Immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis(IgG4-RS)is an immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disease and the pathogenesis is still not fully understood.The aim of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of interle...Immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis(IgG4-RS)is an immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disease and the pathogenesis is still not fully understood.The aim of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of interleukin-13(IL-13)in the cellular senescence during the progress of IgG4-RS.We found that the expression of IL-13 and IL-13 receptorα1(IL-13Rα1)as well as the number of senescent cells were significantly higher in the submandibular glands(SMGs)of IgG4-RS patients.IL-13 directly induced senescence as shown by the elevated activity of senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase(SA-β-gal),the decreased cell proliferation,and the upregulation of senescence markers(p53 and p16)and senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP)factors(IL-1βand IL-6)in SMG-C6 cells.Mechanistically,IL-13 increased the level of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(p-STAT6)and mitochondrial-reactive oxygen species(mt ROS),while decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential,ATP level,and the expression and activity of superoxide dismutase 2(SOD2).Notably,the IL-13-induced cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction could be inhibited by pretreatment with either STAT6 inhibitor AS1517499 or mitochondria-targeted ROS scavenger Mito TEMPO.Moreover,IL-13 increased the interaction between p-STAT6 and c AMP-response element binding protein(CREB)-binding protein(CBP)and decreased the transcriptional activity of CREB on SOD2.Taken together,our findings revealed a critical role of IL-13 in the induction of salivary gland epithelial cell senescence through the elevated mitochondrial oxidative stress in a STAT6–CREB–SOD2-dependent pathway in IgG4-RS.展开更多
Objective： Monocytes/macrophages, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines are important in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. Interleukin （IL） -13 has been shown to exert potent anti-inflammatory properties. ...Objective： Monocytes/macrophages, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines are important in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. Interleukin （IL） -13 has been shown to exert potent anti-inflammatory properties. This study was designed to investigate the effect of IL-13 on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and profibrogenic cytokines and the involved molecular mechanism in cultured human mesangial cells （HMCs）. Methods： The expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and profibrogenic cytokines were determined by ribonuclease protection assay （RPA）. Activity of nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） and activa- tor protein-1 （AP-1） was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay （EMSA）. NF-κB subunit p65 nuclear transportation and c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） activity were assayed by immunoblot. Results： Recombinant IL-13 inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-u）, IL-1α, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1）, IL-8, and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） mRNA expressions in a dose-dependent manner. Lipopoly- sacchorides （LPS） dramatically increased NF-κB DNA binding activity of HMCs, which was inhibited by IL-13 in a dose-dependent manner. LPS-activated NF-κB contained p50 and p65 dimers, but not c-Rel subunit. IL-13 blocked LPS-induced NF-κB subunit p65. LPS stimulated JNK/AP-1 activation, which was inhibited by IL-13 in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion： IL-13 inhibits proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and profibrogenic cytokines synthesis by blocking NF-κB and JNK/AP-1 activation. These observations point to the importance of IL-13 in the modulation of inflammatory processes in the renal glomerulus.展开更多
Objective:To explore the effects of 6-gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrindthe main components of Zingiber officinale(Willd.)Rosc.(Gan Jiang),Asarum heterotropoides f.var.mandshuricum(Maxim.)(Xi Xin),and Schisandra ...Objective:To explore the effects of 6-gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrindthe main components of Zingiber officinale(Willd.)Rosc.(Gan Jiang),Asarum heterotropoides f.var.mandshuricum(Maxim.)(Xi Xin),and Schisandra chinensis(Turcz.)Baill.