Xiao-yan Cai1, Yan-li Xu, Xiao-jun Lin. 1. Department of Rheumatology, The First Municipal People's Hospital of Guangzhou. xycai@medmail.com.cn
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Radix Astragali Injection on apoptosis of lymphocytes and immune function in treating patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS:Eighty SLE patients were randomly assigned into the routine treatment group (RT) treated with conventional therapy and the Radix Astragali treated group (RA) treated with Radix Astragali Injection besides routine treatment. The expressions of Fas and Bcl-2 antigen on lymphocytes and the changes of T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood before and after treatment were observed. RESULTS: After treatment, the expression of Fas antigen on lymphocytes significantly lowered (P < 0.01), and that of Bcl-2 antigen, CD4+ lymphocyte subset and CD4+ / CD8+ ratio significantly increased in both groups (all P < 0.01). However, the changes of Fas antigen expression, CD4+ and CD4+ / CD8+ ratio were more significant in the RA group than those in the RT group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Radix Astragli Injection can enhance the inhibitory function of corticosteroid/immunosuppressant on apoptosis, and regulate the ratio and function of T lymphocyte subsets to normal range, which may be a useful approach for enhancing the efficacy of treatment to SLE.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Radix Astragali Injection on apoptosis of lymphocytes and immune function in treating patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Eighty SLEpatients were randomly assigned into the routine treatment group (RT) treated with conventional therapy and the Radix Astragali treated group (RA) treated with Radix Astragali Injection besides routine treatment. The expressions of Fas and Bcl-2 antigen on lymphocytes and the changes of T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood before and after treatment were observed. RESULTS: After treatment, the expression of Fas antigen on lymphocytes significantly lowered (P < 0.01), and that of Bcl-2 antigen, CD4+ lymphocyte subset and CD4+ / CD8+ ratio significantly increased in both groups (all P < 0.01). However, the changes of Fas antigen expression, CD4+ and CD4+ / CD8+ ratio were more significant in the RA group than those in the RT group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radix Astragli Injection can enhance the inhibitory function of corticosteroid/immunosuppressant on apoptosis, and regulate the ratio and function of T lymphocyte subsets to normal range, which may be a useful approach for enhancing the efficacy of treatment to SLE.
Authors: Jing Yan Tang; Shang Li; Zhen Hua Li; Zai Jun Zhang; Guang Hu; Lorita Chi Veng Cheang; Deepa Alex; Maggie Pui Man Hoi; Yiu Wa Kwan; Shun Wan Chan; George Pak Heng Leung; Simon Ming Yuen Lee Journal: PLoS One Date: 2010-07-29 Impact factor: 3.240