妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症患者外周血中维生素D受体 与Th1/Th2 型细胞因子的变化

目的:研究妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症患者外周血中维生素D受体的表达与Th1/Th2型细胞因子干扰素-γ/白细胞介素-4(IFN-γ/IL-4)的变化关系,探讨ICP发病机制。方法:选取ICP患者31例(ICP组),孕周相匹配的正常孕妇31例(正常对照组)。采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA法),检测两组孕妇血清中Th1型细胞因子(IFN-γ)和Th2型细胞因子(IL-4)的水平;采用实时荧光定量逆转录-多聚酶链反应(qRT-PCR),检测两组孕妇外周血单个核细胞维生素D受体(VDR)mRNA的表达水平,采用3-磷酸甘油醛脱氢酶(GAPDH)为内参,根据相对定量公式:2-△△CT分析VDR mRNA的表达水平。结果:(1)ICP组外周血清中IFN-γ的浓度[(230.93±36.04)pg/ml]明显高于正常对照组[(138.37±25.08)pg/ml],差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。ICP组血清中IL-4浓度[(9.99±3.19)pg/ml]和正常对照组[(8.58±2.43)pg/ml]比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。ICP组IFN-γ/IL-4比值(24.56±6.91)高于正常对照组(17.13±4.84),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(2)ICP组外周血单个核细胞维生素D受体mRNA的表达明显低于正常对照组(P<0.01),正常对照组VDR的表达定义为1.0,ICP组的表达量为0.4。(3)ICP组外周血中VDR的表达水平与IFN-γ浓度呈明显负相关(r=-0.833,P<0.01),与IL-4浓度无明显相关(r=-0.109,P>0.05),与IFN-γ/IL-4比值呈负相关,但相关性不强(r=-0.356,P=0.049<0.05)。结论:ICP患者外周血Th1/Th2型细胞因子平衡由Th2向Th1偏移,可能与ICP孕妇外周血单个核细胞VDR的表达减少有关。     

双歧杆菌对过敏性哮喘儿童树突状细胞分泌IL-10、IL-12等细胞因子的影响

目的探讨双歧杆菌对过敏性哮喘儿童外周血单核细胞（PBMC）来源的树突状细胞（DC）分泌IL-1β、IL-6、IL-10、IL-12、IL-23和IFN-γ的影响。方法从15例过敏性哮喘儿童和15例非哮喘儿童的外周血单个核细胞诱导生成未成熟DC,加入双歧杆菌后继续培养DC2d,用ELISA方法检测培养上清中IL-1β、IL-6、IL-10、IL-12、IL-23和IFN-γ的水平。结果双歧杆菌能明显刺激哮喘儿童DC分泌IL-12、IFN-γ,IL-1β及IL-6和非哮喘儿童DC分泌IL-12、IL-10、IL-1β及IL-23水平增高。结论双歧杆菌能够刺激过敏性哮喘儿童DC分泌IL-12和IFN-γ,可能改变Th2优势分化,纠正Th1／Th2失衡。同时双歧杆菌还能刺激哮喘儿童DC分泌IL-1p及IL-6增高,达到促进,Th17细胞分化的作用。     

The cell-mediated immune response to Neospora caninum during pregnancy in the mouse is associated with a bias towards production of interleukin-4

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite which is efficiently transmitted transplacentally in cattle where it may cause abortion. A pregnant mouse model was used to characterise the immune response following N. caninum infection; the response in non-pregnant and pregnant mice was compared. Spleen cells from both infected/non-pregnant and infected/pregnant mice produced interferon-gamma, interleukin-12 and tumour necrosis factor alpha; however, the levels of these Th1 cytokines were lower in infected/pregnant mice. Infected/non-pregnant and infected/pregnant mice also produced the Th2 cytokine interleukin-10; however, there was no trend toward a decrease of this in pregnant mice. Interleukin-4 was exclusively produced at high levels by infected/pregnant mice and thus appears responsible for the observed decline in Th1 cytokine production in pregnant mice. A bias towards Th2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10 is normally associated with the maintenance of a viable pregnancy, and not with the control of protozoal infections. Consequently, the importance and role of cytokines and cell-mediated immunity in the control of transplacental transmission and foetal loss due to N. caninum infection are discussed.     

