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Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
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[Effects of astragalus membranaceus on TH cell subset function in children with recurrent tonsillitis]

Yong Yang1, Li-Dong Wang, Zong-Bo Chen

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, First People's Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, Shangxi 718000, China.

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics
|October 21, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Children with recurrent tonsillitis (RT) show impaired T-helper 1 (TH1) cell function. Astragalus membranaceus (AM) supplementation improved TH1 cell function in these children, suggesting its therapeutic potential for RT.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Recurrent tonsillitis (RT) is a common pediatric condition.
  • T-helper (TH) cell subset function plays a crucial role in immune responses.
  • Dysfunction in TH cell subsets may contribute to the pathogenesis of RT.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate T-helper (TH) cell subset function in children with recurrent tonsillitis (RT) during remission.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on TH cell subset function in children with RT.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 27 children with RT and 21 healthy controls were cultured in vitro.
  • PBMCs were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) alone or with PHA and Astragalus membranaceus (AM).
  • Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and Interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels were quantified using ELISA.

Main Results:

  • Children with RT exhibited significantly lower IFN-γ levels and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios compared to controls.
  • Astragalus membranaceus (AM) treatment increased IFN-γ levels and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios in RT patients.
  • IL-4 levels did not differ significantly among the groups.

Conclusions:

  • T-helper 1 (TH1) cell subset dysfunction is likely present in children with RT during remission.
  • TH1 cell subset dysfunction may be a key factor in the development of RT.
  • Astragalus membranaceus (AM) demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for RT by enhancing TH1 cell function.

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