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 / 中华预防医学杂志

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.

Baicalein, wogonin, and Scutellaria baicalensis ethanol extract alleviate ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation and mast cell-mediated anaphylactic shock by regulation of Th1/Th2 imbalance and histamine release / 대한해부학회지

Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, the aberrant production of the Th2 cytokines, and eosinophil infiltration into the lungs. In this study, we examined the effects of baicalein, wogonin, and Scutellaria baicalensis ethanol extract on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma by evaluating Th1/Th2 cytokine levels, histopathologic analysis, and compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and mast cell activation, focusing on the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. Baicalein, wogonin, and S. baicalensis ethanol extract also decreased the number of inflammatory cells especially eosinophils and downregulated peribronchial and perivascular inflammation in the lungs of mice challenged by OVA. Baicalein, wogonin, and S. baicalensis ethanol extract significantly reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-5 and the production of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, and upregulated the level of interferon-γ and OVA-specific IgG2a. In addition, oral administration of baicalein, wogonin, and S. baicalensis ethanol extract inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and plasma histamine release in mice. Moreover, baicalein, wogonin, and S. baicalensis ethanol extract suppressed compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation and histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. Conclusively, baicalein and wogonin as major flavonoids of S. baicalensis may have therapeutic potential for allergic asthma through modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance and histamine release from mast cells.

Effects of Compound Leonurus artemisia Ointment Combined with Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets on Serum Progesterone and Th1/Th2 Cytokine after Medical Abortion / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of Compound Leonurus artemisia ointment combined with Drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets on serum progesterone and T helper (Th) 1/Th2 cytokine after medical abortion.METHODS:A total of 228 patients underwent medical abortion selected from obstetrical outpatient of our hospital during our hospital during Mar.2013 to Jul.2015 as research object were divided into control group (109 cases) and observation group (119 cases) according to random number table.Control group was given Cefuroxime axetil tablets 0.25 g,po,bid,for consecutive 6 d for anti-infective treatment+ Drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets one tablet,po,qd,21 d as a treatment course,8 d later receiving second course,3 courses in total after fetal sac exclusion.Observation group was additionally given Compound L.artemisia ointment 10 g,po,bid,7 d as a treatment course,2 courses in total on the basis of control group.The levels of serum progesterone and Th1 (TNF-α,IFN-γ,IL-2)/Th2 cytokine (IL-4,IL-6,IL-10) were observed in 2 groups,and the occurrence of ADR was recorded.RESULTS:Before treatment,there was no statistical significance in serum progesterone or Th1/Th2 cytokine levels between 2 groups (P＞0.05).After treatment,serum progesterone,TNF-α,IL-2 and IL-6 levels of 2 groups were decreased significantly,and above indexes of observation group were significantly lower than those of control group.The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in 2 groups were increased significantly,and above indexes of observation group were significantly higher than control group,with statistical significance (P＜0.05).After treatment,IFN-γ levels of 2 groups were decreased significantly,but there was no statistical significance between 2 groups (P＞0.05).No obvious ADR was found in 2 groups during treatment.CONCLUSIONS:Compound L.artemisia ointment combined with Drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets can regulate immune function of patients after medical abortion,and promote dynamic balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines with good safety.

T-Helper Cytokine Profiles in Patients with Kawasaki Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis of which pathogenesis suspected is caused by immune dysregulation. The goal of this study is to evaluate the activation pattern of T helper cell type 1 (Th1) and T helper cell type 2 (Th2) in patients with Kawasaki disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Prospective study of 60 patients (male 36, female 24) with diagnosis of Kawasaki disease were enrolled. One hundred and eighty blood samples from these patients were collected according to the different clinical stages {before initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), 5 days after initial IVIG, 2 months after initial IVIG}. The plasma level of Th1 cytokines; interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) & interleukin (IL)-2 and Th2 cytokines; IL-4 & IL-10 were measured by enzyme-liked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: In all patients, the plasma level of Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-2) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) were markedly elevated during the acute stage of Kawasaki disease. Since then, the plasma level of all these cytokines decreased significantly along with the process of clinical stages. Regardless of the existence of coronary artery lesion or no response to initial IVIG treatment, there were no significant differences between them. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that both Th1 and Th2 cells may be activated simultaneously during the acute stage of Kawasaki disease. Further studies are therefore required to establish the difference of activation pattern of T helper cells between Kawasaki disease and other inflammatory diseases.

