ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of Xingbi Wenmin Gel on serum levels of IL-4, TGF-β1 and nasal mucosa eosinophils (EOS) in allergic rhinitis (AR) rats; To discuss its mechanism of action. Methods Intraperitoneal injection of egg albumin and aluminum hydroxide based sensitized to ovalbumin challenge 2％ local AR model was established successfully. The experimental rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, positive control group, and Xingbi Gel low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups. Each medication group was given relevant medicine for intervention. The rat symptom scores in each group were compared, and serum IL-4, TGF-β1, and nasal mucosa EOS counts were detected. Results Compared with the normal group, the serum levels of IL-4 and TGF-β1 in model group increased significantly (P<0.01), and the nasal mucosa EOS counts increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the serum levels of IL-4 and TGF-β1 in Xingbi Gel medium-dosage group and positive control group decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the nasal mucosa EOS counts decreased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion Xingbi Wenmin Gel may be effective through down-regulation of IL-4, TGF-β1 levels of inflammatory factors, and reduction of EOS infiltration in nasal mucosa.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the intervention of Shenkangling Decoction (SD) on the renal injury of primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) children patients of Shen deficiency blood stasis syndrome (SDBSS) and to explore its mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 65 PNS children patients were randomly assigned to the combined group (33 cases, treated by SD +Western medicine) and the Western medicine group (32 cases, treated by Western medicine). Meanwhile, 30 healthy children were recruited as the healthy control group from the medical examination center. Those in the Western medicine group were treated with prednisone (5 mg per tablet) at the daily dose of 1.5 -2.0 mg/kg till two weeks after their urine protein turned to negative. Then the dosage was reduced once daily per every other day. The therapeutic course lasted for more than 1 year. For those with no effect of prednisone or partial effect, cyclophosphamide intravenous pulse therapy was additionally applied for 2 successive days per week, a total of 6 times, or they took cyclosporine A. Patients in the combined group additionally took SD while starting treatment of prednisone. SD was decocted in water for oral dose, once daily, taken in two portions until 2 months after prednisone was discontinued. Efficacy was evaluated based on serum levels of chemotactic factor CXCL16, disintegrin metalloproteinase 10 ( ADAM10 ), disintegrin metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), albumin (ALB), total cholesterol (TC), and 24-h urine protein excretion (UPE) detected by ELISA before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with before treatment in the same group, levels of CXCL16, ADAM10, ADAM17, TC, and 24-h UPE were significantly lower in the two treatment groups (P <0. 01). Compared with the control group, levels of CXCL16, ADAM10, ADAM17, TC, and 24-h UPE significantly increased, and the serum ALB level decreased in the two treatment groups (P <0.01). Compared with the Western medicine group at the same time point, levels of CXCL16, ADAM10, ADAM17, TC, and 24-h UPE significantly decreased in the combined group. The 1 -year recurrence rate and the recurrence times decreased in the combined group (P <0.01). The complete remission rate increased in the combined group (P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SD could effectively improve the clinical prognosis of PNS children patients possibly by reducing the release of inflammatory mediators such as CXCL16, ADAM10, and ADAM17, decreasing UPE and the TC level, and elevating the serum ALB level.</p>