Human herpesvirus 7 meningitis in an adolescent with normal immune function:A case report

BACKGROUND Human herpesvirus type 7(HHV-7)is a less common herpes virus that usually causes mild,self-limiting illnesses.However,in recent years,there have been increasing reports of HHV-7 causing serious central nervous system infections,especially meningitis.The pathogenesis and clinical features of HHV-7 meningitis,particularly in adolescents with normal immune function,remain incompletely studied.Therefore,the purpose of this report is to share a case of HHV-7 meningitis in an immunocompetent adolescent with a view to deepening our understanding of the disease.CASE SUMMARY A 12-year-old female was admitted with fever,headache,and vomiting.4 d before admission,the patient developed a fever without obvious induction,with a temperature up to 39.5℃,no convulsions,accompanied by chills,headaches,fatigue,and no muscle aches.The patient was treated with fever reduction,which could be reduced to 38℃;repeated high fever,accompanied by vomiting 7-8 times;and no abdominal pain or diarrhea.The patient was diagnosed with"acute suppurative tonsillitis"in a local hospital,and the blood routine was generally normal.The patient was given symptomatic support treatment such as"ceftriaxone sodium"and antiemetic rehydration for 2 d,and his condition did not improve.The patient's physical examination showed pharyngeal congestion,bilateral tonsil grade I hypertrophy,regression of purulent secretions,and cervical resistance.Ocular B-ultrasound:Opacity of the vitreous body and edema of the optic disc in both eyes.Optical coherence tomography examination showed that the macular fovea was generally normal in both eyes,with edema of the optic disc.DNA virus monitoring results:HHV-7.We gave ganciclovir antiviral therapy,dexamethasone anti-inflammatory treatment,mannitol to reduce cranial pressure,omeprazole to protect gastrointestinal mucosa,and calcium and potassium supplementation.CONCLUSION This study reports a case of HHV-7 meningitis in an adolescent with normal immune function.Through comprehensive analysis of the clinical manifestations,laboratory tests,and treatment methods of the patient,it is found that early identification and antiviral treatment are essential for the outcome of the disease.This case suggests that despite normal immune function,adolescents may still suffer from herpes virus type 7 meningitis,so clinicians should be vigilant and take effective treatment measures in time.

Effects of Tongluo Jiedu prescription on immune function and oxidative stress in patients with oral cancer

BACKGROUND Oral cancer,which is caused by mucous membrane variation,represents a prevalent malignant tumor in the oral and maxillofacial region,posing a significant threat to patients’lives and safety.While surgical intervention stands as a cornerstone treatment for oral cancer patients,it carries the risk of incomplete treatment or high rates of postoperative recurrence.Hence,a multifaceted approach incorporating diverse treatment modalities is essential to enhance patient prognosis.AIM To analyze the application effect of Tongluo Jiedu prescription as adjuvant therapy and its influence on patient prognosis in patients with oral cancer.METHODS Eighty oral cancer patients in our hospital were selected and divided into the observation group and control group by a random number table.The control group was treated with continuous arterial infusion chemotherapy of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.The observation group was additionally given Tongluo Jiadu prescription.The inflammatory stress level,peripheral blood T-cell subsets,and immune function of the two groups were subsequently observed.SPSS 21.0 was used for data analysis.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated lower levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein,and a higher level of tumor necrosis factor in comparison to the control group.After treatment,the immune function in the observation group was significantly better than in the control group.CONCLUSION Tongluo Jiedu prescription can improve the immune function and oxidative stress level of patients with oral cancer and accelerate the recovery process.

Effects of rearing system and antibiotic treatment on immune function,gut microbiota and metabolites of broiler chickens