Phellinus linteus Extract Exerts Anti-asthmatic Effects by Suppressing NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK Activity in an OVA-induced Mouse Model of Asthma

Phellinus linteus has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Asian countries and is known to have anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic activities. However, the protective effects of P. linteus against experimental asthma have not been fully investigated. The objective of this study was to determine whether P. linteus ethanol extract (PLE) suppresses inflammatory response in an OVA-induced asthma model. As expected, the oral administration of PLE significantly inhibited eosinophilic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in OVA-challenged BALB/c mice. Supporting these data, the augmentation of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13), eotaxin, and adhesion molecules in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after OVA inhalation was markedly attenuated by PLE. Furthermore, PLE reduced OVA-induced activation of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in lung tissues. Therefore, our results suggest the potential of P. linteus as a therapeutic agent for asthma.

Lentinus edodes Suppresses Allergen-Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Inflammation by Downregulating Nuclear Factor-kappa B Activity in a Murine Model of Allergic Asthma / 체질인류학회지

Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to have profound health promoting benefits. Among them, Lentinus edodes is well-known to have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether Lentinus edodes ethanol extract (LE) inhibit airway inflammatory response in a murine asthma model induced by exposure to ovalbumin (OVA). The pretreatment of LE substantially attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilic inflammation in OVA-challenged mice. In addition, the increased levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13), eotaxin, and adhesion molecules in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids at 48 h after OVA inhalation was significantly reduced by the administration of LE. Furthermore, LE suppressed OVA-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in lung tissues. Taken together, it is proposed that LE may serve as an effective therapeutic agent for allergic airway disease.

Changes of serum Th1/Th2 cytokine levels of allergic rhinitis patients and the intervention effect of montelukast / 中国基层医药

Objective To discuss the changes of serum Th1/Th2 cytokine levels of allergic rhinitis patients and the intervention effect of montelukast.Methods 40 cases of allergic rhinitis patients were selected as treatment group,who were given montelukast tablets (10mg) through the mouth one time daily for 8 weeks.The changes of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in peripheral blood (PB) before and after medical treatment were observed,as well as the clinical curative effect and security.Accordingly 30 cases of healthy people were also selected as the control group.Results The IFN-γlevel in culture supernatant of patients in the treatment group [(8.74 ± 1.37) ng/mL] was lower than that in the control group before the medical treatment [(15.13 ± 3.16)ng/mL],while the IL-4 level of patients in the treatment group [(1.64 ± 0.47) ng/mL] was higher than that in the control group [(0.72 ± 0.21) ng/mL] (t =2..93,3.52,all P ＜ 0.01).After 8 weeks' medical treatment,the IFN-γ level in culture supernatant of patients [(12.36 ± 2.56) ng/mL] increased obviously than that of before [(8.74 ± 1.37) ng/mL],while the IL-4 level [(1.21 ± 0.28) ng/mL] declined obviously than that of before [(1.64 ± 0.47) ng/mL] (t =2.36,2.31,all P ＜ 0.05).The total clinical efficiency of patients in the treatment group was 92.5 ％ (37/40).No serious drug adverse reaction (DAR) appeared during the medical treatment.Conclusion The Th1/Th2 cytokine unbalances in peripheral blood (PB) of allergic rhinitis patients.Montelukast has reliable curative effect with high security,whose mechanism of action has close effect on lowering the IL-4 in peripheral blood (PB),increasing the IFN-γ level in peripheral blood (PB),correcting the balance disorders of Th1/Th2 cytokine,and the transformation of immunity reaction from Th2 to Th1.

