic products and is a hormone (estrogen) disrupting agent. BPA as well as FFAs may be deleterious for the immune system. The aim was to identify Th2 cytokines and some of their signal transduction mechanisms in INS-1 cells, an insulin secreting cell line. Screening using a proteome profile indicated an increase of IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13 and IL-17 by BPA. Also FFAs (in combination with LPS) were positive. In detailed quantitative measurements, these results were confirmedly indicating a complex array of pro-and anti-inflammatory potential. The interaction of BPA with 17β-estradiol was non-additive with respect to IL-4 and IL-6 release and additive with respect to FFA interaction indicating same and different mechanisms of action, respecttively. As signal transduction PI3K (Wortmannin-sensitive) and STAT-3/6 (Tofacitinib-sensitive) are involved in various effects, INS-1 cells release several cytokines due to BPA and FFA attack which may be involved in disturbance of glucose homoeostasis and type 1 diabetes.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on Th1/Th2 cytokine and immune function in patients undergoing radical mastectomy

Objective: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on Th1/Th2 cytokines and immune function in patients with breast cancer after radical mastectomy. Methods: In our hospital from July 2016 to July 2017 undergoing radical mastectomy for breast cancer were studied in 79 patients, were randomly divided into observation group and control group. Two groups of patients with routine preoperative preparation, monitoring blood pressure, electrocardiogram, heart rate, pulse, oxygen saturation, establish vein channel, using propofol, remifentanil, vecuronium induced anesthesia, observation group before induction of anesthesia, dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg, 10 min after infusion, followed by 0.5 μg/kg/h continuous infusion to the end of the operation, the control group with normal saline continuous infusion till the end of the operation. Two groups of patients before induction of anesthesia (T0), at the end of operation (T1), 6 h after operation (T2), 24 h after operation (T3), 72 h after operation (T4) from peripheral venous blood determination of interleukin-2 by ELISA method (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), calculated IFN-γ/IL-4 in T0, T2, T3, T4from peripheral blood. CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, NK cells were determined by flow cytometry and CD4+/CD8+ were calculated. Results: Two groups of IL-2 and IFN- in T1, T2, T3gamma, T4is higher than T0, IL-10 less than T0, and the observation group IFN-γ/IL-4 is higher than T0, the control group was lower than that of T0when compared with T0significant difference, 2 in group IL-4 had no obvious changes were observed in group IL-2;IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-4 in T1, T2, T3, T4higher than the control group, IL-10 was lower than the control group, significant difference between the 2 groups. CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, NK cells in T2group was lower than that of T0, T3, and CD8+ had no obvious change, compared with T0significant difference;the observation group CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, T2, T3in NK cells was higher than the control group, significant difference between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine can inhibit the stress response during the perioperative period of radical mastectomy, correct the balance disorder of Th1/Th2, improve the level of T lymphocyte subsets, and exert better immune protection function.

HBV慢性感染患者外周血Th_1/Th_2(Tc_1/Tc_2)细胞IFN-γ和IL-4的表达及其临床意义

目的 探讨Th1 /Th2 (Tc1 /Tc2 )型细胞因子的变化在慢性HBV感染的临床分型中的意义 ,探讨Th1 /Th2 (Tc1 /Tc2 )型细胞在慢性HBV感染中的作用。方法 用PMA和Ionomycin作为刺激剂 ,采用流式细胞仪对慢性HBV感染者外周血CD3 + /CD8+ T细胞和CD3 + /CD8-T细胞内IFN γ和IL 4的表达进行检测 ,比较乙肝病毒携带者、慢性乙型肝炎、活动性肝炎后肝硬化和慢性重症肝炎各组Th1 /Th2 (Tc1 /Tc2 )型细胞因子水平的变化。结果 慢性肝炎、活动性肝炎后肝硬化、慢性重症肝炎患者的Th1 、Tc1 细胞均高于正常对照组和乙肝病毒携带者。慢性重症肝炎组Th1 、Tc1 显著高于慢性肝炎、正常对照组 (P <0 0 1) ,慢性重症肝炎组Tc1 显著高于活动性肝炎后肝硬化组 (P <0 0 5 )。活动性肝炎后肝硬化组Tc1 显著高于正常对照组 (P <0 0 5 )。Th1 、Tc1 细胞随着慢性乙型肝炎肝脏炎症活动的加剧而增高。而Th2 、Tc2 细胞则在各组中均无显著性差异 (P >0 0 5 )。结论 在慢性HBV感染中 ,Th1 和Tc1 细胞数量与肝脏炎症活动严重程度呈正相关 ,提示Th1 和Tc1

