Acupuncture combined with pricking and cupping therapy is effective in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of acupuncture combined with pricking and cupping therapy on the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).

METHODS

The medical records of 75 patients with CSU treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei College of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 10, 2021 to January 10, 2022 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 35 patients treated with traditional therapy were assigned to a control group, and 40 patients treated with acupuncture combined with pricking and cupping therapy to an observation group. The clinical efficacy and adverse reactions in the two groups were compared after therapy. The two groups were also compared in terms of the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)-E, interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon-γ (INF-γ) before and after therapy. In addition, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pruritus was adopted for recording the pruritus degree of patients before and after therapy. The Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) was adopted to compare the quality of life between the two groups before and after therapy. The Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) were adopted for comparison of the anxiety and depression between the two groups before and after therapy. Moreover, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to compare sleep quality between the two groups before and after therapy.

RESULTS

The control group showed a significantly lower total response rate than the observation group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significantly lower levels of IgE and IL-4, and a higher IFN-γ level and had significantly lower pruritus-VAS, DLQI, HAMA, HAMD and PSQI scores (P<0.05). Additionally, the two groups were not greatly different in adverse reactions (nausea, sleepiness, ecchymosis and dizziness) (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture combined with pricking and cupping therapy is highly effective in CSU, because it can significantly alleviate the symptoms as well as negative emotions, and improve the quality of life, sleep quality and the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokine in patients.

Comparison of cytokine production in mice inoculated with messenger RNA vaccines BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273

Two messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 were licensed. The most common adverse event is regional pain at the injection site in 80%. As systemic reactions, fatigue and headache were noted in 40%-60% and febrile illness in 10%-40% of the recipients. To investigate the mechanism of adverse events, cytokine profiles were investigated in mice. Muscle tissue and serum samples were obtained on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7, and at 2 and 4 weeks after the first dose. The second dose was given 4 weeks after the first dose and samples were obtained. After inoculation with 0.1 mL of mRNA-1273, IFN-γ and IL-2 were detected in muscle tissues and serum samples on day 1 of the second doses, and similar profiles were observed for IL-4, IL-5, and IL-12 production. mRNA-1273 induced higher levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines. TNF-α was induced in muscle tissues on day 1 of the first dose and enhanced on day 1 of the second dose after inoculation with BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273. IL-6 was also detected in muscle tissue on day 1 of the first dose, but it decreased after day 3, and enhanced production was demonstrated on day 1 of the second dose. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in muscle tissues showed a similar profile. The induction of inflammatory cytokines in the mouse model is related to the cause of adverse events in humans, with a higher incidence of adverse events after the second dose.

Transcription factors STAT-4, STAT-6 and CREB regulate Th1/Th2 response in leprosy patients: effect of M. leprae antigens

Background

Leprosy is an ideal human disease to study T cell regulation as patients show correlation between cytokine skewed Th1-Th2 responses and clinical forms of the disease. The Role of transcription factors on the modulation of Th1 and Th2 responses by M. leprae antigens has not been adequately studied. In the present study, we studied the effect of M. leprae antigens on transcription factors STAT-4, STAT-6 and CREB and their correlation with Th1/Th2 cell mediated immune responses in leprosy.

Methods

Leprosy patients of both categories of tuberculoid leprosy (BT/TT) and lepromatous leprosy (BL/LL) were selected from the OPD of NJ1L & OMD, (ICMR), Agra and healthy individuals (H) were chosen from the staff and students working in the institute. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the study subjects were stimulated with M. leprae antigens (WCL, MLSA, and PGL-1). Sandwich ELISA was done in the culture supernatants of healthy and leprosy patients to detect IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ. Further, expression of IFN-γ and IL-4 and activation of STAT4, STAT6 and CREB transcription factors in CD4⁺ T cell with or without stimulation of M. leprae antigens was investigated by flow cytometry.