(Wu Wei Zi),respectivelydon an interleukin(IL)-13einduced BEAS-2B cell model in vitro.Methods:The BEAS-2B cell model was established using 25 ng/mL IL-13 combined with 1%fetal bovine serum(FBS)in vitro.Mitoquinone mesylate(Mito-Q)treatment was used as a positive control group,and different concentrations of 6-gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin were used to treat the models.The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)production was detected by flow cytometry.The expression levels of LC3B,Beclin1,adenosine 50-monophosphate(AMP)eactivated protein kinase(AMPK),phosphory-lated-AMPeactivated protein kinase(P-AMPK),dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1),and mitochondrial fusion protein 2(MFN2)were detected by Western blot.Mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)assay kit with JC-1 was utilized to detect the level of MMP.Results:The BEAS-2B cells exposed to 25 ng/mL IL-13 with 1%FBS showed an increased ROS level and a decreased MMP.6-Gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin were able to downregulate ROS level and upregulate the MMP in the BEAS-2B model.Asarinin and deoxyschizandrin reduced the expression of autophagy protein LC3B,while deoxyschizandrin significantly increased the expression of DRP1 in the BEAS-2B model.Conclusion:6-Gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin can reduce ROS generation and increase MMP,but have different regulatory effects on the expression of autophagy protein and mitochondrial mitotic protein.The three components have both synergistic and complementary effects in classic medicine compatibility.This study may provide an innovative strategy to reduce the lung inflammation related to IL-13.展开更多
AIM：To identify the effects of interleukin（IL）-13 on retinal pigment epithelial（RPE） cells and the IL-13 level in aqueous humor of age-related macular degeneration（AMD） patients.METHODS：IL-13 levels in aqueous...AIM：To identify the effects of interleukin（IL）-13 on retinal pigment epithelial（RPE） cells and the IL-13 level in aqueous humor of age-related macular degeneration（AMD） patients.METHODS：IL-13 levels in aqueous humor specimens from AMD patients were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）.ARPE-19 cells were treated with 10 ng/m L IL-13 for 12,24,and 48 h.The cell proliferaton was evaluated by the MTS method.The m RNA and protein levels of α-SMA and ZO-1 were evaluated with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction（q RT-PCR） and Western blot respectively.The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）,transforming growth factor-β（TGF-β） and vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF） were assessed by ELISA.RESU LTS：IL-13 levels in the aqueous humor of patients with AMD were significantly higher than those in the control（167.33±17.64 vs 27.12±5.65 pg/m L;P〈0.01）.In vit ro,IL-13 of high concentrations（10,15,and 20 ng/m L） inhibited ARPE-19 cell proliferation.α-SMA m RNA in ARPE-19 cell were increased（1.017±0.112 vs 1.476±0.168;P〈0.001） and ZO-1 decreased（1.051±0.136 vs 0.702±0.069;P〈0.001） after treated with 10 ng/m L IL-13 for 48 h.The protein expression of α-SMA and ZO-1 also showed the same tendency（α-SMA：P=0.038;ZO-1：P=0.008）.IL-13 significantly reduced the level of TNF-α（44.70±1.67 vs 31.79±3.53 pg/m L;P=0.005） at 48 h,but the le vel of TGF-β2 was significantly increased from 34.44±2.92 to 57.61±6.31 pg/m L at 24h（P=0.004） and from 61.26±1.11 to 86.91±3.59 pg/m L at 48h（P〈0.001）.While expressions of VEGF didn＇t change after IL-13 treatment.CONCLUSION：IL-13 in vitr o inhibit ARPE-19 cell proliferation and expression in the aqueous may be associated with AMD.展开更多
The changes in the levels of serum interleukin-13 (IL-13) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their clinical significance were investigated. Sandwich ELISA was used to...The changes in the levels of serum interleukin-13 (IL-13) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their clinical significance were investigated. Sandwich ELISA was used to determine the levels of serum IL-13 and NGF in 35 SLE patients and 15 normal controls. The results showed that the levels of serum IL-13 (92.69±9.87 pg/ml) and NGF (339.69±25.60 pg/ml) in active SLE patients were significantly higher than those in inactive SLE patients (IL-13, 54.22±9.31 pg/ml; NGF, 300.89±33.51 pg/ml)(P<0.01). The inactive patients also had significantly increased serum levels of IL-13 and NGF as compared with normal controls (IL-13, 35.20±12.70 pg/ml; NGF, 111.40±32.54 pg/ml; P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the serum IL-13 levels were correlated with disease activity index of SLE (SLEDAI), ESR and serum levels of C_3 (r= 0.813, 0.504, -0.605, respectively). The serum NGF levels were also correlated with above markers (r=0.442, 0.338, -0.463, respectively). The serum levels of IL-13 and NGF had a positive correlation (r=0.506, P<0.01). It was suggested that IL-13 and NGF might be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE and closely correlated with disease activity.展开更多