哮喘患儿血清Th_1/Th_2类细胞因子水平及其临床意义的研究

采用 IL ISA法测定了哮喘发作期和缓解期患儿的血清白介素 - 12 ( IL- 12 )和白介素 - 4 ( IL- 4 )。结果发现 ,发作期哮喘患儿 IL - 12水平 ( 3 5 .2± 11.18pg/ ml)显著低于缓解期 ( 4 2 .75± 13 .3 8pg/ ml)和健康儿 ( 4 5 .4 3±2 9.19pg/ ml) ,P分别 <0 .0 1、0 .0 5。发作期和缓解期哮喘患儿血清 IL - 4阳性率 (分别为 5 5 .5 6%和 3 6.3 6% )均显著高于健康儿 ( 9.1% ) ,P分别 <0 .0 1、0 .0 5。IL- 12和 IL- 4呈显著负相关 ( r=- 0 .3 4 ,P<0 .0 5 )。认为哮喘患儿存在明显的 Th1 / Th2 类细胞因子失衡 ,IL- 12和 IL- 4在哮喘发病中都起重要作用。吸入糖皮质激素等治疗可改变这种失衡状态。

菟丝子总黄酮对大鼠流产模型血清P、PR、Th1/Th2细胞因子表达的影响

目的:探讨菟丝子总黄酮对大鼠流产模型蜕膜PR及Th1/Th2细胞因子表达的影响,同时观察血清P和PR的变化。方法:对溴隐亭致SD孕鼠流产模型,设菟丝子总黄酮高、低剂量治疗组、达芙通为阳性对照组,于孕12d处死各组大鼠,酶联免疫检测血清P和PRL的水平,免疫组化法检测蜕膜PR的表达,RT-PCR法检测蜕膜Th1/Th2 mRNA的表达。结果:模型组蜕膜IL-4、IL-10 mRNA及PR蛋白表达明显低于正常妊娠组,TNF-α、IFN-γmRNA表达明显高于正常妊娠组,差异有显著性(P<0.05),菟丝子总黄酮可上调流产大鼠蜕膜IL-4、IL-10、PR的表达,下调TNF-α、IFN-γ表达,同时可提高血清P的水平,其作用与孕激素达芙通相似。结论:菟丝子总黄酮可能通过调节母胎界面内分泌-免疫网络平衡而起到维持早孕的作用。

检测肺癌中辅助性T细胞(Th_1/Th_2)的临床意义

目的 探讨辅助性T细胞Th1 和Th2 细胞因子对肺癌患者的临床意义 ,为肿瘤的免疫治疗提供依据。方法 采用放射免疫 (RIA)和酶联免疫吸附法 (ELISA)检测 86例肺癌患者、5 9例肺良性病患者及45例正常对照辅助性T细胞分泌的细胞因子。以IL 2和TNF α的水平代表Th1 型细胞因子 ,IL 4、IL 6和IL 8的水平代表Th2 型细胞因子。结果 肺癌患者IL 2 [( 2 4.6± 12 .0 ) μg/L]的水平显著低于肺良性病患者[( 71.1± 2 5 .4) μg/L] (t =3 .82 ,P <0 .0 1)和正常对照 [( 69.3± 19.5 ) μg/L] (t =2 .76,P <0 .0 1) ,IL 6[( 0 .13± 0 .0 4) μg/L]的水平显著低于正常对照 [( 0 .2 3± 0 .0 5 ) μg/L ) (t =3 .3 9,P <0 .0 1) ,IL 4[( 2 5 4.2±78.0 ) μg/L]、IL 8[( 0 .49± 0 .16) μg/L]、TNF α[( 2 .76± 1.12 ) μg/L]的水平明显高于肺良性病患者 [( 63 .6± 18.6) μg/L ,( 0 .3 6± 0 .18) μg/L ,( 0 .96± 0 .2 0 ) μg/L]及正常对照 [( 60 .9± 19.6) μg/L ,( 0 .3 5± 0 .0 7) μg/L ,( 0 .93± 0 .19) μg/L] (t值分别为 4.10、4.89和 3 .76,P均 <0 .0 1) ,肺良性病患者和正常对照之间的IL 2、TNF α、IL 4、IL 8均未见明显差异 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,肺癌组IL 6的水平与肺良性病组 [( 0 .15± 0 .0 4)

