The value of peripheral blood sIL-2R,CD4+/CD8+and TNF-α in evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy in elderly patients with newly treated active pulmonary tuberculosis / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the value of peripheral blood soluble interleukin-2 receptor(sIL-2R),CD4+lymphocyte percentage/CD8+lymphocyte percentage ratio(hereinafter referred to as CD4+/CD8+)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy in elderly patients with newly treated active pulmonary tuberculosis.Methods A total of 102 elderly patients with newly treated active tu-berculosis admitted to the hospital from December 2019 to December 2022 were enrolled in the study as the observation group,and 102 healthy people aged 60 and older who underwent physical examination in the hos-pital during the same period were enrolled as the control group.The levels of sIL-2R,TNF-α and CD4+/CD8+in peripheral blood were compared between the two groups,and the correlations between sIL-2R,TNF-α and CD4+/CD8+were analyzed.The observation group was treated with 2HRZE/4HR anti-tuberculosis treatment regimen.The levels of sIL-2R,TNF-α and CD4+/CD8+in peripheral blood of patients with different efficacy before treatment,1 month and 6 months after treatment in the observation group were compared.The correla-tion between sIL-2R,CD4+/CD8+,TNF-α levels and therapeutic effect was analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the efficacy of indicators in evaluating the efficacy of chemo-therapy in elderly patients.Results The levels of sIL-2R and TNF-α in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,while CD4+/CD8+was lower than that in the control group,and the differ-ences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).In the observation group,sIL-2R and TNF-α were negatively correlated with CD4+/CD8+(P＜0.05),sIL-2R was positively correlated with TNF-α(P＜0.05).After 1 month and 6 months of treatment,the levels of sIL-2R and TNF-α in patients with apparent efficacy were low-er than those in patients with efficacy,and the latter were lower than those in patients with no effect,while the CD4+/CD8+in patients with apparent efficacy was higher than that in patients with efficacy,and the latter was higher than that in patients with no efficacy,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The levels of sIL-2R and TNF-α were negatively correlated with the efficacy(P＜0.05),and CD4+/CD8+was positively correlated with the efficacy(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of sIL-2R,CD4+/CD8+,and TNF-α used in combination to assess efficacy was significantly greater than the AUCs of the single indicators used in the assessment at each time point of treatment(P＜0.05),and the AUC of the combination of the indicators was greater after 6 months of treatment than after 1 month of treatment(P＜0.05).Conclusion The levels of sIL-2R,CD4+/CD8+and TNF-α are closely related to the ef-ficacy of chemotherapy in elderly patients with newly treated active pulmonary tuberculosis,and the combina-tion of the above indicators has certain reference value in evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients.

The effects of attenuated Salmonella carrying IL-2/NK4 double gene on immune function in mice / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To study the effects of attenuated Salmonella(Ty21a-pIRES-IL-2-NK4,TPIN)carrying interleukin-2(IL-2)/4-kringle antagonist of hepatocyte growth factor(NK4)double gene on humoral and cellular immune function.Methods Eighteen BALB/c mice,half male and half female,were randomly divided into control group(1. 5 mL 10%NaHCO3 by gastric tube feeding),Ty21a group(0. 1 mL Ty21a by gastric tube feeding)and TPIN group(0. 1 mL TPIN by gastric tube feeding),with 6 mice in each group. The immunization was boosted twice 7 d after the initial immunization. At 21d after administration,the blood samples were collected from eyeballs and the serum was separated,which was detected for the serum IgG antibody level by ELISA. The thymus and spleen of mice were isolated aseptically,and the spleen cells were stimulated by Ty21a and TPIN respectively in vitro. After 72 h,the proliferation ability of spleen cells was measured by CCK-8 assay,and the expression level of cytokines in spleen cells was detected by ELISA. The spleen and thymus were weighed,the spleen and thymus indexes were analyzed,and HE staining was performed.Results Compared with the control group and Ty21a group,the serum IgG level(F = 111. 74,P < 0. 01)and the contents of IFNγ,IL-4 and IL-10 in spleen cell supernatant(F = 38. 21,11. 37 and 26. 92,respectively,each P < 0. 05)increased significantly,as well as the spleen and thymus indexes(F = 10. 419 and 5. 859,respectively,each P < 0. 05)showed significant increase. In mice of Ty21a and TPIN group,the thymus cortex widened,lymphocytes increased,and there was mild inflammatory reaction;the white pulp and lymphocytes in spleen increased with neutrophil infiltration.Conclusion TPIN has a good immune protective effect,and can significantly stimulate the body to produce humoral immunity and cellular immunity,which may have a good therapeutic effect on tumors.

Correlation between interleukin-2 receptor and CD4+/CD8+ on the activity of lupus nephritis / 中国现代医生

@#Objective To investigate the correlation between serum interleukin-2 receptor(IL-2R),CD4+/CD8+ and disease activity in patients with lupus nephritis(LN).Methods A total of 38 patients with LN who were treated in Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from March 2021 to December 2022 were enrolled in LN group,and 40 healthy persons who underwent physical examination in the hospital during the same period were included in healthy control group.General clinical data,systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index(SLEDAI)and pathological classification were collected.LN patients were divided into active group and inactive group according to SLEDAI score,and the difference of clinical indicators between two groups was compared.Results The hemoglobin(Hb),platelet count,albumin(ALB),complement C3 and C4 in LN group were significantly lower than those in healthy control group,the positive rates of antinuclear antibody and anti-double strand DNA antibody(anti-ds-DNA antibody),serum creatinine(SCr)and C-reactive protein were significantly higher than those in healthy control group(P<0.05).The ALB of active group was significantly lower than that of inactive group,and IL-2R,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,24h urinary protein quantity and anti-ds-DNA antibody positive rate were significantly higher than those of inactive group(P<0.05).Serum IL-2R levels in LN patients were positively correlated with SLEDAI,SCr,blood urea nitrogen and 24h urinary protein quantity,and negatively correlated with Hb and complement C3(P<0.05).Conclusion Serum IL-2R can be used as an indicator to judge the degree of LN activity and provide a basis for the judgment of clinical disease activity.