Results

Lepromatous leprosy patients showed significantly lower IFN-γ and higher IL-4 levels in culture supernatant and significantly low expression of IFN-γ and higher expression of IL-4 by CD4⁺ T cells than healthy individuals with or without antigenic stimulation. Antigenic stimulation significantly increased IL-10 in BL/LL patients but not in BT/TT patients or healthy individuals. PGL-1 stimulation led to significantly higher activation of STAT-6 in BT/TT and BL/LL patients in comparison to healthy individuals. All the three antigens led to activation of CREB in healthy and BT/TT patients but not in BL/LL patients.

Conclusion

Our findings show that M. leprae antigens differentially modulate activation of T cell transcription factors STAT-4/STAT-6 and CREB. These transcription factors are well known to regulate Th1 and Th2 mediated immune response which in turn could play vital role in the clinical manifestations of leprosy. These observations may help to determine how these T cell transcription factors affect the development of immune dysfunction and whether these new pathways have a role in immunomodulation in intracellular diseases like leprosy and TB.

[Expression of type 1 and type 2 cytokines from serum of coal miners and the evaluation in surveillance of coal workers' pneumoconiosis at earlier stage]

Objectives: To explore the expression regulation of type 1 and type 2 (Th1 and Th2) cytokines from serum of coal miners and the evaluation in surveillance of coal workers' pneumoconiosis, 630 coal miners were studied. Methods: A total of 90 male patients diagnosed as coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) in a institute for occupational health and 19 male workers newly diagnosed as CWP patients was chosen as CWP group with simple random sampling method from a coal mine group from January 2013 to December in 2015. 180 male coal miners with abnormal but not diagnosed as CWP were selected as CWP suspected group with simple random sampling methods, meanwhile 180 male coal miners with normal chest X-ray photograph was as dust-exposed group by 1∶1 matched as age. And 161 healthy males accepted pre-employed examination were selected as control group, CWP suspected group, dust-exposed group and control group called as non-CWP group. According to screening test and diagnosis test, the basic information and occupational history of all subjects were collected, and cytokines including IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-10 of serum were detected. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of each cytokine. Area under curve (AUC), the validity and reliability were calculated and judged. Results: The average age of control group, dust-exposed group, CWP suspected group and CWP group were (27.4±5.0) , (43.4±10.7) , (48.2±6.2) , (64.7±7.0) years old, respectively. The median level of IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ and IL-6 in cases group (1 638.30, 2 099.49, 815.18,140.32 pg/ml) were higher than that of non-cases group (1 445.57, 1 402.26, 736.38, 95.73 pg/ml) (P<0.05) . The level of IL-8 (1 503.99 pg/ml) in CWP suspected group was higher than that of control group (1 295.67 pg/ml) and dust-exposed group (1 376.94 pg/ml) , but the level of IL-10 (654.08 pg/ml) was lower than that of control group (596.64 pg/ml) . The ratio of IFN-γ/IL-6 ranged from 5 to 8, and the ratio in CWP group (5.87) was lower than that of non-CWP group (7.61) . The IL-6 and IL-8 among the subjects of dust-exposed group in terms of the age distribution of among had reached statistical significance. According to ROC, the cutoff value of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and INF-γ reached 1 582.65, 116.53, 1 791.54, 581.08 and 792.69 pg/ml, respectively. The AUC was 0.668, 0.895, 0.859, 0.716 and 0.637, respectively. It was found that IL-6 and IL-8 could be used as biomarkers in detecting CWP, the sensitivity and specificity was 82.6% and 84.6%, 78.0% and 84.8%, respectively; Youden's index was 0.674 and 0.628 and the consistency rate was 84.3% and 83.7%, while Kappa value was 0.55 and 0.52. Conclusion: There was Type 1 and type 2 cytokine dysregulation in CWP patients. IL-6 and IL-8 can be used as effective biomarkers to forecast lung injury before X-ray changes.

