F Izadi, A Doroudinia, M Shekarabi, P Kavand, N Heidari, B Pousti ,
Volume 13, Issue 53 (1-2007)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Considering the role of cellular immunity in prognosis of malignant tumors of the head and neck, especially SCCs(Squamous Cell Carcinoma), we intended to investigate cellular immune system activity in patients with head and neck tumors, whether malignant or benign, and then compare it with the kind, severity and prognosis of tumoral involvement. Patients & Method: This is a cross-sectional study performed on 40 head and neck tumor patients in Hazrat-e-Rasoul and Firouzgar hospitals from November 2003 to June 2005. After skin testing with DNCB(Dinithrochlorobanzen) and grading skin reactions, blood sampling was performed within 3 weeks and after isolating, culturing, and stimulating the lymphocytes with PHA(phytohemaggulotini) stimulant, the amount of cytokine production was measured using ELISA(Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method. Then the results were compared with the information pertained to pathologic diagnosis, the stage of the disease, and also the results of clinical follow-up. Results: Patients with more advanced malignant tumors(stages 3&4) had weaker skin reactions compared with the early stages of the disease(10.5% contre 87.5% p<0.001). Also in epithelial malignant tumors, skin reactions were weaker than non-epithelial and benign tumors(40% contre 90%). With increasing stages of the malignant disease(up to stage 3), IL-2(Interlukin-2) production also increased but in the fourth stage there was a significant reduction in IL-2 production(P<0.01). Similar findings were also noted about IL-12 and INF-G (Interferon-gama) but they were not statistically significant. In this study there was not a significant relationship between the grade of skin reaction and cytokine production. The follow-up revealed that 3 out of 4 expired patients had weak skin reactions and very low levels of IL-2. Conclusion: This study showed a significant relationship between the grade of skin reaction and pathologic diagnosis and the stage of the disease. Also, levels of IL-2 production decrease significantly in the late stages of the malignant disease. Significant relationship between cellular immune system activity and the kind and severity of tumoral involvement can influence our decision on the choice of treatment and also help us predict the prognosis of the tumoral disease.
Seyyed Meysam Abtahi Froushani, Shahsanam Gheibi, Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh, Bahman Mansori Motlagh,
Volume 22, Issue 130 (4-2015)
Abstract
Background: Echinacea purpurea has long been used in folk medicine to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases like common cold, simple cough, pulmonary infections, dermatologic disorder and even chronic diseases due to immunodeficiency. This study was conducted to check the immunomodulatory properties of hydroalcoholic extract of Echinacea purpurea in NMRI-mice challenged with Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBCs). Methods: The study population included 14 NMRI-male mice that were randomly grouped in two equal groups and immunized with SRBC. Hydroalcoholic extract of Echinacea pupurea were administered to the treatment group mice per os in daily doses of 0.025 mg from the beginning of the study and continued for 2 weeks. Specific humoral and cellular immunity, susceptibility of macrophages respiratory burst and proliferation of immune cells were measured. The Mann-Whitney test was used in order to compare using SPSS 19 software. Results: The findings indicated a significant increase (205.267±10.933) in the level of anti-SRBC antibody and simultaneously a significant decrease (15.288±4.202) in the level of cellular immunity in treatment group compared to control group. Lymphocyte proliferation index in splenocytes was significantly increased (1.821±227) in treatment group. However, the level of respiratory burst intensity (0.702±0.020) and nitric oxide production (50.253±2.032) in phagocytic population of splenocytes dramatically decreased in treatment groups compared to control mice. Conclusion: Since, the respiratory burst and nitric oxide production of phagocytic cells decreased, the possible immunostimolatory effectiveness of Echinacea pupurea is doubtful. However, this data suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of Echinacea pupurea may be used as a natural source for purposes of modulating the immune system.
