Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice by regulating Th2 type immune response and reducing infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells

Background:This study aimed to assess how acupoint catgut-embedding therapy influences Th2-type immune response and the infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice.It also conducted an initial examination of the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods:Seventy-two mice were randomly divided into four groups:normal control,DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model(AD),AD with acupoint catgut-embedding treatment(ADA),and AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment.After DNCB challenge to induce AD,the ADA group received acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment at Zusanli(ST 36)and Quchi(LI 11)acupoints every other week from day 8.Mice in the AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment group underwent the same procedure as the ADA group but without catgut implantation.Severity was assessed using SCORAD on treatment days 1,10,and 20.On day 18,nine mice per group were euthanized,and the remaining on day 28.Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining.TNF-α,IL-4,IL-6,and IL-13 levels were analyzed by ELISA,and GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels by western blot.Results:After 20 days of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment,mice showed reduced dermatitis scores compared to DNCB-induced AD-like mice.Significant decreases occurred in serum IL-4,IL-6,IL-13,and TNF-αlevels.Skin analysis revealed marked reductions in CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cell infiltration,as well as GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels.Conclusion:Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy may effectively alleviate atopic dermatitis by suppressing Th2 immune responses via the STAT6-GATA3 pathway and reducing CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)T cell infiltration in skin lesions.

Orchestration between ILC2s and Th2 cells in shaping type 2 immune responses

The type 2 immune response is critical for host defense against large parasites such as helminths.On the other hand,dysregulation of the type 2 immune response may cause immunopathological conditions,including asthma,atopic dermatitis,rhinitis,and anaphylaxis.Thus,a balanced type 2 immune response must be achieved to mount effective protection against invading pathogens while avoiding immunopathology.The classical model of type 2 immunity mainly involves the differentiation of type 2 T helper(Th2)cells and the production of distinct type 2 cytokines,including interleukin-4(IL-4),IL-5,and IL-13.Group 2 innate lymphoid cells(ILC2s)were recently recognized as another important source of type 2 cytokines.Although eosinophils,mast cells,and basophils can also express type 2 cytokines and participate in type 2 immune responses to various degrees,the production of type 2 cytokines by the lymphoid lineages,Th2 cells,and ILC2s in particular is the central event during the type 2 immune response.In this review,we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how ILC2s and Th2 cells orchestrate type 2 immune responses through direct and indirect interactions.

Th1/Th2 type cytokines in hepatitis B patients treated with interferon-α

Objective To investigate the relationship between the expression of Th1/Th2 type cytokines and the effect of interferon-α therapy. Methods Th1/Th2 type cytokines were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on 23 patients with chronic hepatitis B who were treated with interferon-α.Results Levels of IFN-γ in the supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultures from the patients with hepatitis B were slightly lower than those of controls (P=0.07). However, the levels of IL-4 were higher than those of controls (P=0.01). Cytokines measurements during IFN-α treatment showed a trend to decreaseing levels of IL-4 at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Levels of IFN-γ were slightly increased following IFN-α treatment (P=0.09). In patients with a complete response to IFN-α, the levels of IFN-γ were higher at 24 weeks following IFN-α treatment than that of pre-treatment (P=0.04), and the levels of IL-4 decreased markedly at 12 and 24 weeks (P=0.02, 0.03, respectively). mRNA expression positively correlated with the level of Th1/Th2 type cytokines in the supernatant. Conclusion The expression of Th2 type cytokines is predominant in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Interferon-α therapy can modulate the balance of Th1/Th2 type cytokines, and this is related to its clinical effect. Levels of Th1/Th2 type cytokines could be a predictor of clinical response during Interferon -α treatment.

Positive Periodic Solution of a Discrete Predator-prey Patch-system

A periodic difference predator-prey model with Holling-（m ＋ 1）（m 〉 2） type functional response and impulses is established. Sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of periodic solutions by using a continuation theorem in coincidence degree.