Retinoic acid regulated insulin-like growth factor gene expression in cord blood lymphocytes

Objective To explore the immune promotion mechanism of retinoic acid (RA).Methods Reverse Transcription-Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the gene expression of insulin like growth factor Ⅰ (IGF-Ⅰ) and IGF receptors (IGF-IR and IGF-IIR) in vitro, and their regulation by RA in human cord blood lymphocyte (CBL). Results Significant upregulation of IGF-I, IGF-IR and IGF-IIR mRNA was found at 6-24 hours in CBL incubated with physiologic concentrations of RA as compared to those without RA. Conclusion The enhancement of IGF expression may be an important pathway for vitamin A to promote immune cellular functions.

Effects of ultraviolet-irradiated urocanic acid on IL-10 secreted by T lymphocytes

Objective To further investigate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiated urocanic acid (UCA) on T lymphocytes, the effects of cis UCA on T lymphocyte IL 10 secretion was studied Methods Four groups of normal lymphocytes were cultured in RPMI 1640 containing 15% fetal calf serum Besides negative and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) positive control, the cis UCA and trans UCA groups were set The number of lymphocytes was 1 5×10 6 PHA was 0 05mg/ml in each group Both cis UCA and trans UCA were detected by 1 00, 0 75, 0 50 and 0 20mmol/L respective concentrations IL 10 was detected by ELISA method after 48 hours' culture IL 10 mRNA expression level was assayed by RT PCR Results The results indicated cis UCA could reduce IL 10 secreted by T lymphocytes much more than trans UCA (t=2 91, P<0 05) could It was also found that the concentrations of cis UCA were negatively correlated with IL 10 levels (r=-0 99, t r=9 23, P<0 01) The IL 10 mRNA expression of T lymphoctytes was inhibited by cis UCA Conclusion Our investigations revealed that cis UCA, a major UV receptor in the stratum corneum of epidermis, could inhibit T lymphoctes secreting IL 10 by suppressing IL 10 mRNA expression, finally affects the humoral immune response

Effects of Yishenjiangzhuo granules on immunity and bone metabolism in patients with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE:To determine the effects of Yishenjiangzhuo granules(YJG)on bone metabolism and to explore the changes in levels of bone Gla protein(BGP),tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP),as well as their relationships with levels of B cells,regulatory T cells(Treg)and interleukin(IL)-17 in patients with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease(CKD)before and after treatment.METHODS:Fifty-three stage 3-4 CKD patients were divided randomly into two groups:YJG treatment and control.Peripheral blood was taken from two groups of CKD patients and 21 healthy subjects in the normal group.The parameters determined were the levels of CD4+,CD19+,CD19+CD69+,CD19+AV,Treg(CD4+CD25+CD127lo),BGP,TRAP,IL-17,calcium,phosphate,blood urea nitrogen,serum creatinine(SCr),hemoglobin(Hb)in peripheral blood,and urinary creatinine.Calcium-phosphate products and endogenous creatinine clearance rate(CCr)were calculated according to standard protocols.RESULTS:In YJG and control groups,SCr levels were lowered(P<0.01)after treatment,whereas CCr(P<0.05)as well as Hb and albumin levels(P<0.01)were increased.The changes in levels of CCr and SCr in the YJG group were more significant.After treatment,CD19+CD69+and Treg levels in the two groups varied(P<0.01)compared with those of the normal group;the level of CD19+increased but the levels of CD4+and CD19+AV decreased(P<0.01)in both groups.Compared with the control group,the changes of CD19+and CD19+AV in the YJG group were more apparent(P<0.05).Compared with the normal group,levels of IL-17 in both groups increased significantly(P<0.01),and the difference in the control group was more significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the TRAP level increased(P<0.05),but the difference in BGP level(P>0.05)was not significant.CONCLUSION:In stage 3-4 CKD patients,B cells and IL-17 participated in the induction of osteoclast activation.YJG could also elevate the level of B cells and decrease their apoptosis,but showed no significant effects on active B cells,IL-17 or osteoclast activity.