Effects of ivermectin on cytokine and immunoglobulin levels in sheep / Efectos de la ivermectina en los niveles de citoquinas e inmunoglobulinas en ovejas / Efeitos da ivermectina nos níveis de citocinas e imunoglobulinas em ovinos

Abstract Background: Ivermectin may affect the levels of cytokines and immunoglobulins in sheep, considering that avermectins have an effect on the immune system. Objective: To determine whether ivermectin has an effect on cytokines and immunoglobulins in sheep. Methods: After administration of ivermectin to 10 healthy sheep, sheep-specific interferon-α, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin E levels were measured with an ELISA reader. Results: Significant (p<0.05) fluctuations were detected in interleukin-2 and interleukin-10 levels. Transient increases (p<0.05) were measured in tumor necrosis factor-α and immunoglobulin E levels (p<0.05). Conclusion: Ivermectin may affect immune system parameters in healthy sheep; however, the effects of ivermectin administration on infected sheep should be investigated.

Resumen Antecedentes: La ivermectina puede alterar los niveles de citocinas e inmunoglobulinas en ovinos, dado que las avermectinas afectan el sistema inmunológico. Objetivo: Determinar si la ivermectina tiene algún efecto sobre las citocinas e inmunoglobulinas en ovinos. Métodos: Después de la administración de ivermectina a 10 ovejas sanas los niveles de interferón-α específico de oveja, factor de necrosis tumoral-α, interleucina-2, interleucina-6, interleucina-10, inmunoglobulina G, inmunoglobulina M, e inmunoglobulina E se midieron con un lector ELISA. Resultados: Se detectaron fluctuaciones significativas (p<0,05) en los niveles de interleucina-2 e interleucina-10. También se encontraron aumentos transitorios (p<0,05) en los niveles de factor de necrosis tumoral-α e inmunoglobulina E (p<0,05). Conclusión: la ivermectina puede afectar los parámetros del sistema inmunitario en ovejas sanas.

Resumo Antecedentes: A ivermectina pode alterar os níveis de citocinas e imunoglobulinas em ovinos, visto que as avermectinas afetam o sistema imunológico. Objetivo: Determinar o efeito da ivermectina nas citocinas e imunoglobulinas em ovinos. Métodos: Após a administração de ivermectina a 10 ovelhas saudáveis, interferon-α específico de ovelha, fator de necrose tumoral-α, interleucina-2, interleucina-6 e interleucina-10, os níveis de imunoglobulina G, imunoglobulina M e imunoglobulina E foram medidos com Leitor de ELISA. Resultados: Flutuações estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05) foram detectadas nos níveis de interkeukin-2 e interkeukin-10. Aumentos transitórios (p<0,05) foram medidos nos níveis de fator de necrose tumoral-α e imunoglobulina E (p<0,05). Conclusão: A ivermectina pode afetar parâmetros do sistema imunológico em ovinos saudáveis, entretanto, os efeitos da administração de ivermectina em ovinos infectados devem ser investigados.

Advances in application of regulatory T cells in transplant immune tolerance: from basic to clinical research / 器官移植

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are important inhibitory immune cells to establish immune tolerance, which play a pivotal role in regulating excessive immune response and autoimmune diseases of the host. Previous studies related to transplant immune tolerance have confirmed that increasing the number of Treg in vivo or enhancing the function of Treg serve as a therapeutic strategy to induce transplant immune tolerance. At present, Treg-based induction methods for transplant immune tolerance include adoptive infusion of Treg, in vivo amplification of Treg and utilization of antigen-specific Treg. In this article, the characteristics and mechanism of Treg, the latest research progress on basic experiments and clinical practice of Treg related to transplant immune tolerance at home and abroad were reviewed, and future challenges and development of Treg therapy were prospected, aiming to unravel the significance and application prospect of Treg in transplant immune tolerance, explore the advantages and limitations of Treg therapeutic strategies, and provide reference and evidence for subsequent research in this field.