Background:In China,cage systems with a high space utilization have gradually replaced ground litter systems,but the disease incidence of chickens in cages is higher.Broilers in the ground litter pens may be stimulated by more environmental microbes during the growth process and show strong immune function and status,but knowledge of which microbes and their metabolites play an immunomodulatory role is still limited.This study aimed to explore the differences and correlations in the immune function,gut microbiota and metabolites and the importance of gut microbiota of broilers raised in cages and ground litter pens.Methods:The experiment involved a 2×2 factorial arrangement,with rearing systems(cages or ground litter pens)and antibiotic treatment(with or without broad-spectrum antibiotics in drinking water)as factors.Results:The results showed that,compared with the cage group,the ground litter broilers had stronger nonspecific immune function(Macrophages%and NO in blood),humoral immune function(IgG in blood,LPS stimulation index in ileum)and cellular immune function(T%,Tc%,ConA stimulation index and cytokines in blood).Antibiotic(ABX)treat-ment significantly reduced nonspecific immune function(Macrophages%and NO in blood,iNOS and Mucin2 mRNA expression in ileum),humoral immune function(IgG in blood and sIgA in ileum)and cellular immune function(T%and cytokines in blood,Th and Tc ratio,TLRs and cytokines mRNA expression in ileum).Furthermore,the ground litter broil-ers had higherαdiversity of microbiota in ileum.The relative abundance of Staphylococcus,Jeotgalicoccus,Jeotgalibaca and Pediococcus in the ileum of ground litter broilers were higher.ABX treatment significantly reduced theαdiversity of ileal microbiota,with less Chloroplast and Mitochondria.In addition,the levels of acetic acid,isobutyric acid,kynurenic acid and allolithocholic acid in the ileum of ground litter broilers were higher.Spearman correlation analysis showed that Jeotgalibaca,Pediococcus,acetic acid,kynurenic acid and allolithocholic acid were related to the immune function.Conclusions:There were more potential pathogens,litter breeding bacteria,short-chain fatty acids,kynurenine,allolithocholic acid and tryptophan metabolites in the ileum of broilers in ground litter pens,which may be the reason for its stronger immune function and status.

Immune function, gastrointestinal hormone levels, and their clinical significance in patients with gastric ulcers complicated with depression

BACKGROUND Gastric ulcer(GU)is a common digestive tract disease,and medical records of GU combined with depression are increasingly common.Currently,the risk factors and pathogenesis of GU complicated with depression remain unclear.Low immune function and gastrointestinal hormone levels may also be significant risk factors.Therefore,this study explored the immune function and gastrointestinal hormone levels in patients with GU combined with depression.AIM To explore the immune function,gastrointestinal hormone level,and clinical significance of patients with GU combined with depression.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 300 patients with GU combined with depression admitted to Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 as the study subjects.According to the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)score,patients were divided into mild-to-moderate(n=210)and heavy(n=90)groups.Basic data,immune function indices[immunoglobulin A(IgA),IgM,IgG,serum CD4+and CD8+percentage,and CD4+/CD8+ratio],and gastrointestinal hormone indices[serum gastrin(GAS),cholecystokinin(CCK),and motilin(MTL)levels]were collected.The basic data of the two groups were compared,and the immune function and gastrointestinal hormone indices were analyzed.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing the severity of GU complicated with depression.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and area under the ROC curve(AUC)were used to analyze the value of the immune function index,gastrointestinal hormone index,and combined index in predicting the severity of GU complicated with depression.RESULTS There were no marked differences in sex,age,body mass index,abdominal distension,abdominal pain,belching,nausea,vomiting,or sleep disorders between the heavy and mild-to-moderate groups(P>0.05).There was a marked difference in the family history of depression between the heavy and mild-to-moderate groups(P<0.05).There were significant differences in serum IgA and IgM levels and serum CD4+,CD8+,and CD4+/CD8+ratios between the heavy and mild-to-moderate groups(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that IgA,IgM,GAS,and CCK serum levels influenced the severity of GU with depression(P<0.05).The AUC of the ROC curve for serum IgA level predicting GU with depression severity was 0.808[95%confidence interval(CI):0.760-0.857],the AUC of the serum IgM level was 0.757(95%CI:0.700-0.814),the AUC of the serum GAS level was 0.853(95%CI:0.810-0.897),the AUC of the serum CCK level was 0.762(95%CI:0.709-0.822),the AUC of immune function(IgA,IgM)and gastrointestinal hormone levels(GAS,CCK)for the prediction of GU with depression severity was 0.958(95%CI:0.933-0.976).CONCLUSION Important factors influencing GU complicated with depression are serum IgA,IgM,GAS,and CCK indicators.They can be used as indicators to predict the severity of GU complicated with depression.

