Immunomodulation of Longdan-Xiegan-Tang on CD4+CD25+ T Cell in MRL lpr/lpr Mice

• Main Authors: Fang Yu Chen, 陳芳玉
• Other Authors: T. Y. Lee
• Format: Others
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/81132921349817806611

碩士 === 長庚大學 === 傳統中國醫學研究所 === 97 === Longdan Xiegan Tang (LXT) is a Chinese herbal medicine that is prescribed as an anti-inflammatory aid, a hepato-protectant, and an immunostimulant. In this study, we examined the biological effects of LXT administration in MRL/lpr mice. MRL/lpr mice develop immunological disturbances and deregulated production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and are a good model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Female MRL/lpr mice were randomly separated into two groups. The experimental group received LXT (250 mg/kg/day, po) from 19 to 21 weeks of age. At 21 weeks of age, the animals were euthanized and kidneys and spleens were removed for evaluation. Splenic CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, and CD4+CD25+ T cells were increased in the LXT-administered mice compared to MRL/lpr controls, and this was associated with splenomegaly. There was a marked reduction in IFN-, TNF-, anti-dsDNA antibody, and there were reduced IgG immune complex deposits in the glomeruli. LXT also restored kidney glutathione levels, thereby limiting the toxic effects of the inflammatory mediators iNOS and COX-2, which are overproduced in MRL/lpr mice. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to analyze proteome changes. LXT protected MRL/lpr mice against developing the lupus syndrome through up-regulation of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 and down-regulation of ferritin light chain 1, selenium-binding protein 2, and alpha-enolase, which were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This study indicates that LXT at this dose and time course of administration was effective in reducing oxidative stress associated with disease progression in MRL/lpr mice. LXT could be useful as adjunctive therapy for reducing distress in SLE.