Interferon, interleukin 2 combined with lenalidomide for elderly acute myeloid leukemia with minimal residual disease-positive: report of 1 case and review of literature / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the effect of interferon, interleukin 2 (IL-2) combined with lenalidomide in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive.Methods:The clinical data of 1 elderly AML patient with persistent MRD positive treated with interferon, IL-2 combined with lenalidomide in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University in December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, and the relevant literature was reviewed.Results:The 72-year-old male patient was diagnosed as AML-M 2b with c-kit mutation, the low-risk group according to laboratory related examinations, flow cytometry, genetic testing. The patient did not achieve remission after 1 cycle of standard VA (venetoclax + azacitidine) regimen, and achieved complete remission (CR) after another 1 cycle of IA (idarubicin + cytarabine) induction regimen, followed by consolidation therapy with medium dosage cytarabine and D-CAG (decitabine + cytarabine + aclarubicin + granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) regimen, during which the AML1-ETO fusion gene progressively increased. After programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitor-based combination therapy, the AML1-ETO fusion gene remained negative for more than 1 month, and then increased again; subsequently, the patient was treated with the ITI (interferon, thalidomide, and interleukin-2) regimen, and the AML1-ETO fusion gene remained negative for more than 7 months; thalidomide was changed to lenalidomide after the increase again, and AML1-ETO fusion gene remained negative again for 2 years until May 2023. Conclusions:Interferon, IL-2 combined with lenalidomide have a significant therapeutic efficacy in reversing MRD positive and have mild adverse reactions, which can be used as a new option for refractory AML.

A comparative study on rat models of psoriasis-like lesions induced by different cytokines combined with imiquimod / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of construction of rat models of psoriasis-like lesions by using interleukin (IL) -23/T-helper 17 (Th17) axis-related cytokines combined with imiquimod.Methods:A total of 110 Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, imiquimod alone group, imiquimod combined with interferon (IFN) -α2a (180 000, 60 000, 20 000 IU/kg) groups, imiquimod combined with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α (45 000, 15 000, 5 000 IU/kg) groups, and imiquimod combined with IL-2 (90 000, 30 000, 10 000 IU/kg) groups, and there were 10 rats in each group. After hair removal from the central area (2 cm × 2 cm) of the rat back, rats in the imiquimod alone group were topically treated with imiquimod 5% cream at a dose of 20 mg/cm 2 on the shaved back; rats in the imiquimod combined with different cytokine groups were treated with topical imiquimod 5% cream at the same dose on the shaved back for 15 minutes followed by intraperitoneal injections of cytokines at corresponding doses once a day for 10 consecutive days. During the treatment, skin lesions on the rat back were evaluated by using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores every day. On day 10, serum samples were collected from the rats after anesthesia, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect levels of IL-17A, TNF-α, IL-23, IFN-α and IL-1β in the serum samples in each group; then, the rats were sacrificed, lesional skin tissues on the rat back were taken for histopathological examinations and evaluated by Baker scores; an immunohistochemical study was conducted to determine the expression of CD4 and CD8 in some skin lesions. One-way analysis of variance was used for comparisons among multiple groups, and least significant difference (LSD) - t test for multiple comparisons; for data with heterogeneous variance, the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used. Results:On day 3 after molding, the rats in the imiquimod alone group and combination groups gradually presented with psoriasis-like skin manifestations, such as erythema, scales and epidermal thickening; the PASI scores reached a peak on day 7 in the imiquimod alone group, and on day 6 in the combination groups. On day 10, histopathological examination of the skin lesions in the imiquimod alone group and combination groups both showed different psoriasis-like pathological features, such as hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, thinning or disappearance of the granular layer. There were significant differences in the PASI scores and Baker scores among the normal control group, imiquimod alone group and combination groups ( H = 43.33, F = 42.15, both P < 0.001). The PASI scores were higher in the imiquimod combined with IFN-α2a (180 000 IU/kg) group and the imiquimod combined with IL-2 (90 000 IU/kg) group (9.4 ± 1.1, 8.8 ± 0.6, respectively) than in the imiquimod alone group (7.5 ± 1.1, P = 0.002, 0.030 respectively) ; the Baker scores were higher in the imiquimod combined with IFN-α2a (180 000, 60 000 IU/kg) groups, the imiquimod combined with TNF-α (45 000 IU/kg) group, and the imiquimod combined with IL-2 (90 000 IU/kg) group than in the imiquimod alone group (all P < 0.05). The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-1 β and IL-23 significantly differed among groups ( F = 128.97, F = 6.90, H = 27.45, H = 21.10, all P < 0.05). Compared with the imiquimod alone group, the IL-17A level significantly increased in the imiquimod combined with IL-2 (30 000 IU/kg) group (5.54 ± 1.78 pg/ml vs. 4.20 ± 1.14 pg/ml, P = 0.009), and the IL-23 level significantly increased in the imiquimod combined with IL-2 (90 000 IU/kg) group (37.89 ± 32.85 pg/ml vs. 8.56 ± 6.08 pg/ml, P = 0.036). Immunohistochemical study showed significant differences in the expression of CD4 and CD8 in skin lesions among all groups ( F = 7.21, H = 18.32, both P < 0.001), and the expression of CD4 and CD8 in skin lesions was significantly higher in the imiquimod combined with IL-2 (90 000 IU/kg) group than in the imiquimod alone group ( t = -2.46, -2.32, respectively, both P < 0.05) . Conclusion:Imiquimod combined with IFN-α2a or IL-2 could promote the occurrence of psoriasis-like skin lesions in rats, aggravate the development of psoriasis and prolong the maintenance time of the rat models.