The interleukin-17 family is the key group of cytokines and displays a broad spectrum of biological functions,including regulating the inflammatory cascade in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases,such as multi...The interleukin-17 family is the key group of cytokines and displays a broad spectrum of biological functions,including regulating the inflammatory cascade in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases,such as multiple sclerosis,neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder,myasthenia gravis,Guillain–Barre syndrome,acute disseminated encephalomyelitis,diabetes,inflammatory skin diseases,joint inflammation,and cancer.Although the function of the interleukin-17 family has attracted increasing research attention over many years,the expression,function,and regulation mechanisms of different interleukin-17 members are complicated and still only partially understood.Currently,the interleukin-17A pathway is considered a critical therapeutic target for numerous immune and chronic inflammatory diseases,with several monoclonal antibodies against interleukin-17A having been successfully used in clinical practice.Whether other interleukin-17 members have the potential to be targeted in other diseases is still debated.This review first summarizes the recent advancements in understanding the physicochemical properties,physiological functions,cellular origins,and downstream signaling pathways of different members and corresponding receptors of the interleukin-17 family.Subsequently,the function of interleukin-17 in various immune diseases is discussed,and the important role of interleukin-17 in the pathological process of immune diseases is demonstrated from multiple perspectives.Then,the current status of targeted interleukin-17 therapy is summarized,and the effectiveness and safety of targeted interleukin-17 therapy are analyzed.Finally,the clinical application prospects of targeting the interleukin-17 pathway are discussed.展开更多
Background Airway remodeling is the specific pathological characteristics of asthma, which is related to the clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and airway hyperreactivity. This study aimed at exploring the effects...Background Airway remodeling is the specific pathological characteristics of asthma, which is related to the clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and airway hyperreactivity. This study aimed at exploring the effects of dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen-specific immunotherapy （SIT） on the serum interleukin （IL）-13 and pulmonary functions in asthmatic children. Methods Fifty-eight pediatric asthma patients allergic to dust mite participated in this study. Thirty-five children received SIT with a standardized dermatophgoides pteronyssinus extract for one year （SIT group）, and the other 23 children treated with inhaled corticosteroids （ICS group） according to the Global Initiative for Asthma （GINA） for one year. Serum levels of IL-13, IL-4 and interferon （IFN）-γ were examined and the pulmonary functions were checked before and after the treatment. Results After the treatment, the number of emergency visiting for asthma attack in SIT group was significantly less than that in ICS group. The serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 were clearly reduced, IFN-γ and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 were significantly increased, the pulmonary functions （forced vital capacity （FVC）, forced expiratory volume in one second percentage （FEV1%） and peak expiratory flow percentage （PEF%） were significantly improved in the SIT group. Meanwhile, IFN-γ and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 were greatly increased, but serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 had less changes, the pulmonary functions （FVC, FEV1% and PEF%） were poorly improved in ICS group. The basic pulmonary functions in both groups were at the same level, which had made more improvement in SIT group than in ICS group one year later. Conclusions One year of dermatophagoides pteronyssinus SIT can significantly reduce the frequencies of emergency visiting for asthma attack and improve the pulmonary functions of children with allergic asthma, and that is attributed to SIT, which can reduce the levels of IL-4 and IL-13 and regulate the imbalance of the Th1/Th2 cells in asthmatic children. All of these might be effective in preventing the asthmatic airway from remodeling.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81974151,31972908,81991500,and 81991502)。