Plasma von Willebrand factor as a predictor of survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease

Biomarkers have been identified for pulmonary arterial hypertension, but are less well defined for specific etiologies such as congenital heart disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CHDPAH). We measured plasma levels of eight microvascular dysfunction markers in CHDPAH, and tested for associations with survival. A cohort of 46 inoperable CHDPAH patients (age 15.0 to 60.2 years, median 33.5 years, female:male 29:17) was prospectively followed for 0.7 to 4.0 years (median 3.6 years). Plasma levels of von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and its inhibitor (PAI-1), P-selectin, reactive C-protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 and -10 were measured at baseline, and at 30, 90, and 180 days in all subjects. Levels of six of the eight proteins were significantly increased in patients versus controls (13 to 106 percent increase, P < 0.003). Interleukin-10 level was 2.06 times normal (P = 0.0003; Th2 cytokine response). Increased levels of four proteins (t-PA, PAI-1, P-selectin, and interleukin-6) correlated with disease severity indices (P < 0.05). Seven patients died during follow-up. An average VWF:Ag (mean of four determinations) above the level corresponding to the 95th percentile of controls (139 U/dL) was independently associated with a high risk of death (hazard ratio = 6.56, 95 percentCI = 1.46 to 29.4, P = 0.014). Thus, in CHDPAH, microvascular dysfunction appears to involve Th2 inflammatory response. Of the biomarkers studied, plasma vWF:Ag was independently associated with survival.

Role of Salvia miltiorrhiza for Modulation of Th2-derived Cytokines in the Resolution of Inflammation

BACKGROUND: Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) has been used to treat inflammatory diseases including edema and arthritis; however, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of SM action remains unresolved. METHODS: The effects of an ethanol extract of SM (ESM) on pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and NO, on anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-10, TGF-beta, and IL-1Ra have been studied in an attempt to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism in murine macrophages. RESULTS: ESM inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines via down-regulation of gene and protein expression whereas it increased the anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, ESM inhibited the expression of the chemokines, RANTES and CX3CL1, as well as of inflammatory mediators such as TLR-4 and 11beta-HSD1. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that the regulatory effects of ESM may be mediated though the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as the induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Consequently, we speculate that ESM has therapeutic potential for inflammation-associated disorders.

Role of Salvia miltiorrhiza for Modulation of Th2-derived Cytokines in the Resolution of Inflammation

BACKGROUND: Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) has been used to treat inflammatory diseases including edema and arthritis; however, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of SM action remains unresolved. METHODS: The effects of an ethanol extract of SM (ESM) on pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and NO, on anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-10, TGF-beta, and IL-1Ra have been studied in an attempt to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism in murine macrophages. RESULTS: ESM inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines via down-regulation of gene and protein expression whereas it increased the anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, ESM inhibited the expression of the chemokines, RANTES and CX3CL1, as well as of inflammatory mediators such as TLR-4 and 11beta-HSD1. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that the regulatory effects of ESM may be mediated though the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as the induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Consequently, we speculate that ESM has therapeutic potential for inflammation-associated disorders.

Significant reduction of granulomas in Nrf2-deficientmice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Objective: We have reported previously that mice deficient in nuclear erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which regulates the expression of antioxidant and detoxification genes, showed significant susceptibility to airway inflammatory responses when exposed to diesel exhaust particles for eight weeks2. As disruption of Nrf2 promotes immune cells that stimulate Th2-like immunoresponsiveness, Nrf2-deficient mice may be resistant to M. tuberculosis infection. Setting: Nrf2-deficient mice were infected with M. tuberculosis aerially, and the size of their granulomas and cytokine mRNA expression were compared with those of wild-type mice. Results: Significant reduction of granuloma formation and tubercle bacilli in granulomas was noted in the deficient mice 27 weeks after infection, concurrently with higher expression of IL-2 and IL-13 mRNA. Conclusion: It is concluded that Nrf2 inversely regulates M. tuberculosis-induced granuloma development at the late stage.