Study on the relationship between serum cytokines levels after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell immunotherapy and the prognosis of bridged allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute B lymphoblastic leukemia patients / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the levels of serum cytokines and chemokines and the prognosis of patients with acute B-ALL after receiving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell immunotherapy and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in patients after bridging allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).Methods:According to the case-control principle, Forty-two patients with B-ALL who received CD19-CAR-T cell immunotherapy bridged to allo-HSCT at Heibei Yanda Ludaopei Hospital from September 18, 2019 to May 9, 2022 were enrolled. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the changes of aGVHD-related cytokines and chemokine levels between CAR-T cell immunotherapy and bridging transplantation in different patients at the same time. Their plasma levels of cytokines and chemokines related to aGVHD were monitored at the day before CAR-T therapy and after CAR-T treatment at day 4, 7,14,21,28. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of cytokines and chemokines in predicting the occurrence and the death of aGVHD patients. Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank tests were used for Overall survival (OS) analysis. Results:Twenty-four of total 42 patients had aGVHD, of which 11 patients died and 31 patients survived. There was no significant difference in cytokines and chemokines between the aGVHD group and the non-aGVHD group on the day before CAR-T cell treatment. According to statistical analysis, the serum Elafin levels of aGVHD group was higher than that of non-aGVHD group at the 21st day [4 482 (2 811, 6 061) ng/L vs 2 466 (1 948, 3 375) ng/L, Z=3.145, P=0.001] and the 28st day [4 391 (2 808, 5594) ng/L vs 2 463 (1 658, 2 830) ng/L, Z=2.038, P=0.048] separately. At the 14th day, serum cytokines and chemokines levels between the two group were as follows,MIP-1 α [21.02 (12.36, 30.35) ng/L vs 5.56 (3.64, 10.79) ng/L], sCD25 [422.47 (257.99, 1 233.78) IU/ml vs 216.11 (133.75,457.39) IU/ml], Elafin [4 101 (2 393, 5 006) ng/L vs 2 155 (1 781, 3 033) ng/L], IL-6 [119.08 (23.97, 183.43) ng/L vs 8.39 (2.91, 17.42) ng/L] and IL-8 [13.56 (12.50, 24.52) ng/L vs 2.83 (1.73,6.87) ng/L] were at higher levels ( Z=2.653, P=0.007; Z=2.176, P=0. 030; Z=2.058, P=0.041; Z=3.329, P<0.001; Z=3.162, P=0.001). The KM survival curve showed that the cumulative survival rates of patients with higher serum levels of MIP-1α, sCD25, Elafin, IL-6 and IL-8 were lower than those with low levels at day 14, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=12.353, 4.890, 6.551, 10.563, 20.755, P<0.05). Conclusion:The outcomes of patients treated with CAR-T cell therapy bridged to allo-HSCT was correlated with serum MIP-1α, sCD25, Elafin, IL-6 and IL-8 levels after receiving CAR-T therapy. High concentrations of MIP-1α, sCD25, Elafin, IL-6 and IL-8 suggest poor prognosis and can be used as biomarkers to suggest appropriate clinical selection of therapy.

Clinical study of acupuncture combined with medication in the treatment of skin pruritus in maintenance hemodialysis patients / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture combined with Western medicine in the treatment of skin pruritus in maintenance hemodialysis patients.Methods:Eighty patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,with 40 cases in each group.The control group was given loratadine orally,and the observation group was given acupuncture treatment in addition to the treatment used in the control group.The four-item itch questionnaire(FIIQ)score,indicators for skin barrier function,and serum interleukin(IL)-2 and IL-31 levels were compared.The efficacy was judged after the treatment ended.Results:The total effective rate was higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the site,frequency,severity of pruritus,sleep impact sub-scores,and FIIQ total score in both groups were reduced compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and all scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The stratum corneum hydration(SCH)and transepidermal water loss(TEWL)in the V-shaped area of the chest,the flexor side of the forearm,and the extensor side of the lower leg were not significantly changed in the control group(P>0.05);the SCH and TEWL in the V-shaped area of the chest,the flexor side of the forearm,and the extensor side of the lower leg in the observation group were improved(P<0.05),and all were better than those in the control group(P<0.05).The serum IL-2 and IL-31 levels in the control group did not change significantly(P>0.05);the serum IL-2 and IL-31 levels in the observation group were both significantly decreased(P<0.05)and were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture combined with loratadine is highly effective in the treatment of pruritus in maintenance hemodialysis patients,and it can relieve pruritus,improve skin barrier function,and reduce serum IL-2 and IL-31 levels.

Advances in the Role of Low-Dose Interleukin-2 in Immune-Mediated Dermatosis / 中国医学科学院学报

Immune-mediated dermatoses are the skin diseases caused by the breakdown of immune tolerance,including lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis.The imbalance between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T cells (Teffs) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.Low-dose interleukin-2 can preferentially activate Tregs and reverse the imbalance between Tregs and Teffs to recover the immune tolerance,which has attracted attention in the treatment of immune-mediated dermatoses.This review summarizes the research progress in the immunomodulatory mechanism and clinical application of low-dose interleukin-2 in immune-mediated dermatoses,providing a new idea for the clinical treatment of these diseases.