妊娠高血压外周血中促Th2的细胞因子水平及IL-2／IL-10平衡的临床意义

目的：检测妊娠高血压患者外周血中促Th2的分子IL-4、IL-2与IL-10的水平,探讨IL-2／IL-10在妊高症中的临床意义。方法：选择40例未妊娠妇女为对照组,30例正常妊娠妇女为妊娠组,28例妊娠高血压患者为妊娠高血压组,ELISA检测血清中IL-4、IL-2和IL-10的水平。结果：与对照组外周血中IL-4水平（0．53±0．04）pg／ml相比：正常妊娠组IL-4水平升高至（0．91±0．03）pg／ml（P〈0．05）,妊娠高血压组IL-4水平（0．67±0．35）pg／ml升高但明显低于正常妊娠组（P〈0．01）。与对照组外周血中IL-2水平（0．41±0．05）pg／ml相比：正常妊娠组IL-2水平升高至（0．82±0．11）pg／ml（P〈0．01）;妊娠高血压组IL-2水平高达1．57±0．22（pg／m1）明显高于其它两组（P〈0．01）。妊娠高血压组外周血中IL-10水平明显低于正常妊娠组IL-10水平（P〈0．01）;妊娠高血压组外周血中IL-2／IL-10比值明显高于于对照组及正常妊娠组的比值。结论：妊娠高血压患者外周血中细胞因子IL-2和IL-10分泌异常且诱导Th2细胞产生的IL-4降低,打破Th1／Th2平衡,致使Th1型免疫反应增强,使早孕期滋养细胞受到免疫损伤以致侵入能力下降,导致妊娠期高血压疾病的发生。     

Effect of IL-18 on intrauterine infection of HBV in mice on cell molecular level

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate the effect of IL-18 on intrauterine infection of HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) in mice based on cellular and molecular level, and to analyze its mechanism, as well as the relationship between IL-18 and intrauterine infection of HBV.MethodsPregnant rats are taken as the study subjects and divided into two groups according to infection and non-infection, namely the study group and the control group. Firstly, the peripheral blood of rats and the blood of newborn mice are collected for the determination of hepatitis B in two-and-a-half pairs. Then, the levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in peripheral serum are detected by ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Finally, the two groups of horizontal values are compared and analyzed. The effect of IL-18 on intrauterine infection of HBV in mice is investigated based on the level of cell and molecular.ResultsThe levels of IL-18, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IFN-γ/IL-4 in the two groups are compared and analyzed. The levels of IL-18, IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 in the study group are significantly lower than those in the control group, with statistical significance. However, the level of IL-4 in the study group is higher than that in the control group, with statistical significance.ConclusionIt is found that the decrease of HL-type specific response and the enhancement of Th2-type specific response in pregnant mice are closely related to HBV intrauterine infection. Moreover, the decrease of IL-18 secretion in peripheral blood may cause intrauterine infection of HBV. This study can make people better realize the mechanism of HBV intrauterine infection, and effectively help clinical prevention and treatment of intrauterine infection.     

