Association of Intracellular T(H)1-T(H)2 Balance in CD4+ T-cells and MIP-1alpha in CD8+ T-cells with Disease Severity in Adults with Dengue

BACKGROUND: We tested the hypothesis that dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is associated with a T(H)1-skewed immune response as opposed to dengue fever (DF). METHODS: We estimated intracellular (in T-cells) and serum levels of designate T(H)1/T(H)2 cytokines [interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha] and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha) at admission, 48 h, and day 5 in 20 adults with dengue (DF=10, DHF=10) and 10 dengue-naive healthy controls. RESULTS: At admission, intracellular IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio in CD4+ T-cells and proportion of MIP-1alpha-positive CD8+ T-cells were significantly higher in patients with DHF [7.21 (5.36~10.81) vs. 3.04 (1.75~4.02); p=0.011 and 6.2% (3.2~8.2%) vs. 2.4% (2.0~3.6%); p=0.023]. The latter showed a significant positive correlation with IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio in CD4+ T-cells (Spearman's rho=0.64; p=0.003), percentage-change in haematocrit (rho=0.47; p=0.048), and serum alanine aminotransferase level (rho=0.61; p=0.009). CONCLUSION: We conclude that DHF is associated with a T(H)1-skewed immune response. Further, MIP-1alpha in CD8+ T-cells is an important immunologic correlate of disease severity in dengue.

overview of abutilon spp. chemistry and biological profile

Abutilon indicum Linn. [Malvaceae] commonly called "Country Mallow' is a perennial plnt up to 3 m in height. It is abundantly found as weed in sub-Himalayan tract and in hotter parts of India. The plant is used for treatment of several diseases like bronchitis, body ache, toothache, jaundice, diabetes, fever, piles, leprosy, ulcers, cystitis, gonorrhea, diarrhoea, etc. Abutilon indicum Linn. is reported to have hepatoprotective. hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, male contraceptive and antidiarrhoeal activities. Some of these effects may attribute to use of this plant in traditional systems of medicine. A large number of phytoconstuents. has been isolated from .AbutiIon indicum viz, carbohydrates, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, fatty acids. amino acidis, essential oil, steroids, etc