Efficacy and safety of Ixekizumab vs. low-dose IL-2 vs. Colchicine vs. standard of care in the treatment of patients hospitalized with moderate-to-critical COVID-19: A pilot randomized clinical trial (STRUCK: Survival Trial Using Cytokine Inhibitors)

ABSTRACT Background: Cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring hospitalization continue to appear in vulnerable populations, highlighting the importance of novel treatments. The hyperinflammatory response underlies the severity of the disease, and targeting this pathway may be useful. Herein, we tested whether immunomodulation focusing on interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, and IL-2, could improve the clinical outcomes of patients admitted with COVID-19. Methods: This multicenter, open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in Brazil. Sixty hospitalized patients with moderate-to-critical COVID-19 received in addition to standard of care (SOC): IL-17 inhibitor (ixekizumab 80 mg SC/week) 1 dose every 4 weeks; low-dose IL-2 (1.5 million IU per day) for 7 days or until discharge; or indirect IL-6 inhibitor (colchicine) orally (0.5 mg) every 8 hours for 3 days, followed by 4 weeks at 0.5 mg 2x/day; or SOC alone. The primary outcome was accessed in the "per protocol" population as the proportion of patients with clinical improvement, defined as a decrease greater or equal to two points on the World Health Organization's (WHO) seven-category ordinal scale by day 28. Results: All treatments were safe, and the efficacy outcomes did not differ significantly from those of SOC. Interestingly, in the colchicine group, all participants had an improvement of greater or equal to two points on the WHO seven-category ordinal scale and no deaths or patient deterioration were observed. Conclusions: Ixekizumab, colchicine, and IL-2 were demonstrated to be safe but ineffective for COVID-19 treatment. These results must be interpreted cautiously because of the limited sample size.

Enhancing cancer chemo-immunotherapy by biomimetic nanogel with tumor targeting capacity and rapid drug-releasing in tumor microenvironment

In the development of chemo-immunotherapy, many efforts have been focusing on designing suitable carriers to realize the co-delivery of chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic with different physicochemical properties and mechanisms of action. Besides, rapid drug release at the tumor site with minimal drug degradation is also essential to facilitate the antitumor effect in a short time. Here, we reported a cancer cell membrane-coated pH-responsive nanogel (NG@M) to co-deliver chemotherapeutic paclitaxel (PTX) and immunotherapeutic agent interleukin-2 (IL-2) under mild conditions for combinational treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. In the designed nanogels, the synthetic copolymer PDEA-co-HP-β-cyclodextrin-co-Pluronic F127 and charge reversible polymer dimethylmaleic anhydride-modified polyethyleneimine endowed nanogels with excellent drug-loading capacity and rapid responsive drug-releasing behavior under acidic tumor microenvironment. Benefited from tumor homologous targeting capacity, NG@M exhibited 4.59-fold higher accumulation at the homologous tumor site than heterologous cancer cell membrane-coated NG. Rapidly released PTX and IL-2 enhanced the maturation of dendritic cells and quickly activated the antitumor immune response in situ, followed by prompted infiltration of immune effector cells. By the combined chemo-immunotherapy, enhanced antitumor effect and efficient pulmonary metastasis inhibition were achieved with a prolonged median survival rate (39 days).

Expression and clinical significance of Janus protein tyrosine kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway in primary gouty arthritis / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To explore the expression and clinical significance of Janus protein tyrosine kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK3/STAT5) signaling pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with primary gouty arthritis (GA).Methods:Peripheral blood, clinical data and laboratory tests were collected from 50 patients with acute gout (AG), 50 patients with intermittent gout (IG) and 50 healthy controls (HC). Quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect mRNA expression level of JAK3/STAT5 related genes (JAK3, STAT5a, STAT5b). Enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect interleukin-2 (IL-2) concentration in subject′s plasma. Measurement data among the three groups that was in accordance with normal distribution was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, pairwise comparisons using LSD, non-normal distribution data was analyzed by Mann-Whitney test or Kruskal-Wallis H test, and correlation analysis between variables was analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis. Results:① The mRNA expression levels of JAK3, STAT5a and STAT5b were significantly different among the three groups ( F=50.13, P<0.01; F=7.573, P=0.000 7; F=12.14, P<0.01), of which the JAK3 mRNA expression level in the HC group [(606±65)×10 -4] was significantly higher than that in the AG group [(103±13)×10 -4] and IG group [(114±24)×10 -4], and the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.01), while the STAT5a mRNA expression level in the AG group [(89±9)×10 -4] was significantly higher than that in the IG group [(59±4)×10 -4] and HC group [(61±4)×10 -4], and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.002, P=0.003 9), and the expression level of STAT5b mRNA in HC group [(60±5)×10 -4] was significantly lower than that in AG group [(95±7)×10 -4] and IG group [(98±7)×10 -4], and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.000 2, P<0.000 1). ② The difference of IL-2 concentration in plasma among the three groups was statistically significant ( F=22.87, P<0.01), and the serum IL-2 concentration in the AG group [(87.9±8.4) pg/ml] was significantly higher than that in the IG group [(32±4) pg/ml] and HC group [(44±4) pg/ml], and the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.01). ③ Spearman correlation analysis showed that the mRNA expression of STAT5a and STAT5b was positively correlated with the absolute value of neutrophils in patients with gout ( r=0.282, P<0.05; r=0.257, P<0.05). Conclusion:The IL-2/JAK3/STAT5 signaling pathway is involved in the occurrence and development of gout, suggesting that this pathway may play a key role in the pathogenesis of gout.