The Effects of Acer ginnala Leaves Extraction on the Atopic Dermatitis-like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease that is usually observed in patients with an individual or familial history of atopic diseases, and AD is precipitated by environmental factors, including mite antigens. AD is known to be generated by an imbalance of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. However, the exact etiology of AD is unclear. The leaves of Acer ginnala (AGL) have been demonstrated to have an anti-oxidant effect. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to investigate the effect of AGL on AD-like skin lesions and the other factors related to an immune response. METHODS: The AGL was applied to the AD-like skin lesions on the backs of NC/Nga mice. The efficacy of AGL in the NC/Nga mice was evaluated by the changes of severity of the skin lesions (a modified SCORAD). Blood was collected from the retro-orbital area and the abdominal vena cava. The levels of eosinophils, immunoglobulin (Ig) E and Th2-related cytokines in the blood were measured. RESULTS: The topical application of AGL suppressed the development of AD-like skin lesions. The percent of blood eosinophils was decreased after treatment with AGL. The serum IgE and Th2-related cytokine levels were decreased after treatment with AGL compared with those treated with base cream (the vehicle treated AD group). The IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels were lower than those of the vehicle treated AD group. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that AGL may exert an inhibitory effect on atopic dermatitis.

Immunomodulatory effects of probiotics on rat models with ovalbumin induced food allergy / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective To investigate the effects of probiotics on the occurrence of ovalbumin (OVA) induced food allergy and the regulatory effects on immune function of rat models. Methods Thirty female Brown-Norway rats aged 3 weeks were randomly divided into blank control group,food allergy group and probiotics intervention group(n=10).The levels of serum OVA-IgE and intestinal sIgA were measured by ELISA method.Splenic lymphocytes were isolated and cultured in vitro,and the Treg lymphocyte subgroups in the spleen were analyzed by flow eytometry.The levels of IFN-γ,IL-4 and IL-10 in the supernatant of cultured splenic lymphocytes were measured by ELISA method. Results The serum OVA-IgE level in food allergy group was significantly higher than that in blank control group(P<0.05),while that in probiotics intervention group was significantly lower than that in food allergy group(P<0.05).Compared with food allergy group and blank control group,the level of intestinal sIgA in probiotics intervention group was significantly higher(P<0.05).The percentage of CD4~+CD25~+T lymphoeytes in food allergy group was significantly lower than that in blank contml group(P<significant difference between probiotics intervention group and food allergy group(P>0.05).The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in food allergy group were significantly higher than those in blank control group(P<0.05).Probiotics intervention group had significantly lower levels of IL-4,IL-10 and IFN-γ than food allergy group(P<0.05).The ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 in food allergy group was significantly lower than that in blank control group(P<0.05),while that in probiotics intervention group was significantly higher than that in food allergy group(P<0.05). Conclusion Probioties intervention could prevent the occurrence of food allergy in animal models by modulating the Th1/Th2 eytokine balance.