Monitoring mRNA transcription of genes involved in early pregnancy from endometrium and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pregnant pigs with different parity

The reproductive success of mammals is largely dependent on the interaction between maternal and foetal interfaces during early pregnancy. Particularly, immune cells which reside at the maternal endometrium can modulate the conception and placental vascularization. In this study, we analysed the transcription of genes involved in early pregnancy from endometrium and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of pregnant pigs with different parity. Briefly, three groups of female pigs were divided based on parity (0, 2 and 5) and each group was artificially inseminated. Within 30 days of gestation, the total RNA was isolated from the endometrium and PBMCs of sacrificed experimental pigs and the expression patterns of genes involved in early pregnancy were monitored by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Results indicated absence of correlation between increased parity and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α) mRNA in endometrium among the groups of pigs analysed. Yet, the mRNA levels of Fas, Fas ligand (FasL) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the endometrium of parity 5 sows were much higher than those of pregnant gilts (parity 0), and the mRNA ratios of both TNF-α:interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IFN-γ (interferon-γ):interleukin-10 (IL-10) in PBMCs of pregnant pigs were augmented with increasing parity. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in PBMCs of pregnant pigs were inversely correlated with litter size. These combined results may demonstrate that increased parity of pregnant pigs leads to enhance Th1-prone immunity within the maternal-foetal interface during early pregnancy.

Evaluation of serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and nitric oxide (NO) during the estrous cycle, early pregnancy and abortion in goats

The aim of this study was to establish the serum concentrations, ranges, and trends of Th1 type cytokine (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-2), Th2 type cytokine (IL-10), and nitric oxide (NO) during the estrous cycle, early pregnancy and abortion in goats. Boer goats (n=25) having symptoms of normal estrous cycles were selected, 20 were mated and 15 conceived a pregnancy, and the remaining five were not mated and served as estrous controls. On the Day 60 of pregnancy, all 15 pregnant goats were induced to abort the pregnancy by intramuscular injection of prostaglandin (PG). Serum samples were collected on Days 1, 7, 14, and 19 of the estrous cycle, at Days 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 of pregnancy, and at Days 1, 3, 8, 10 over the period when abortion were occurring. Results of the present study indicated that during the estrous cycle the balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines slightly shifted toward Th1 cytokine production (TNF-α and IL-2). The NO may have a direct positive role in inducing a Th1 response. During early pregnancy, TNF-α and IL-2 serum concentrations markedly increased from Days 0 to 10, and gradually decreased from Days 10 to 60, while IL-10 and NO serum concentrations remained elevated from Days 0 to 60. The increased concentrations of IL-10 and decreased concentrations of TNF-α and IL-2 are characteristic of a Th2-enhanced response, which may be related to increased concentrations of NO. These changes may be essential to maintain a normal pregnancy. In addition, the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-2 and NO at Days 1, 3, 8 and 10 of the period of induced abortion were markedly greater than that on Day 60 of pregnancy. Conversely, IL-10 concentrations at these four time points of abortion were markedly less than that on Day 60 of pregnancy. After abortion, the Th2 response shifted to a Th1-enhanced response. Thus, NO concentrations increase and the Th1-enhanced response may function synergistically to be involved in physiologic responses that lead to abortion of the pregnancy. It is concluded that the serum concentrations of the Th1/Th2 cytokine and NO changed temporally as the estrous cycle, pregnancy and abortion progressed advanced. A Th2-enhanced state promoted normal pregnancy, while increased concentrations of Th1 were observed during the period of fetal abortion. The concentrations of NO varied in regulation of the Th1/Th2 cytokine concentration balance during the three phases (estrous cycle, pregnancy, and fetal abortion) of goats.

HS-23, a Lonicera japonica extract, reverses sepsis-induced immunosuppression by inhibiting lymphocyte apoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lonicera japonica Thunberg, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antiendotoxin activities. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of HS-23, the ethanol extract of the dried flower buds of L. japonica, on sepsis-induced immunosuppression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male ICR mice were intravenously administered HS-23 (10, 20, and 40mg/kg) immediately (0h) and 22h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The spleen was isolated for biochemical assays 24h after CLP.

RESULTS

HS-23 improved sepsis-induced mortality. CLP induced a marked decrease in the number of splenocytes, B cells, and natural killer cells, which was attenuated by HS-23. HS-23 also attenuated CLP-induced apoptosis in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and inhibited both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway in the spleen. HS-23 attenuated the CLP-induced decrease in interleukin (IL)-17 production. CLP significantly decreased splenic production of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-2, and these effects were attenuated by HS-23.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that HS-23 reverses immunosuppression during the late phase of sepsis by inhibiting lymphocyte apoptosis and enhancing Th1 cytokine production. HS-23 warrants further evaluation as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of sepsis.