Expression and clinical significance of interleukin-2/Janus kinase 3/signal transduction and transcriptional activator 5 in peripheral blood of patients with ankylosing spondylitis / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To detect the expression of interleukin 2 (IL-2)/Janus kinase 3/signal transduction and transcriptional activator 5 (JAK3/STAT5) signaling pathway in peripheral blood of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and explore its mechanism in the development and progression of AS.Methods:Clinical data, peripheral blood and laboratory tests of 30 patients with active AS (ASA), 30 patients with stable AS (ASS) and 50 healthy subjects (HC) were collected. The mRNA expression levels of JAK3, signal transduction and transcription activator 5a (STAT5a) and signal transduction and transcription activator 5b (STAT5b) were detected by quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The expression levels of JAK3, STAT5a and STAT5b proteins and phosphorylated proteins were detected by Western-blot. Plasma IL-2 concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Two independent samples t-test or one-way analysis of variance were used for measurement data consistent with normal distribution, LSD- t test was used for pairwise comparison between the three groups, Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for non-normal distribution, χ2 test was used for correlation analysis of categorical variables. Spearman correlation analysis was used for correlation analysis between variables, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of JAK3, STAT5a and STAT5b mRNA expression levels in monitoring AS activity. Results:① The mRNA expression levels of JAK3, STAT5a and STAT5b were significantly different among the three groups ( F=65.98, P<0.001; F=21.15, P<0.001; F=13.67, P<0.001). JAK3 mRNA expression in ASA group (2.5±0.9) was significantly higher than that in ASS group (1.1±0.4) and healthy subjects (1.0±0.5), the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.001). The mRNA expression level of STAT5a in ASA group (1.4±0.3) was significantly higher than that in ASS group (0.9±0.3) and healthy subjects group (1.0±0.3), the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.001). STAT5b mRNA expression level in ASA group (1.5±0.6) was significantly higher than that in ASS group (1.0±0.4) and healthy subjects (1.0±0.4), the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.001). The expression level of JAK3 mRNA in HLA-B27 positive group (1.9±1.0) was higher than that in HLA-B27 negative group (1.4±0.6), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-2.22, P=0.032). The phosphorylation levels of JAK3, STAT5a and STAT5b showed statistically significant differences among the three groups ( F=91.56, P<0.001; F=25.15, P< 0.001; F=178.59, P<0.001). The phosphorylation level of JAK3 protein in ASA group (1.04±0.08) was significantly higher than that in ASS group (0.568±0.019) and healthy subjects (0.536±0.064), the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.001). The phosphorylation level of STAT5a protein in ASA group (1.166±0.096) was significantly higher than that in ASS group (0.923±0.018) and healthy subjects (0.911±0.017), the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.001). The phosphorylation level of STAT5b protein in ASA group (0.81±0.05) was significantly higher than that in ASS group (0.21±0.03) and healthy subjects (0.24± 0.07), the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.001). The difference of plasma IL-2 concentration among the three groups was statistically significant ( F=3.32, P=0.040). The IL-2 concentration in the ASA group [(110±40) pg/ml] was significantly higher than that in the ASS group [(89±40) pg/ml] and the healthy group [(88±39) pg/ml], the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.044, P=0.016). ② Spearman correlation analysis showed that STAT5a mRNA expression level was positively correlated with platelets in AS patients ( r=0.353, P=0.006). JAK3 mRNA expression level in ASA group was positively correlated with IL-2 concentration ( r=0.766, P<0.001), and negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate ( r=-0.485, P=0.007). STAT5a mRNA expression level was positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( r= 0.680, P<0.001), and STAT5b mRNA expression level was positively correlated with hypersensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) ( r=0.823, P<0.001). ③ The ROC curve showed that JAK3 mRNA expression level predicted the area under ROC curve (AUC) of ASA with a 95% CI of 0.920 (0.853, 0.987), sensitivity and specificity of 86.7% and 90.0%, respectively. STAT5a mRNA expression level predicted the AUC 95% CI of ASA was 0.874 (0.787, 0.961), and the sensitivity and specificity were 96.7% and 66.7%, respectively. STAT5b mRNA expression level predicted the AUC 95% CI of ASA was 0.749 (0.617, 0.881), and the sensitivity and specificity were 73.3% and 80.0%, respectively. Conclusion:This study suggests that IL-2/JAK3/STAT5 may be involved in the pathogenesis of AS, and JAK3 mRNA can be used as a biological indicator to monitor the activity of AS disease.

Effect of Maxing Shigantang on Airway Injury and EGFR Expression in Asthma Model Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the optimal formula of Maxing Shigantang in regulating epidermal growth factor receptor（EGFR）expression and alleviating airway injury in asthmatic rats and to reveal the underlying mechanism. MethodSD male rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, dexamethasone group (5×10-4 g·kg-1) and Maxing Shigantang 1∶0.5, 1∶1, 1∶2 groups (group A, B, C, 10 g·kg-1), with 8 rats in each group. The other groups except the normal group received nebulization of 2% acetylcholine chloride and 0.4% histamine phosphate for the modeling of asthma. One hour before modeling， the normal group and the model group were given the same amount of normal saline， and the other groups were given the same amount of corresponding drugs， once a day for 7 days. On the 7th day， the model was established and the incubation period of asthma was recorded. The rats were then immediately anesthetized， and arterial blood and tracheal tissue were collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to detect the levels of interleukin-2 （IL-2）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum. Pathological sections were prepared for the observation of the pathological changes of tracheal tissues and the ultrastructure of epithelial cells in each group. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling （TUNEL） was adopted to detect epithelial cell apoptosis， and in situ hybridization and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）， respectively. ResultCompared with the model group， groups A， B and C prolonged the incubation period of asthma （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the model group showed declined IL-2 level （P<0.01）， risen IL-4 and TNF-α levels （P<0.05，P<0.01）， increased airway pathology score， collagen volume fraction， and airway epithelial cell apoptosis index （P<0.01）， and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of EGFR in trachea tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， group A showed increased IL-2 level （P<0.05） and declined IL-4 （P<0.05，P<0.01） level， and group B showed declined IL-4 level （P<0.05）. The level of TNF-α in groups A， B， and C declined compared with that in the model group （P<0.01）. Maxing Shigantang repaired the tracheal tissue to different degrees （P<0.05）. Among the three groups， group A inhibited tracheal fibrosis （P<0.05） and had the most significant effect of repairing the ultrastructural changes of airway epithelial cells. Groups A， B and C all inhibited the apoptosis of airway epithelial cells （P<0.05）. All the three groups inhibited the up-regulation of EGFR mRNA level （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and groups B and C inhibited the up-regulation of EGFR protein level （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionMaxing Shigantang can inhibit the abnormal changes of airway epithelial structure， alleviate airway injury， and can down-regulate the expression of EGFR in the tracheal tissue of asthma model rats. In this study， the optimal compatibility of Maxing Shigantang to repair airway epithelial injury in asthmatic rats was group A， with the Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum ratio of 1∶0.5∶4∶1.