Immunological relationship between food allergy induction and occurrence of asthma in mice / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective To investigate immunological relationship between early induction of food allergy and occurrence of later asthma in mice, and explore the pathological changes in lung tissues. Methods Thirty-seven female BALB/c mice aged 6 weeks were randomly divided into blank control group ( n = 12), food allergy group ( n = 13) and asthma group (n = 12). After being challenged by ovalbumin (OVA), the levels of serum IgE, IL-4 and INF-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid ( BALF) were detected. The numbers of inflammatory cells and eosinophils ( EOS) in BALF were counted. Lung tissues were obtained for pathological sections, and thickness of bronchial wall and EOS infiltration were observed. Results The level of serum IgE and level of IL-4, ratio of IL-4/IFN-γ and number of EOS in BALF in food allergy group and asthma group were significantly higher than those in control group (P <0.05). The level of IL-4 and number of EOS in BALF in asthma group were significantly higher than those in food allergy group (P <0.05) , while there was no significant difference in serum IgE level between these two groups (P > 0.05), and levels of IFN-7 in BALF in both groups were significantly lower than that in blank control group (P<0.05). There were more EOS infiltration in lung tissues and thicker bronchial wall in food allergy group and asthma group than that in blank control group (P < 0.05), and the number of EOS in asthma group was significantly higher than that in food allergy group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion IgE-mediated immune response is involved in both food allergy and asthma mouse models. Lung immune imbalance of Thl/Th2 and inflammatory cell infiltration caused by food allergy may participate in the occurrence of later asthma.

Cytokine Response to Exercise during Exposure to Cold / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

This study examined cytokine responses to cold exposure together with the effects of exercise and thermal adaptation. Ten male short-track skaters who had adapted to a cold environment, and ten male inline skaters who had not, were each assigned to two experimental conditions. For the cold condition, subjects sat for 60 min at 5–8°C, then exercised on a cycle ergometer for 60 min at 65% maximal oxygen uptake (at 5–8°C), and finally sat again for 120 min at room temperature (20–25°C). In the control condition, subjects participated in the same protocol as the above but at room temperature (20–25°C). Blood samples were collected at pre-cold exposure, post-cold exposure (pre-exercise), post-exercise, post-30 min, post-60 min, and post-120 min, and analyzed for plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I (sTNFR-I), cortisol, and myoglobin by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 60-min cycle ergometer exercise induced significant increases in plasma IL-1ra, IL-10 and IL-12p40 at room temperature in short-track skaters adapted to the cold, but significant decreases in these cytokines were observed with exposure to cold. These results indicate that acute cold exposure has a suppressive effect on cytokine response during exercise, suggesting the possibility of preventive effects on immunosuppression, heat stroke and allergy induced by exercise.<br>

Local Th1/Th2 Cytokine Expression in Experimental Murine Vaginal Candidiasis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In order to investigate the expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the vaginal candidiasis caused by Candida, the fungal vaginitis model was established in female ICR mice by intravaginal inoculation of suspension of C. albicans after the animals were pretreated with estradiol. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β1 in the vagina in the mice of different groups at different time points after the beginning of the experiment. The average expression level of IL-2 mRNA in group D (estrogen-treated mice) was significantly higher than that in groups H (estrogen-untreated mice) and I (control group) on the day 2. The average expression level of IL-4 mRNA in group D was significantly higher than that in groups I and H on the day 5. The average expression level of IL-10 mRNA in group D was significantly higher than that in groups H and I from day 7 to 11. The average expression level of TGF-β1 mRNA in group D was significantly higher than that in groups H and I at all time points. It was concludes that the high-level expression of IL-2 mRNA during early infection was associated with clearance of mucosal C. albicans, and the high-level expression of IL-10 mRNA during late stage of the infection was related to susceptibility to infection. TGF-β1 may play a predominant role when the virtual absence of changes in other Th-type cytokines during infection.

Effects of Low-Intensity Brief Exercise and Training on Cell-Mediated Immunity / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

We investigated the effects of low-intensity brief exercise on lymphocyte functions and plasma cytokine concentrations. Six young sedentary women performed 30-min walking exercise (6 km/h, 50–65% HR max) per day for 3 weeks. Each subject’s peripheral blood was sampled before training, 1 week and 3 weeks after training, and analyzed for natural killer (NK) cell activity, T cell proliferation activity, granzyme B, interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40 and interferon.γ (IFN-γ). Lymphocyte functions did not change significantly following training, but plasma concentrations of IL-12p40 decreased significantly. These results suggest that cytokine balance towards significant Th1>Th2 is induced by low-intensity training.<br>