TH_1/TH_2型细胞因子在月经周期内膜及早孕蜕膜中的表达及分析

目的 :探讨TH1 /TH2 型细胞因子在妊娠免疫耐受中的作用及意义 .方法 :采用免疫组化及原位杂交技术对 4 3例正常育龄妇女及 4 0例原因不明复发性流产妇女月经周期内膜及早孕蜕膜TH1 型细胞因子 (IL 2 ,TNF α) ,TH2 型细胞因子 (IL 6 ,IL 1 0 )进行标记和分析 .结果 :①IL 2 ,IL 2mR NA在复发性流产妇女增殖期、分泌期、早孕期子宫内膜腺上皮中的表达逐渐增高 ,且明显高于正常妇女组 (IL 2 :F =75 .2 91 ,P <0 .0 1 ;IL 2mRNA :F =93.972 ,P <0 .0 1 ) .②肿瘤坏死因子 α(TNF α)在正常与流产组月经周期内膜及早孕期蜕膜中的表达均呈现逐渐增多趋势 ,但两组之间TNF α的表达均无显著性差异 (F =1 .0 71 ,P >0 .0 5 ) .③与IL 2 ,IL 2mRNA相反 ,IL 6 ,IL 1 0mRNA在正常妇女月经周期内膜及早孕蜕膜中的表达均逐渐增多 ,且明显高于复发性流产组(IL 6 :F =94 .4 2 1 ,P <0 .0 1 ;IL 1 0mRNA :F =2 6 9.75 2 ,P<0 .0 1 ) .结论 :IL 2在妊娠中起免疫排斥作用 ,过量表达会导致复发性流产 ;TNF α可能参与子宫内膜的增殖、生长及发育 ;IL 6 ,IL 1 0在正常妊娠中起着积极的免疫营养作用 .此结果提示 :成功的妊娠有赖于母胎界面免疫耐受中TH1

肺癌患者外周血Th1、Th2细胞及NKG2D检测的临床意义

目的检测肺癌患者外周血中Thl、Th 2型细胞因子及NK细胞表面活化性受体NKG2 D的表达水平,探讨其临床意义。方法选择64例初发未治疗的肺癌患者为病例组,体检中心健康人60例为对照组,分别用CBA法检测两组外周血Thl细胞因子及Th 2细胞因子,流式细胞仪检测两组外周血NK细胞表面NKG2 D含量。分析上述指标的不同表达水平在肺癌患者中的意义。结果 (1)与正常对照组相比,病例组外周血中IL-2、IFN-γ、IL-10、表达水平低于对照组(P<0.05),IL-4、IL-6及TNF-α水平高于对照组(P<0.05),NKG2 D水平低于对照组(P<0.05);(2)III-IV期肺癌患者IL-2、IFN-γ及NKG2 D的表达明显低于I-II期患者,IL-4的表达则相反;(3)在不同病理分型中,鳞癌、腺癌及小细胞癌患者外周血中IFN-γ表达差异有统计学意义(F=3.993,P<0.024),其余指标表达差异无统计学意义;(4)TNF-α在男性患者中表达高于女性患者(t=2.087,P=0.041),其余指标差异无统计学意义;(5)所检测指标在吸烟与否的患者间差异无统计学意义;(6)在对照组中,IL-2与IL-4、IL-10、TNF-α呈正相关;在病例组中,IL-2与IL-4、IFN-γ、TNF-α呈正相关,IL-4与IL-6、IL-10、IFN-γ、TNF-α呈正相关,IL-6与IL-10正相关,IFN-γ与TNF-α呈正相关,上述结果差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 (1)肺癌患者Thl型细胞因子及NKG2 D在外周血中低表达,Th 2型细胞因子高表达,且与肺癌的分期有关(;2)Thl/Th 2细胞因子的失衡及NKG2 D的下调导致患者免疫功能失调,是肺癌发生发展的重要原因;(3)检测上述指标有助于了解患者的免疫功能状态,可为临床肿瘤的生物免疫治疗提供依据。