Interferon tau stimulated gene expression and proinflammatory cytokine profile relative to insemination in dairy cows

A profitable and scientific dairy farming can be achieved by identifying the non-pregnant animals at an early date post-insemination. The present study was executed to identify the genes for early pregnancy diagnosis in bovine. The blood samples were collected from the Karan Fries cows on days 0, 4, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 35 and 42 relative to the date of insemination. The experimental animals were grouped into pregnant (P), conception failure/early embryonic mortality (EEM) and late embryonic mortality cows (LEM), based on progesterone assay, ultrasonography and per-rectal palpation. Each group comprised of 6 cows. The plasma TNF-α concentration was higher in pregnant than EEM and LEM cows. The IL-8 concentration was higher in EEM than pregnant and LEM cows. The mRNA expression of CXCL17 and IFIT2 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher from day 4–35 than day 0 in pregnant and LEM cows. The degree of expression of Interferon-tau stimulated genes was higher in pregnant and LEM cows than EEM cows. The experiment reveals that the time-dependent changes in the IFNτ stimulated gene expression in blood neutrophils coupled with proinflammatory cytokine profile could be useful biomarkers for bovine gestation.     

Uterine blood flow of cows during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy: effect of the conceptus on the uterine blood supply.

Blood flow to each uterine horn of cows during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy was determined daily by use of electromagnetic blood flow probes placed around both middle uterine arteries. The pattern of blood flow to uteri of pregnant and non-pregnant cows was similar until Day 14 after mating or oestrus. Between Days 14 and 18 of pregnancy blood flow to the uterine horn containing the conceptus increased (P less than 0.01) 2- to 3-fold, whereas blood flow to the non-gravid uterine horn in these cows remained constant. No corresponding increase in blood flow to the uterine horn ipsilateral to the ovary bearing the CL was observed in non-pregnant cows during this 4-day period. By Day 19 of pregnancy, blood flow to the gravid uterine horn had returned to a level similar to that observed on Day 13. Blood flow to both uterine horns of pregnant cows remained constant from Days 19 to 25 and then increased to the gravid horn (P less than 0.01) markedly until Day 30 whereas blood flow to the non-gravid horn remained low. Uterine blood flow during the oestrous cycle of non-pregnant cows was positively correlated (P less than 0.01) with systemic concentrations of oestradiol and the ratio of oestradiol (pg/ml) to progesterone (ng/ml). There was no association between oestradiol concentrations and blood flow to the gravid uterine horn. These data indicate local control of uterine blood flow by the bovine conceptus which may function to create optimal conditions for the continuation of pregnancy.     

P. falciparum enhances HIV replication in an experimental malaria challenge system

Co-infection with HIV and P. falciparum worsens the prognosis of both infections; however, the mechanisms driving this adverse interaction are not fully delineated. To evaluate this, we studied HIV-1 and P. falciparum interactions in vitro using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from human malaria na?ve volunteers experimentally infected with P. falciparum in a malaria challenge trial. PBMCs collected before the malaria challenge and at several time points post-infection were infected with HIV-1 and co-cultured with either P. falciparum infected (iRBCs) or uninfected (uRBCs) red blood cells. HIV p24Ag and TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and MIP-1α were quantified in the co-culture supernatants. In general, iRBCs stimulated more HIV p24Ag production by PBMCs than did uRBCs. HIV p24Ag production by PBMCs in the presence of iRBCs (but not uRBCs) further increased during convalescence (days 35, 56, and 90 post-challenge). In parallel, iRBCs induced higher secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MIP-1α) than uRBCs, and production increased further during convalescence. Because the increase in p24Ag production occurred after parasitemia and generalized immune activation had resolved, our results suggest that enhanced HIV production is related to the development of anti-malaria immunity and may be mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines.     

Uterine lymphocyte distribution and interleukin expression during early pregnancy in cows