The Modulation of IL-12 by Phosphodiesterase IV Inhibitor and Subsequent Changes of Th-1, Th-2 Cytokines in Human Endometrial Tissue / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To assess the capability of phosphodiesterase type IV inhibitor (rolipram) to suppress IL-12 in human decidua and the subsequent changes of Th-2 cytokine (IL-10) and Th-1 cytokine (TNF-alpha). METHODS: Decidual tissues of 10 first-trimester pregnant women and 10 first-trimester pregnant women diagnosed as missed abortion were collected by dilatation and currettage. The decidual tissues were treated with rolipram for 6 hours. Protein and mRNA expression in the tissues were analysed by western blotting, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Rolipram, in the concentration above 1 microgram/ml, could decrease the expression of IL-12p35 (control: 46.37+/-7.38, rolipram: 24.34+/-8.46) and IL-12p40 mRNA (control: 31.7+/-5.8, rolipram: 14.9+/-4.6) and protein (control: 52.4+/-8.9, rolipram: 40.9+/-12.1). However, the expression of IL-10 and TNF-alpha mRNA and protein did not changed by rolipram. There was no difference in the cytokine expression pattern between the decidual tissues of normal pregnancy and missed abortion. CONCLUSION: Rolipram, the phosphodiesterase type IV inhibitor, could induce the decrease of IL-12 in human decidua. In human decidual tissue, unlike other human tissues, the decrease of IL-12 by rolipram did not modulate other Th-1/Th-2 cytokines. Inability of IL-12 to modulate other Th-1/Th-2 cytokines might be related with unique cytokine network in human decidua rather than its small extent of decrease.

Th1/Th2 Cytokine Production in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the immunoregulatory mechanism of Th1/Th2 cells in patients with the Hepatitis C virus infection, which is characterized by persistence and chronic progression, Th1 cytokine (IFN-, IL-12, IL-2) and Th2 cytokine (IL-4) responses were investigated. METHODS: Th1 cytokine (IFN-, IL-12, and IL-2) and Th2 cytokine (IL-4) for serum levels, spontaneous production of peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) and PHA-stimulated production of PBMC were estimated by the ELISA method in 19 patients with chronic Hepatitis C (CH), 12 with cirrhosis of the liver (LC) and 12 healthy subjects. RESULTS: The IFN-gamma serum levels increased significantly in the CH and LC compared with the healthy controls (P<0.05). The spontaneous IFN-gamma production of PBMC increased significantly in patients with CH and LC compared with the healthy controls (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively). The PHA stimulated IFN-gamma production of PBMC decreased significantly in chronic liver disease (CLD) compared with the healthy controls according to production ability. The IL-12 for serum and spontaneous IL-12 production of PBMC fell under the detectable level. PHA-stimulated IL-12 production decreased significantly in the CH compared with the healthy controls (P<0.01). The IFN-gamma showed positive correlations with the lymphocyte counts and IL-12 levels in CLD. CONCLUSIONS: Although the Th1 immune response for serum and spontaneous production in CH and LC was normal or increased, the Th1 immune response for PHA stimulation decreased or showed a low-tendency. It is suggested that the cytokine imbalance in the CLD may contribute to the persistence of HCV infection; however, it was not correlated with chronic progression.

Cytokines in Chronic Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections / 대한임상병리학회지

The cytokine patterns secreted by T cells at the site of viral replication may influence the final outcome of HBV and HCV infection. The different cytokine profiles of T cells within the liver in chronic HBV (Th0/Th2 cytokine) and HCV (Th1 cytokine) infections illustrate a different behavior of the local immune response in these two infections. The predominance of Th1-type cytokine responses has been reported to play an important role in viral clearance of patients with both acute and chronic hepatitis B. In contrast, a combined Th1-and Th2-like responses were found in chronic hepatitis C, exhibiting a pattern like that of acute hepatitis C with chronic evolution. It suggests that different patterns of cytokine expressions between HBV and HCV infection involve the difference in chronicity in each infection.