Effects of Kangfuxin Solution (康复新液) Combined with Low-level Laser on Cytokines and Immune Function in Patients with Radiation-induced Oral Mucositis

Objective:To investigate the effect of Kangfuxin Solution(康复新液)combined with low-level laser therapy(LLLT)on cytokines and immune function in patients with radiation-induced oral mucositis.Methods:There were 84 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with oral mucositis after intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)were randomly divided into the control group(CG)and the observation group(OG),with 42 cases in each group.The CG was given LLLT,and the OG was treated with Kangfuxin Solution in addition to LLLT for 10 consecutive days.The healing time of oral mucosa,mucositis grading,oral pain scores,cytokines(interleukin-6,interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)and T lymphocyte subsets were compared between the 2 groups before and after treatment.Results:The healing time of oral mucosa in the OG was(6.8±1.4)d,which was significantly shorter than(8.6±1.9)d in the CG(t=4.943,P<0.01).After treatment,the grading of oral mucositis in the OG was better than that in the CG,with a statistically significant difference(Z=2.942,P<0.05).The oral pain scores of the OG was lower than that in the CG at different time points after treatment,and the difference was statistically significant(t=8.207,11.017,P<0.01).After treatment,the levels of IL-6,IL-1βand TNF-αin peripheral blood of the OG were significantly lower than those in the CG(t=5.217,2.775,4.053,P<0.01).There were statistically significant differences in CD4+,CD8+and CD4+/CD8+between the OG and the CG after treatment(t=5.692,6.093,3.658,P<0.01).Conclusion:Kangfuxin Solution combined with LLLT can significantly shorten the healing time of oral mucosal,reduce the grading of oral mucositis,relieve oral pain,reduce inflammatory response and improve the immune function of patients.

The Effect of TSH Suppression Therapy on the Efficacy and Immune Function of Postoperative Patients with Thyroid Cancer

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and immune function of thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)suppression therapy in postoperative thyroid cancer patients.Methods:Sixty thyroid cancer patients admitted from July 2020–July 2022 were recruited and randomly divided into two groups.The control group(30 patients)received hormone replacement therapy,while the study group(30 patients)received TSH suppression therapy.The thyroid function,clinical efficacy,immune function,and tumor markers of the two groups were compared.Results:After treatment,the levels of free triiodothyronine(FT3)and thyroxine(FT4)in both groups increased significantly,while TSH levels decreased significantly.Moreover,the magnitude of change in the study group was greater than that in the control group(P<0.05).The total effective rate in the study group was significantly higher as compared to the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of CD3+and CD4+cells in both groups of patients increased significantly,with the study group showing significantly higher levels than the control group,whereas the level of CD8+cells decreased significantly,with the study group having lower levels than the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of Tg and CEA in both groups were significantly lowered as compared to before treatment,and the levels of Tg and CEA in the study group were significantly lower than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:TSH suppression therapy in postoperative thyroid cancer patients can improve thyroid function,suppress the levels of tumor markers,and enhance immune function,thereby achieving good clinical outcomes.

Effect of early enteral nutrition on postoperative nutritional status and immune function in elderly patients with esophageal cancer or cardiac cancer

To explore the effect of early enteral nutrition （EN） on postoperative nutritional status, intestinal permeability, and immune 6anction in elderly patients with esophageal cancer or cardiac cancer. Methods： A total of 96 patients with esophageal cancer or cardiac cancer who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from June 2007 to December 2010 were enrolled in this study. They were divided into EN group （n=50） and parenteral nutrition （PN） group （n=46） based on the nutrition support modes. The body weight, time to first flatus/defecation, average hospital stay, complications and mortality after the surgery as well as the liver function indicators were recorded and analyzed. Peripheral blood samples were collected on the days 1, 4 and 7 after surgery. The plasma diamine oxidase （DAO） activity and D-lactate level were determined to assess the intestinal permeability. The plasma endotoxin levels were determined using dynamic turbidimetric assay to assess the protective effect of EN on intestinal mucosal barrier. The postoperative blood levels of inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins were determined using enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results： After the surgery, the time to first flatus/defecation, average hospital stay, and complications were significantly less in the EN group than those in the PN group （P〈0.05）, whereas the EN group had significantly higher albumin levels than the PN group （P〈0.05）. On the 7th postoperative day, the DAO activity, D-lactate level and endotoxin contents were significantly lower in the EN group than those in the PN group （all P〈0.05）. In addition, the EN group had significantly higher IgA, IgG, IgM, and CD4 levels than the PN group （P〈0.05） but significantly lower IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-a levels （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： In elderly patients with esophageal cancer or cardiac cancer, early EN after surgery can effectively improve the nutritional status, protect intestinal mucosal barrier （by reducing plasma endoxins）, and enhance the immune function