Acute and persisting Th2-like immune response after fractionated colorectal γ-irradiation

AIM： To investigate if an immune imbalance may account for the development and progression of chronic radiation enteritis. We analyzed the Th1/Th2 immune response profile early and 6 mo after fractionated colorectal irradiation. METHODS： A rat model of fractionated colorectal γ-irradiation （4-Gy fractions, 3 fractions per week） was designed to investigate the effects of cumulative dose on inflammatory mediators （cytokines and chemo- kines） and immune response （Th1/Th2 profile and immunosuppressive mediator IL-10） during acute （early） response and 6 mo after the end of fractionated irradiation （chronic response）. Analyses were performed 1 d after the cumulative doses of 16 Gy and 36 Gy and 1 d, 3 d, and 26 wk after the cumulative dose of 52 Gy. RESULTS： Without causing histological damage, fractionated radiation induced elevated expression of IL-1β, TNFα, MCP-1, and iNOS in distal colonic mucosa during the early post-irradiation phase. At that time, a Th2 profile was confirmed by expression of both the Th2- specific transcription factor GATA-3 and the chemokine receptor CCR4 and by suppression of the Thl cytokine IFNγ/IP-10 throughout the irradiation protocol. After 6 mo, despite the 2-fold reduction of iNOS and MCP-1 levels, the Th2 profile persisted, as shown by a 50% reduction in the expression of the Thl transcription factor T-bet, the chemokine receptor CCXCR3, and the IFNγ/ STAT1 pathway. At the same time-point, the immunosuppressive IL-10/STAT3 pathway, known to regulate the Th1/Th2 balance, was expressed, in irradiated rats, at approximately half its level as compared to controls.This suppression was associated with an overexpression of SOCS3, which inhibits the feedback of the Thl polarization and regulates IL-10 production. CONCLUSION： Colorectal irradiation induces Th2 polarization, defective IL-10/STAT3 pathway activation and SOCS3 overexpression. These changes, in turn, maintain a immunological imbalance that persists in the long term.

Analysis of Th1/Th2 Response Pattern for Erythrodermic Psoriasis

As one of the most serious types of psoriasis, pathogenesis of erythrodermic psoriasis（EP） is unclear so far. In this study, we aimed to detect the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokine-associated transcription factors and T-lymphocyte clone in peripheral blood mononuclear cells（PBMCs） derived from EP patients, and gene expression level of T-bet/GATA-3 in skin lesion. The potential role of Th1/Th2 reaction pattern played in the pathogenesis of EP was also discussed. Serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were quantified by ELISA among 16 EP patients, 20 psoriasis vulgaris（PV） patients and 15 healthy controls. The expression levels of T-bet/GATA-3 in the skin lesion and PBMCs were examined by real-time qPCR. The ratio of Th1/Th2 was measured by flow cytometry. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were higher in EP patients than in the healthy controls. The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were 69.44±11.45 and 12.62±4.57 pg/mL, respectively, in EP patients, significantly higher than those in PV patients and healthy controls（P〈0.05）. Flow cytometry revealed the levels of both Th1 and Th2 in PBMCs from EP patients were higher than those in healthy controls, and the Th1/Th2 ratio was dramatically lower than in PV patients（P〈0.01）. The ratios of IFN-γ/IL-4 and T-bet/GATA-3 in EP patients were both less than 1.0, suggesting a reversal when compared with the other two groups. Our study indicated that the EP patients exerted a Th1/Th2 bidirectional response pattern, and the balance of Th cell subsets inclines to Th2, which might be one of the important mechanisms of EP pathogenesis.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