Both the production of cytokines and the distribution of immune cells within the uterus change during early pregnancy. Evidence obtained mainly from mice indicates that these changes are important for implantation and in preventing a maternal immune response to the conceptus. The ruminant embryo also produces interferon tau at this time, the signal for the maternal recognition of pregnancy. The relationship between these events in cows was studied using uteri from three groups of animals on day 16 after observed oestrus: (i) cyclic controls, (ii) pregnant and (iii) inseminated but with no embryo present. Embryo size and the antiviral activity in uterine flushings (indicative of the interferon tau concentration) were measured. Sections of intact uterus were frozen for the localization and quantitation of CD4(+) (T lymphocytes), CD14(+) (macrophages) and CD21(+) (B lymphocytes) uterine cells by immunohistochemistry. The expression of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 mRNAs in uterine extracts was measured by RT-PCR. Neither embryo size, interferon tau concentration nor pregnancy status influenced the distribution of CD4(+), CD14(+) or CD21(+) cells in the day 16 uterus. Endometrial IL-1alpha mRNA was detected in most cows across the groups, whereas IL-2 mRNA was only present in the non-pregnant uterus. IL-6 and IL-10 mRNAs were not detectable in any uteri. In conclusion, IL-2 mRNA expression is detectable in the non-pregnant but not the pregnant uterus on day 16 and interferon t is unlikely to play a role in the redistribution of immune cells in the uterus during early bovine pregnancy.     

A study of altered cytokine rhythms associated with successful implantation in cows

Implantation is a critical process wherein the dam accepts the semi-allogenic embryo, characterized by certain vital immunological changes involving certain factors and cytokines. The current study was undertaken in Sahiwal cows to analyze the changes in certain selective immunological components of the body during peri-implantation period. Post-insemination the study was performed for a period till day 40 and the plasma was used to estimate the levels of progesterone, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and leukemia inhibiting factor (LIF) using Bovine specific ELISA Test Kits. The phagocytic activity and mRNA expression of progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) were also analyzed. It was observed that in pregnant cows, the expression of PIBF increased from day 16th onward and remained high throughout the study period whereas the phagocytic activity was higher in non-pregnant cows all through the study period. The IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-6 were significantly higher in non-pregnant cows from 16th to 18th day post-AI as compared to P cows. On the other hand, IL-4 and LIF showed a significantly higher concentration in pregnant cows during peri-implantation period. Hence, it can be concluded that early embryonic survival is dependent on interplay of certain critical immunological factors in the body.     

人外周血Th细胞和Tc细胞内IFN-γ及IL-4表达水平与白塞病的关系

目的检测BD患者外周血Th细胞和Tc细胞内INF-γ和IL-4的表达水平,探索BD患者体内的免疫状况。方法采用流式细胞术检测BD活动期患者(n=22),BD稳定期(n=6)以及健康体检者(n=22)外周血T细胞亚群INF-γ和IL-4的表达水平。结果 BD患者活动期外周血细胞Th细胞和Tc细胞经过刺激后胞内合成IFN-γ的水平明显高于正常人水平(Th细胞:22.45%±7.33%vs.16.32±4.96%,P<0.05;Tc细胞:36.74%±13.19%vs.28.67%±11.56%,P<0.05),稳定期患者Th细胞和Tc细胞体外合成IFN-γ的能力与正常人相比无明显差异;稳定期患者Th细胞和Tc细胞胞内合成IL-4的能力相对于正常人均无明显差异:(稳定期Th细胞:3.01%±1.38%vs.2.87%±1.46%,Tc细胞:1.14%±0.28%vs.1.07%±0.32%,P>0.05)。而活动期患者Th细胞和Tc细胞胞内合成IL-4的能力相对于正常人均存在明显差异:(Th细胞:3.54%±1.62%vs.2.87%±1.46%,Tc细胞:1.82%±0.43%vs.1.07%±0.32%,P<0.05);导致Th细胞和Tc细胞有偏向Th1及Tc1的趋势(Th细胞IFN-γ/IL-4:6.34±3.24 vs.5.69±4.72,p>0.05;Tc细胞IFN-γ/IL-4:20.19±13.65 vs.26.79±14.52,P>0.05)。结论 BD患者外周血INF-γ和IL-4的表达水平明显升高,并与疾病活动期存在一定程度相关,可能对白塞病患者的诊断具有重要的临床意义。     

IL-4 differentially regulates eotaxin and MCP-4 in lung epithelium and circulating mononuclear cells