Effect of postoperative early enteral nutrition on clinical outcomes and immune function of cholangiocarcinoma patients with malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND Most cholangiocarcinoma patients with malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)have varying degrees of malnutrition and immunodeficiency preoperatively.Therefore,perioperative nutritional support has important clinical significance in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.AIM To investigate the effects of postoperative early enteral nutrition(EEN)on immunity function and clinical outcomes of cholangiocarcinoma patients with MOJ.METHODS This prospective clinical study included 60 cholangiocarcinoma patients with MOJ who underwent surgery.The patients were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group according to the nutrition support modes.The control group received postoperative total parenteral nutrition(TPN),whereas the experimental group received postoperative EEN and parenteral nutrition(PN;EEN+PN).The clinical outcomes,postoperative immune function,incidences of surgical site infection and bile leakage,intestinal function recovery time,average hospitalization days,and hospitalization expenses of the two groups were assessed on postoperative days(PODs)1,3,and 7.RESULTS The CD3+T,CD4+T,CD8+T,and CD4+T/CD8+T cell count and the immunoglobulin(Ig)G,IgM,and IgA levels in the EEN+PN group were significantly higher than those in the TPN group on PODs 3 and 7(P<0.05),whereas no significant differences in the CD3+T,CD4+T,CD8+T,and CD4+T/CD8+T cell counts and IgG,IgM,and IgA levels before operation and on POD 1 were found between the two groups(P>0.05).The intestinal function recovery time and postoperative hospital stay were shorter(P<0.001 for both)in the EEN+PN group than in the TPN group.The hospitalization expenses of the EEN+PN group were lower than those of the TPN group(P<0.001).However,the incidence of abdominal distension was higher than in the EEN+PN group than in the TPN group(P<0.05).The incidence rates of biliary leakage and surgical site infection were not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION A postoperative EEN program could reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and improve the clinical outcomes and immune functions of cholangiocarcinoma patients with MOJ and is thus beneficial to patient recovery.

Association of polymorphisms of Nramp1 gene with immune function and production performance of large white pig

The present research was designed to study the association of polymorphism of natural resistance-associated macrophage proteinl （Nrampl） with some immune function and the production performance in Large White pig. The PCR-RFLP technique was applied to analyze the correlation between the polymorphisms of Nrampl gene and immune function [value of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes （PMN） obtained by Nitroblue Tetrazolium （NBT） Reduction and effect of Cytotoxin in Monocyte] and production performance in 165 Large White pigs. The results showed that there was one Nde I restriction locus in Large White pig, and both values of PMN by NBT Reduction and effect of Cytotoxin in Monocyte in genotype BB were higher than those in genotype AB （P〈0.05）. Simultaneously, the weight of 180-day-old pigs with genotype BB was higher than that with genotype AB （P〈0.05）. The results indicated that there was a significant correlation between different genotypes of Nrampl gene and Immune function and production performance, and it can be regarded as a candidate gene of disease resistance. All these results provide valuable reference to further studies of pig disease resistance.