AIM: To characterize cytokine gene polymorphisms in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) compared to healthy controls.METHODS: Fifty-six IPF patients were involved in the study. The control population consisted of 144 healthy volunteers without history of lung disease.All of the patients were diagnosed with IPF according to the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society consensus statement. Polymorphisms in the interleukin(IL)-1, IL-1, IL-1R, IL-1RA, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, tumour necrosis factor, interferon, transforming growth factor, IL-1, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-4RA genes were characterized by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers. Statistical analysis was performed using the Med Calc statistical software. A Bonferroni correction of significance at an alpha of 0.05 was used for multiple analyses. A corrected P value less than 0.0023(0.05/22) was considered significant. RESULTS: We found significant differences in the IL-4 promoter region polymorphisms between IPF patients and controls. Namely, polymorphisms of IL-4(-590) [computed tomography(CT) in 32 of 56 patients vs 27 of 144 controls; P < 0.0001] and IL-4(-33)(CT in 25 of 56 patients vs 27 of 144 controls; P = 0.0006) differed between both groups. With regard to haplotypes, we found differences in the frequencies for haplotype 1 of IL-4(-1098)(-590)(-33) between IPF and controls(TCC in 23 of 56, TTC in 10 of 56, and TTT in 21 of 56 patients vs TCC in 112 of 144, TTC in 0 of 144, and TTT in 32 of 144 controls; P < 0.0001). We did not find significant differences in gene polymorphism frequencies of other cytokines in the IPF group vs the controls. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that IL-4 promoter polymorphisms could be involved in the pathogenesis of IPF, likely via enhancement of the Th2 cytokine milieu with exaggerated fibroproliferative healing.

Treatment with Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121 Is Not Effective as Therapy in Mice with an Established Allergy Status

In allergies, an unbalanced immune response towards a T helper (Th) 2 profile with high levels of Immunoglobulin (Ig) E is produced. We have demonstrated that the pre-administration of Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121 prevents the development of allergy in ovalbumin-immunized mice. In this work, we evaluated whether this bacterium can also revert an established allergic status. Mice were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) and after that, were inoculated with an E. faecalis CECT7121 suspension. In immunized animals, serum specific immune response, proliferative activity of memory splenocytes, and levels of Th2 cytokines were assessed. The in vivo active cutaneous anaphylaxis test was also performed. The treatment with E. faecalis CECT7121 only increased anti-OVA IgG2a levels. No differences were observed in other specific immunological parameters. Probiotic-treatment did not prove to have any desensitizing effect on mice. These results, together with those recently published, can be concluded that this bacterium would not be appropriate for the treatment of allergic symptoms.

The crucial roles of Th17-related cytokines/signal pathways in M. tuberculosis infection

Interleukin-17(IL-17),IL-21,IL-22 and IL-23 can be grouped as T helper 17(Th17)-related cytokines because they are either produced by Th17/Th22 cells or involved in their development.Here,we review Th17-related cytokines/Th17-like cells,networks/signals and their roles in immune responses or immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb)infection.Published studies suggest that Th17-related cytokine pathways may be manipulated by Mtb microorganisms for their survival benefits in primary tuberculosis(TB).In addition,there is evidence that immune responses of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signal pathway and Th17-like T-cell subsets are dysregulated or destroyed in patients with TB.Furthermore,Mtb infection can impact upstream cytokines in the STAT3 pathway of Th17-like responses.Based on these findings,we discuss the need for future studies and the rationale for targeting Th17-related cytokines/signals as a potential adjunctive treatment.