To investigate the mechanisms of eosinophil recruitment in allergic airway inflammation, we examined the effects of interleukin (IL)-4, a Th2-type cytokine, on eotaxin and monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 (MCP-4) expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs; n = 10), in human lower airway mononuclear cells (n = 5), in the human lung epithelial cell lines A549 and BEAS-2B, and in human cultured airway epithelial cells. IL-4 inhibited eotaxin and MCP-4 mRNA expression induced by IL-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in PBMCs but did not significantly inhibit expression in epithelial cells. Eotaxin and MCP-4 mRNA expression was not significantly induced by proinflammatory cytokines in lower airway mononuclear cells. IL-1 beta-induced eotaxin and MCP-4 protein production was also inhibited by IL-4 in PBMCs, whereas IL-4 enhanced eotaxin protein production in A549 cells. In contrast, dexamethasone inhibited eotaxin and MCP-4 expression in both PBMCs and epithelial cells. The divergent effects of IL-4 on eotaxin and MCP-4 expression between PBMCs and epithelial cells may create chemokine concentration gradients between the subepithelial layer and the capillary spaces that may promote the recruitment of eosinophils to the airway in Th2-type responses.     

Association of cytokines in hepatitis E with pregnancy outcome

AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) in hepatitis E infection during pregnancy and its relation with pregnancy outcome.MethodsA total of 272 pregnant and 219 non-pregnant women with hepatitis and 262 age and gestational age matched healthy pregnant women and 208 age matched, healthy non-pregnant women were evaluated on the basis of history, clinical examination, liver function profile. Serological tests of hepatitis A, B, C and E and cytokines using commercially available (ELISA) kits. The patients with hepatitis E were further evaluated for viral load by Real Time PCR. All these were followed till delivery for pregnancy outcome.ResultsHEV viral load in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) and fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) of pregnant women were comparatively higher than non-pregnant women. Significantly higher levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ and TGF-β1 were present in HEV infected pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women and controls. TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ had significant positive correlation with viral load, serum bilirubin and prothrombin time in pregnant women. Higher levels of all four cytokines were found in pregnant women with HEV infection having adverse pregnancy outcome compared to that of pregnant women with non-HEV infection and controls.ConclusionIn conclusion, severity of HEV infection and associated adverse pregnancy outcome might be mediated by cytokine in pregnancy.     

Posttranscriptional regulation of IL-23 expression by IFN-gamma through tristetraprolin

IL-23 plays an essential role in maintenance of IL-17-producing Th17 cells that are involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Regulation of Th17 cells is tightly controlled by multiple factors such as IL-27 and IFN-γ. However, the detailed mechanisms responsible for IFN-γ-mediated Th17 cell inhibition are still largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that IFN-γ differentially regulates IL-12 and IL-23 production in both dendritic cells and macrophages. IFN-γ suppresses IL-23 expression by selectively targeting p19 mRNA stability through its 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR). Furthermore, IFN-γ enhances LPS-induced tristetraprolin (TTP) mRNA expression and protein production. Overexpression of TTP suppresses IL-23 p19 mRNA expression and p19 3'UTR-dependent luciferase activity. Additionally, deletion of TTP completely abolishes IFN-γ-mediated p19 mRNA degradation. We further demonstrate that IFN-γ suppresses LPS-induced p38 phosphorylation, and blockade of p38 MAPK signaling pathway with SB203580 inhibits IFN-γ- and LPS-induced p19 mRNA expression, whereas overexpression of p38 increases p19 mRNA expression via reducing TTP binding to the p19 3'UTR. Finally, inhibition of p38 phosphorylation by IFN-γ leads to TTP dephosphorylation that could result in stronger binding of the TTP to the adenosine/uridine-rich elements in the p19 3'UTR and p19 mRNA degradation. In summary, our results reveal a direct link among TTP, IFN-γ, and IL-23, indicating that IFN-γ-mediated Th17 cell suppression might act through TTP by increasing p19 mRNA degradation and therefore IL-23 inhibition.     