Soya saponin improves egg-laying performance and immune function of laying hens

Background:Soya saponin(SS),an active compound in soybean meals,has been widely studied in the medical field.However,it was considered as an anti-nutritional factor in poultry diets.The objective of this experiment was to measure the effects of dietary SS using three dietary treatments on egg-laying performance and immune function of laying hens.Birds were fed a low soybean meal basal diet(CON),a low-SS diet(50 SS)containing 50mg/kg SS,or a high-SS diet(500 SS)containing 500 mg/kg SS for 10 weeks.At the end of the 5th and 10th week of the trial,samples were collected for analysis.Results:Results showed that with 50 mg/kg SS supplementation,the egg production rate,feed conversion ratio(FCR),and eggshell quality tended to be improved.Serum follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)and Interleukin-4(IL-4)levels were also elevated as well as the peripheral blood LPS stimulation index,the proportion of B lymphocytes,and antibody titer of bovine serum albumin(BSA).We also found that mRNA levels of follicle stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR)in ovarian,nuclear transcription factor kappa B(NF-κB),Transforming growth factor(TGF-β)and interferonγ(IFN-γ)in spleen were up-regulated at the end of the trial.Additionally,dietary 50 mg/kg SS improved the ileal flora via up-regulating the relative abundance of Lactobacillus,Romboutsia and Lactobacillus delbrueckii.Although the immune related indicators were improved with 500 mg/kg SS supplemented,it seemed to have a negative influence on the laying-performance.Specifically,serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),and the ratio of IFN-γto IL-4 were increased in the 500 SS group at the end of the trial.The m RNA levels of gonadotropin releasing hormone 1(GnRH1)in Hypothalamus,the estrogen related receptor(ERR)in ovaries were downregulated as well as the egg production rate during the trial with 500 mg/kg SS supplemented.Conclusions:The egg production performance was improved by dietary supplemented with 50 mg/kg SS via increasing ovarian FSHR transcription level and serum estrogen level.A beneficial shift in intestinal microflora was recorded,and the immune function of laying hens was also improved with 50 mg/kg SS supplementation.Surprisingly,the long-term supplementation of 500 mg/kg SS exerted a negative impact on the laying performance and physiological functions of the liver of laying hens.

Effects of Yimu Shenghuasan Preparation on the Cytochrome P450 in Endometrial Cells and Immune Function of Dairy Cows

In order to investigate the mode of action ofYimu Shenghuasan preparation in endometrial cells of dairy cows, the primary cultured endometrial cells in cows were isolated and the inflammatory models were made by lipopolysaccharide （LPS） induction. The inflammatory cells were treated with gradient concentration of herbal medicine preparation, Yimu Shenghuasan for 48 and 72 h. The expression of cytochrome P450 （CYP450） was detected by Western blot. The amounts of IgG and lgA in sera were also detected in the endometritis of dairy cows. The expression level of CYP450 in the endometrial cells of dairy cow was increased gradually, and the amounts of IgG, IgA were increased significantly as compared with those in the control group. The expression level of CYP450 in the inflammatory cells was increased significantly in the treatment of 2 000 μg mL^-1 of Yimu Shenghuasan after 48 h of treatment.

Effect of Excessive Iodine on Immune Function of Lymphocytes and Intervention with Selenium

In order to study the effect of excessive iodine on immune function of lymphocytes and the role of selenium supplementation with excessive iodine intake, the changes of T lymphocyte number, ratio of subsets, activity of natural killer （NK） cells and lymphocytes proliferation response were investigated. 150 female BALB/C mice were randomly divided into 5 groups in terms of their body weight （n=30 in each group）, and 10 of each group were taken as one batch for test. Mice in the 5 groups were orally administrated with iodine 0 （group Ⅰ ）, 1500 （group Ⅱ）, 3000 （group Ⅲ）, 6000 μg/L （group ）, iodine 6000 μg/L plus selenium 0.3 mg/L （group Ⅴ） respectively for 30 days. Lymphocyte proliferation response, CD4^＋/CD8^＋, Th1/Th2 and the activity of NK cells were measured. CD4^＋/CD8^＋ was significantly lower, while lymphocyte proliferation response stronger, and Th1/Th2 and the activity of NK cells significantly higher in group Ⅳ than in group Ⅰ （P〈0.01）. There was no significant difference in all indexes between group Ⅴ and group Ⅰ （P〉0.05）. It was suggested that excessive iodine as exogenous chemical materials can induce disorders of T lymphocyte immune function in mice. 0.3 mg/L selenium supplementation can protect mice against toxicity induced by 6000 μg/L iodine.

GPP(composition of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharides) protects against DSS-induced murine colitis by enhancing immune function and regulating intestinal flora

Previous study have demonstrated that a compound composed of water-soluable Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides(GLP)and Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharides(PUP)in a ratio of 3:1 named GPP enhances innate immune function in mice through enhancing the function of macrophage cells and activity of natural killer(NK)cells.Here in our research,we further investigated the effect of GPP on the diversity and composition of intestinal flora,and explored its effect on colitis model mice.The immunoregulatory verification experiments of GPP were conducted in both normal and DSS-induced mice model.Our research showed that GPP increased the diversity of intestinal microorganisms in mice with the extension of administration time.Daily GPP intake attenuated DSS-induced colon injury,protected the splenic lymphocyte proliferation ability,enhanced the serum hemolysin synthesis,and increased peripheral phagocytes and NK cell activity in model mice.Comparisons of the predominant gene pathways of the bacterial microbiota showed that DNA repair and recombination,base mismatch repair pathways was stronger in GPP-treatment group than in control group,indicating the possible molecular mechanisms of immune function regulation.Our study showed that GPP regulated immune function in both health and colitis model,and had a positive effect on maintaining intestinal flora homeostasis.