Reduction of serum level of interleukin-2 and pruritus severity after acupuncture at Quchi (LI11) in hemodialysis patients: a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture at Quchi (LI11) on the serum interleukin-2 (IL-2) level and the severity of uremic pruritus (UP) in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Sixty hemodialysis patients with UP were randomized into an acupuncture group and a control group, with 30 cases in each group. In the acupuncture group, patients were treated with acupuncture at Quchi (LI11) twice a week for six weeks. In the control group, each patient received a placebo treatment (sham acupuncture). Before and after the intervention, the pruritis severity was examined using a 5-D scale, and the serum IL-2 level was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the demographic or clinical factors between the control group and the acupuncture group at baseline. The reduction in pruritus severity in patients was more significant in the acupuncture group (P=0.027). Acupuncture therapy also significantly decreased the serum IL-2 level in the patients (P=0.011). Throughout the acupuncture procedures, the incidence of pain and mild bleeding was 3.6％ and 2.5％, respectively. Conclusion: Six-week acupuncture treatment at Quchi (LI11) can effectively decrease the severity of UP and the serum IL-2 level. Large-scale, long-duration, and multi-center studies are needed to fully understand the role of IL-2 in inflammation and neuroimmune stimulation during acupuncture.

Expression and significance of FOXO3 and IL-2 in conjunctival epithelial cells and tears of patients with dry eye / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the expression and significance of forkhead box class O3(FOXO3)and interleukin-2(IL-2)in conjunctival epithelial cells and tears of patients with dry eye(DE).METHODS:A perspective study. A total of 106 DE patients who accepted from March 2019 to March 2021 were prospectively gathered, and 85 healthy subjects in the same period were selected as the control group. The level of FOXO3 in the conjunctival epithelial cells and tear fluid was measured by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)method; The level of IL-2 in the sample was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent(ELISA)method; The changes in clinical indicators of the ocular surface such as break-up time(BUT), Schirmer Ⅰtest(SⅠt), cornea fluorescein staining(CFS)in DE patients before and after treatment were analyzed; The correlation between the levels of FOXO3 and IL-2 in the conjunctival epithelial cells and tears of DE patients and the relationship between the two and clinical indicators were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the level of FOXO3 in conjunctival epithelial cells and tear fluid in the DE group was obviously reduced, and the level of IL-2 was obviously increased(all P&#x003C;0.01). Compared with before treatment, the level of FOXO3 in conjunctival epithelial cells and tear fluid of DE patients was obviously up-regulated, and the level of IL-2 was obviously down-regulated(all P&#x003C;0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the levels of FOXO3 and IL-2 in conjunctival epithelial cells and tear fluid were obviously inversely correlated(r=-0.531, -0.469, all P&#x003C;0.01). After treatment, BUT and SⅠt indexes of DE patients increased compared with before treatment, while CFS decreased(all P&#x003C;0.01). The level of FOXO3 in conjunctival epithelial cells of DE patients was obviously directly correlated with BUT and SⅠt(r=0.431, 0.457, all P&#x003C;0.01), and it was obviously inversely correlated with CFS(r=-0.469, P&#x003C;0.01), and the level of IL-2 was obviously inversely correlated with BUT and SⅠt(r=-0.416, -0.447, all P&#x003C;0.01), and it was obviously directly correlated with CFS(r=0.424, P&#x003C;0.01); tear FOXO3 was positively correlated with BUT and SⅠt(r=0.421, 0.443, all P&#x003C;0.01), and it was negatively correlated with CFS(r=-0.474, P&#x003C;0.01), and IL-2 was negatively correlated with BUT and SⅠt(r=-0.408, -0.429, all P&#x003C;0.01), and it was positively correlated with CFS(r=0.419, P&#x003C;0.01).CONCLUSION: the level of FOXO3 in conjunctival epithelial cells and tears of DE patients is decreased, and the level of IL-2 is increased. The two of which are closely related to the ocular surface indicators of patients. They are expected to become laboratory auxiliary indicators for clinical monitoring and prognostic evaluation of DE.

