[Effect of epimedium sagittatum on soluble IL-2 receptor and IL-6 levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis].

By using ELISA and assay of MTT participating in IL-6 dependent cell clone. The authors measured the circulating levels of soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and IL-6 in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Alterations of the above-mentioned parameters before and after a three-month course of treatment with Chinese drug Epimedium sagittatum on the same HD patients. It is confirmed that in patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF), sIL-2R level elevated significantly, while IL-6 level decreased apparently (P < 0.01). Furthermore, levels of both sIL-2R and IL-6 could be restored to normal after treatment with Epimedium sagittatum. These findings indicated not only the presence of immunodeficiency in ESRF, but also the effectiveness of regulation with Chinese drug Epimedium sagittatum.