Effects of Common Mineral Trace Elements on Immune Function of Livestock and Poultry

The effects of zinc(Zn), iron(Fe), selenium(Se), copper(Cu), manganese(Mn), chromium(Cr) and germanium(Ge) on immune function of livestock and poultry are discussed, in order to provide the reference for safe and reasonable use of trace elements.

Effect of Early Intensive Insulin Therapy on Immune Function of Aged Patients with Severe Trauma

This study examined the effect of intensive insulin therapy on immune function and inflammatory factors at the early phase after severe trauma. At day 1, 3, 5, 7 after admission, subsets of CD4＋ helper T lymphocytes （Th1/Th2） and human leukocyte antigen （HLA）-DR expression on CD14＋ monocytes were flow cytometrically measured. Levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）, interleukin-6 （IL-6）, interleukin-10 （IL-10） and other immunity markers, such as IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, C4 and C reaction protein （CRP） were examined in two groups. The results showed that TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP levels in the intensive insulin therapy group were significantly lower than those in the conventional therapy group, whereas IL-10 levels were substantially increased after intensive insulin therapy. C3 level at day 3, 5, 7 and C4 levels at day 5, 7 were lower in the intensive therapy group than in the conventional therapy group. Th1/Th2 ratios decreased gradually over time in both groups, and were much lower at day 3, 5, 7 in intensive therapy group. There were significant differences among day 3 to day 7 after admission in HLA-DR expression in CD14＋ monocytes. It was concluded that the intensive insulin therapy could decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines in the elderly suffering from severe trauma, at the same time, with complement recovery being delayed. Moreover, intensive insulin therapy promoted immune suppression and, therefore, measures need be taken to address the issue.

Effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on immune function in B16 melanoma mice

Objective:To examine the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on immune function in B16 melanoma mice.Method:Forty male C57BL/6 mice were divided equally into a control group,model group,Astragalus polysaccharide low-dose group,and Astragalus polysaccharide high-dose group,with 10 mice per group.B16 cells were used to develop a mouse model of melanoma.After B16 engraftment,40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg Astragalus polysaccharide was administered by gavage every day to the Astragalus polysaccharide low-dose group and Astragalus polysaccharide high-dose group,respectively.Splenic index,thymic index,tumor growth curves,and tumor inhibition rates were measured.Flow cytometry was used to measure proportions of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to examine histopathological changes in tumors.Immunofluorescence double staining was used to identify myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor tissues.Results:In the Astragalus polysaccharide high-dose group,splenic and thymic indices were significantly increased and tumor growth was inhibited in melanoma mice.Flow cytometry demonstrated increased CD4^(+)and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)T-cell ratios in the high-dose Astragalus polysaccharide group.HE staining demonstrated significantly decreased numbers of tumor cells among mice with melanoma in the high-dose Astragalus polysaccharide group.Immunofluorescence double staining demonstrated significantly decreased numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor tissues in the high-dose Astragalus polysaccharide group.Conclusion:Astragalus polysaccharide inhibits tumor growth,increases splenic and thymic indices,increases CD4^(+)and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)T-cell ratios,and decreases myeloid-derived suppressor cell numbers in melanoma mice.Our results indicate Astragalus polysaccharide may enhance immune function resulting in inhibition of tumorigenesis and tumor progression.