Application progress of individualized immune induction therapy in kidney transplantation / 器官移植

The risk of early acute rejection after kidney transplantation is relatively high, which severely affects the quality of life of the recipients. In 2009, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) recommended that immune inducers should be included in the immune-inducing regime before kidney transplantation, aiming to provide certain strength of immunosuppression during this critical phase and effectively reduce the incidence of acute rejection following kidney transplantation. At present, the selection, efficacy and safety of immune inducers remain controversial among transplantation centers around the world. In this article, clinical efficacy of monoclonal antibodies including interleukin-2 receptor antagonist, alemtuzumab, rituximab and polyclonal antibody antithymocyte globulin in immune induction therapy before kidney transplantation were compared and literature review was performed at home and abroad, aiming to provide reference for promoting the individualized selection of immune inducers for kidney transplantation and improving the quality of life of recipients.

Efficacy of Fufang Huangbaiye Tuji on Inflammation on Skin with Deep Ⅱ Degree Burn and Its Dose-effect Relationship / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of different doses of Fufang Huangbaiye Tuji asin the treatment onof the inflammatory response in healing process for of skin with deep Ⅱ degree burn. Methods in healing process. Methods:The 120 cses patients with deep Ⅱ degree burn of fire-toxin injuring fluid syndrome diagnosed in the affiliated hospital of Chengde Medical University between June 2019 and March 2020 were randomly divided into control group，low -dose treatment group and high -dose treatment group，with 40 cases in each group and once. They got a dressing change perevery day. Control group was locally administered with lodophor solution 35 mL per 1% on the body surface area. Low-dose treatment group was locally administered with compound cortex phellodendri fluid 17.5 mL per 1% on the body surface area，while high-dose treatment group was locally administered with compound cortex phellodendri fluid 35 mL per 1% on the body surface area. Observe theThe inflammatory reaction of wound surface in each group onwas observed at admission and after treatment. The pathological changes of each groupsgroup were observed， and determination of nuclear factor kappa-B（NF-<italic>κ</italic>B） p65 expression inon the wound surface was determined by immunohistochemistry on the 4th day after the treatment. The levels of interleukin（IL）-2，IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α in wound tissue were measured with ELISA and Bacterial culture and count were performed in each group on the 4^th，10^th and 21^st daydays after treatment. The levels of IL-2，IL-8 and TNF-α in wound tissue were measured with ELISA. Results:There was no significant difference in the degree of wound inflammation in each group at admission，and the degree of relief after treatment was positively correlated with the treatment time. At the simultaneous phase point，the inflammatory reaction was severest in control group，which was followed by low-dose treatment group and high-dose treatment group. Bacterial growth were observed on the 4^th day in control group，which was found in low-dose and high-dose treatment groups on the 10^th day，the detection rates of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the highest. Compared with control group，the mean integrated optical density of NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 in wound tissue decreased markedly in low-dose and high-dose treatment groups on the 4th day after treatment（<italic>P</italic><0.05），the bacterial count decreased significantly in low-dose and high-dose treatment groups on the 10^th and 21^st days after treatment（<italic>P</italic><0.05），and the levels of IL-2，IL-8 and TNF-<italic>α</italic> in wound tissue decreased markedly in low-dose and high-dose treatment groups on the 4^th，10^th and 21^st days after treatment（<italic>P</italic><0.05），with statistically significant differences between low-dose and high-dose treatment groups（<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Histopathological examination showed that inflammatory granulocytes and edema were improved in low-dose and high-dose treatment groups compared with control group，with a more significant performance in high-dose treatment group. Conclusion:The external application of compound cortex phellodendri fluid can reduce thebacterial growth of bacteria in on the wound surface，which may reduce the inflammatory reaction by inhibiting the production and release of inflammatory mediators，with a certain dose-effcteffect relationship，and is worth clinical promotion.

Effect of Different Extracts and Monomers of Lepidium meyenii on Proliferation of Mouse Splenic Lymphocyte and Induction of IL-2 and TNF-α / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore effects of different extracts and monomers of <italic>Lepidium meyenii </italic>（Maca） on the proliferation of mouse splenic lymphocytes and induction of interleukin-2 （IL-2） and tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic> （TNF-<italic>α</italic>） by observing their immunomodulatory effects. Method:An octadecylsilyl （ODS） column was used to enrich the methanol extract of <italic>L. meyenii</italic> in stages to obtain six fractions and three monomers. Different groups of extracts and monomers of <italic>L. meyenii </italic>at different doses were set up. Cell counting Kit-8 （CCK-8） was used to detect the effect on the proliferation of mitogen-free， concanavalin A （Con A）-induced， and lipopolysaccharides （LPS）-induced mouse splenic lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to determine the levels of IL-2 and TNF-<italic>α</italic>. Result:<italic>L. meyenii </italic>extracts Fr₃ and Fr₆， and monomers <italic>N</italic>-benzyl hexadecanamide and 1，2-dihydro-4-carboxaldehyde-3-benzyl-<italic>N</italic>-hydroxypyridine slightly promoted the proliferation of Con A-induced T lymphocytes and LPS-induced B lymphocytes （<italic>P</italic><0.01） as compared with the conditions in the model group. <italic>L. meyenii</italic> extracts and monomers significantly induced the secretion of IL-2 and TNF-<italic>α</italic> by splenic lymphocytes （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:<italic>L. meyenii</italic> extracts and monomers can achieve immunological enhancement by promoting the secretion of IL-2 and TNF-<italic>α</italic>， and facilitate the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes. The active components are presumedly macamides and pyridine alkaloids， and the specific mechanism still needs to be further explored.