ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The effect of Liuwei Dihuang decoction (LW) on the function of splenic T helper cells (Th) was studied and compared with those of the immune inhibitors such as cyclophosphamide (Cy) and cyclosporin A (CsA) in AA rats. METHODS: The expression of mRNA for IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in splenic T-Lymphocytes of adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats was evaluated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. RESULTS: mRNA expression level of IL-2 had a tendency to elevate, but the mRNA expression levels of IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly decreased in AA rats in comparison with control groups. LW treatment significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of IL-2 and promoted the expression of IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 in splenocytes of AA rats, with an obvious characteristic as compared with that of Cy or CsA. CONCLUSION: LW can correct the indifferent balance of the functions of splenocyte Th1/Th2 in AA rats.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Experimental/metabolism , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology , Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis , Interleukin-2/biosynthesis , T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Animals , Arthritis, Experimental/immunology , Drug Combinations , Interferon-gamma/genetics , Interleukin-10/biosynthesis , Interleukin-10/genetics , Interleukin-2/genetics , Interleukin-4/biosynthesis , Interleukin-4/genetics , Male , Plants, Medicinal , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Rats , Rats, WistarABSTRACT
AIM: To study the effect of low-molecular-weight Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides (LRPS) on p53 gene expression. METHODS: The level of p53 gene expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and autoradiography. RESULTS: The levels of p53 mRNA in Lewis lung cancer tissue were 0.46, 1.52, 1.48, and 1.60 respectively after saline, LRPS 20 and 40 mg.kg-1, and cyclophosphamide 10 mg.kg-1, which were the effective doses inhibiting the growth of tumor tissue cells in vivo. LRPS markedly increased p53 gene expression. CONCLUSION: LRPS effect on p53 gene expression is one of the mechanisms of antitumor activity.