Effects of Fermentation Bed Padding on Intestinal Flora,Serum Biochemical Indexes and Immune Function of Growing-finishing Pigs

[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of fermentation bed padding on intestinal flora,serum biochemical indexes and immune function of growing-finishing pigs.[Method]A total of 90 growing-finishing pigs(Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire)with the body weight of(30.5±0.8)kg were randomly divided into five groups,three replicates each group,six pigs each replicate.The padding of five groups were:50%rice husk+50%sawdust(control group),100%spent mushroom substrate of Pleurotus eryngii(100%spent mushroom substrate group),15%rice husk+15%sawdust+70%spent mushroom substrate(70%spent mushroom substrate group),25%rice husk+25%sawdust+50%spent mushroom substrate(50%spent mushroom substrate group),35%rice husk+35%sawdust+30%spent mushroom substrate(30%spent mushroom substrate group).The pre-trial lasted 7 d,and the formal trial lasted 90 d.[Result]Compared with the control group,the number of Escherichia col in 100%,70%and 50%spent mushroom substrate groups decreased by 35.4%,24.0%and 20.8%,respectively(P<0.05);the number of salmonella successively decreased by 29.4%,19.3%and 15.2%,respectively(P<0.05);the number of lactobacillus successively increased by 21.7%,15.9%and 12.2%,respectively(P<0.05);and the number of bifidobacteria successively increased by 20.2%,16.7%and 11.8%,respectively(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the total serum protein content in 100%,70%,50%and 30%spent mushroom substrate groups increased by 30.6%,33.0%,28.0%and 18.4%,respectively(P<0.05);and the serum urea nitrogen content decreased by 32.4%,34.5%,33.9%and 22.0%,respectively(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in serum albumin,aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)between treatment groups and control group.The IgA,IgG,IgM and IL-6 levels in serum of each treatment group were significantly different from those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in IgA,IgG,IgM and IL-6 levels among 100%,70%and 50%spent mushroom substrate groups.[Conclusion]It improves the balance of intestinal microecological flora of growing-finishing pigs and enhances the immune performance of pigs by using spent mushroom substrate of P.eryngii as the fermentation bed padding.15%rice husk+15%sawdust+70%spent mushroom substrate is the optimal proportion of spent mushroom substrate for growing-finishing pigs.

EFFECT OF SELENIUM ON IMMUNE FUNCTION OF ERYTHROCYTE IN KASHIN-BECK DISEASE

Objective To investigate the relationship between erythrocyte immune function and selenium (Se) level. Methods Forty-nine Kashin-Beck patients in endemic area aged 13-16 years were divided into two groups and were orally given either selenized yeast or sodium selenite to provide 200 μ g selenium per day for 12 weeks. Erythrocyte selenium level, glutathione peroxidase activity, the rosette formation rates of red blood cells complement receptor typeⅠ(CR1), the immune function of red blood cells, and circulating immune complexes(CIC) were determined. Results After supplementing with selenium for 12 weeks, erythrocyte selenium level, glutathione peroxidase activity, the rosette formation rates of red blood cells CR1 were significantly increased. But the difference in rosette formation rates of IC and CIC content was not significant between before and after Se supplementation. Conclusion The increase of the immune function of the erythrocyte by selenium-supplement may be one of the effective mechanisms for the prevention of Kashin-Beck disease.

Multiple immune function impairments in diabetic patients and their effects on COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,poses a significant threat to public health worldwide,and diabetes is considered a risk factor for the rapid progression and poor prognosis of COVID-19.Limited immune function is a clinical feature of COVID-19 patients,and diabetes patients have defects in innate and adaptive immune functions,which may be an important reason for the rapid progression and poor prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with diabetes.We review the possible multiple effects of immune impairment in diabetic patients on the immune responses to COVID-19 to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic patients with COVID-19.

Effect of TCM Combined with Chemotherapy on Immune Function and Quality of Life of Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer inStage Ⅲ-Ⅳ

Objective: To observe and compare the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with chemotherapy (CT) on immune function and quality of life (QOL)of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Methods: One hundred cases with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ NSCLC were randomly divided into two groups. The treated group (n=50) received CT combined with TCM, and the control group received CT alone. The percentage of T lymphocyte subset in peripheral blood and the change of natural killer (NK) cell count were observed after treatment. The QOL and tolerance of CT were also compared between the two groups after treatment. Results: In the treated group, CD3 cell count, CD4 cell count, CD4/ CDg ratio and NK cell activity were higher than those in control group, while CD8 cell count in the treated group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and QOL and tolerance of CT in the treated group were also better (P<0.05). Conclusion: TCM combined with CT could raise the patients' ability in tolerating CT in stage Ⅲ-ⅣNSCLC.