Functional characterization of a nonmammalian IL-21: rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss IL-21 upregulates the expression of the Th cell signature cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-10, and IL-22

In mammals, IL-21 is a common γ chain cytokine produced by activated CD4(+) T cells and NKT cells that acts on multiple lineages of cells. Although IL-21 has also been discovered in birds, amphibians, and fish, to date, no functional studies have been reported for any nonmammalian IL-21 molecule. We have sequenced an IL-21 gene (tIL-21) in rainbow trout, which has a six-exon/five-intron structure, is expressed in immune tissues, and is induced by bacterial and viral infection and the T cell stimulant PHA. In contrast to mammals, calcium ionophore and PMA act synergistically to induce tIL-21. Recombinant tIL-21 (rtIL-21) induced a rapid and long-lasting (4-72 h) induction of expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-22, signature cytokines for Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-type responses, respectively, in head kidney leukocytes. However, rtIL-21 had little effects on the expression of other cytokines studied. rtIL-21 maintained the expression of CD8α, CD8β, and IgM at a late stage of stimulation when their expression was significantly decreased in controls and increased the expression of the Th cell markers CD4, T-bet, and GATA3. Intraperitoneal injection of rtIL-21 confirmed the in vitro bioactivity and increased the expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-21, IL-22, CD8, and IgM. Inhibition experiments revealed that the activation of JAK/STAT3, Akt1/2, and PI3K pathways were responsible for rtIL-21 action. This study helps to clarify the role of IL-21 in lower vertebrates for the first time, to our knowledge, and suggests IL-21 is a likely key regulator of T and B cell function in fish.     

Alteration in some pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines associated with complete and incomplete gestation cycle of cows

The maternal immune response during pregnancy is regulated by a complex array of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines which provide optimum conditions for the embryo implantation and survival. The possible role of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines during the complete gestation cycle of ruminants and the difference in their circadian rhythmicity between successful and unsuccessful pregnancies is still unknown. To study this, blood samples were collected from three groups of cows, pregnant (P), non-pregnant (NP) and aborted (ABORT) cows starting from the day of Artificial Insemination (AI) till calving in P cows and till stages of non pregnancy in other cows. Various pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines were estimated by bovine-specific ELISA test and compared. Successful pregnancies had lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8) but higher anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) mainly during implantation. Significant (p < 0.05) increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and low IL-10 levels was noticed at abortion and at calving. This study indicates that temporal and spatial aspects of reducing the release of various pro-inflammatory cytokines and maintaining high anti-inflammatory cytokines during pregnancy are essentially required for maintenance of pregnancy. Any disturbance in the cytokine equilibrium may lead to persistent inflammation and pregnancy failure.     

Enhanced CCL26 production by IL-4 through IFN-gamma-induced upregulation of type 1 IL-4 receptor in keratinocytes

A Th2 cytokine, IL-4, induces various chemokines from epidermal keratinocytes which play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis. In contrast, the role of IFN-γ, a Th1 cytokine, on eosinophilic skin inflammation is unclear. This study investigated the effects of IFN-γ on IL-4-induced production of eotaxin-3/CCL26, a potent chemoattractant to eosinophils, in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). When the cells were stimulated with IL-4 and IFN-γ simultaneously, IL-4-induced CCL26 production was attenuated. In contrast, prior stimulation with IFN-γ enhanced IL-4-induced CCL26 production. NHEK constitutively expressed type 1 IL-4 receptor, and expression at the cell surface was upregulated by stimulation with IFN-γ. This upregulation resulted in an enhanced IL-4-mediated cellular signal. These results indicate that IFN-γ has opposite effects on IL-4-induced CCL26 production in NHEK depending on the time of exposure. Thus, changes in IL-4R expression by IFN-γ might modulate eosinophilic skin inflammation.