Augmented miR-150 expression associated with depressed SOCS1 expression involved in dengue haemorrhagic fever

OBJECTIVE

Suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins regulate cytokine responses and control immune balance. The objective of our study was to determine whether the expression of SOCS1 and its potential regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) in leukocytes is correlated to the development of dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF).

METHODS

We performed a case-control study to investigate the SOCS1 and miRNA expression in leukocytes for patients with DF and DHF in a DENV-2 outbreak that occurred in Taiwan between 2002 and 2003. We performed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the expression of SOCS1 and its regulatory miRNAs in mononuclear leukocytes obtained from patients with or without DHF. The reciprocal relationship between SOCS1 and miR-150 expression was validated in DENV-2-infected peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

RESULTS

SOCS1 expression and lower IFN-γ level were significantly reduced in DHF patients, but not in patients with DF. Elevated SOCS1 and reduced miR-150 levels were detected 24 h after DENV-2 infection in PBMCs. Transfection of a miR-150 mimic into CD14(+) cells infected with DENV-2 suppressed the induction of SOCS1 expression in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate for the first time that augmented miR-150 expression with depressed SOCS1 expression in CD14(+) cells are associated with the pathogenesis of DHF.

Influence of Bifidobacterium on gut barrier function and Th1/Th2 cytokine in food allergic mice

AIM: To investigate the effect of the Bifidobacterium on the gut barrier function, intestinal flora and immunologic function in allergic mice.

METHODS: Forty BALB/c mice fed on the OVA-free diet were randomly divided into four groups with ten mice in each group. Mice in A group were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection with SEB+OVA and mice in the other three groups were separately induced with normal saline (NS), SEB or OVA on the 0, 3rd and 9th days; and all of the mice were challenged by means of intragastric gavage with OVA on the 7th and 14th days. Then the natural recovery group, intervention by Bifidobacterium group, intervention by smcta group and intervention by both Bifidobacterium and smcta group were set on the base of SEB+OVA experimental group. From the 15th day after sensitization, all mice were induced with different contents by means of intragastric gavage 7 times, 24 h apart. The intestinal microbial flora was detected by culturing the feces. The serum levels of IgE, IL-4, INF-γ and diamine oxidase (DAO) were analyzed by ELISA. The mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), homogenated tissues of the livers, kidneys and lungs were cultured to determine for bacterial translocation. The number of CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells (CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg cells) in spleens was measured using flow cytometry.

RESULTS: The levels of IgE(A), DAO(A), IL-4 (51.314 ± 3.785 ng/L vs 69.980 ± 9.103 ng/L, P < 0.05) decreased significantly in Bifidobacterium intervention group compared with those of SEB+OVA group, but the INF-γ increased significantly (194.281 ± 12.144 ng/L vs 133.875 ± 33.822 ng/L, P < 0.05). The number of CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg cells increased significantly in Bifidobacterium intervention group (5.778% ± 0.773% vs 4.216% ± 0.439%, P < 0.05). The numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in Bifidobacterium intervention group increased significantly compared with those of SEB+OVA group (6.670 ± 0.443 vs 5.654 ± 0.289, 8.611 ± 0.295 vs 7.491 ± 0.339, both P < 0.05). In contrast, the numbers of Escherichia col and Bacteroideae in Bifidobacterium intervention group decreased significantly compared with those of SEB+OVA group (5.364 ± 0.537 vs 6.718 ± 0.267, 7.427 ± 0.544 vs 8.606 ± 0.317, both P < 0.05). The frequency of bacteria translocation of MLNs, livers, kidneys and lungs in Bifidobacterium intervention group decreased significantly compared with that of the SEB+OVA group (12.5% vs 37.5%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Bifidobacterium could coordinate the immunologic function, cure the alteration of intestinal flora, and protect the intestinal tract mucosa barrier function.