文摘Immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis(IgG4-RS)is an immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disease and the pathogenesis is still not fully understood.The aim of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of interleukin-13(IL-13)in the cellular senescence during the progress of IgG4-RS.We found that the expression of IL-13 and IL-13 receptorα1(IL-13Rα1)as well as the number of senescent cells were significantly higher in the submandibular glands(SMGs)of IgG4-RS patients.IL-13 directly induced senescence as shown by the elevated activity of senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase(SA-β-gal),the decreased cell proliferation,and the upregulation of senescence markers(p53 and p16)and senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP)factors(IL-1βand IL-6)in SMG-C6 cells.Mechanistically,IL-13 increased the level of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(p-STAT6)and mitochondrial-reactive oxygen species(mt ROS),while decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential,ATP level,and the expression and activity of superoxide dismutase 2(SOD2).Notably,the IL-13-induced cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction could be inhibited by pretreatment with either STAT6 inhibitor AS1517499 or mitochondria-targeted ROS scavenger Mito TEMPO.Moreover,IL-13 increased the interaction between p-STAT6 and c AMP-response element binding protein(CREB)-binding protein(CBP)and decreased the transcriptional activity of CREB on SOD2.Taken together,our findings revealed a critical role of IL-13 in the induction of salivary gland epithelial cell senescence through the elevated mitochondrial oxidative stress in a STAT6–CREB–SOD2-dependent pathway in IgG4-RS.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30872803 to Aihua Zhang,No.30772365 to Songming Huang)the Jiangsu Key Medical Talent Foundation(No.RC2007015 to Aihua Zhangthe Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars,State Education Ministry of China
文摘Objective： Monocytes/macrophages, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines are important in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. Interleukin （IL） -13 has been shown to exert potent anti-inflammatory properties. This study was designed to investigate the effect of IL-13 on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and profibrogenic cytokines and the involved molecular mechanism in cultured human mesangial cells （HMCs）. Methods： The expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and profibrogenic cytokines were determined by ribonuclease protection assay （RPA）. Activity of nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） and activa- tor protein-1 （AP-1） was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay （EMSA）. NF-κB subunit p65 nuclear transportation and c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） activity were assayed by immunoblot. Results： Recombinant IL-13 inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-u）, IL-1α, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1）, IL-8, and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） mRNA expressions in a dose-dependent manner. Lipopoly- sacchorides （LPS） dramatically increased NF-κB DNA binding activity of HMCs, which was inhibited by IL-13 in a dose-dependent manner. LPS-activated NF-κB contained p50 and p65 dimers, but not c-Rel subunit. IL-13 blocked LPS-induced NF-κB subunit p65. LPS stimulated JNK/AP-1 activation, which was inhibited by IL-13 in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion： IL-13 inhibits proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and profibrogenic cytokines synthesis by blocking NF-κB and JNK/AP-1 activation. These observations point to the importance of IL-13 in the modulation of inflammatory processes in the renal glomerulus.
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81403313)the Vertical Development Fund of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine(2019-ZXFZJJ-062).
文摘Objective:To explore the effects of 6-gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrindthe main components of Zingiber officinale(Willd.)Rosc.(Gan Jiang),Asarum heterotropoides f.var.mandshuricum(Maxim.)(Xi Xin),and Schisandra chinensis(Turcz.)Baill.(Wu Wei Zi),respectivelydon an interleukin(IL)-13einduced BEAS-2B cell model in vitro.Methods:The BEAS-2B cell model was established using 25 ng/mL IL-13 combined with 1%fetal bovine serum(FBS)in vitro.Mitoquinone mesylate(Mito-Q)treatment was used as a positive control group,and different concentrations of 6-gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin were used to treat the models.The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)production was detected by flow cytometry.The expression levels of LC3B,Beclin1,adenosine 50-monophosphate(AMP)eactivated protein kinase(AMPK),phosphory-lated-AMPeactivated protein kinase(P-AMPK),dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1),and mitochondrial fusion protein 2(MFN2)were detected by Western blot.Mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)assay kit with JC-1 was utilized to detect the level of MMP.Results:The BEAS-2B cells exposed to 25 ng/mL IL-13 with 1%FBS showed an increased ROS level and a decreased MMP.6-Gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin were able to downregulate ROS level and upregulate the MMP in the BEAS-2B model.Asarinin and deoxyschizandrin reduced the expression of autophagy protein LC3B,while deoxyschizandrin significantly increased the expression of DRP1 in the BEAS-2B model.Conclusion:6-Gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin can reduce ROS generation and increase MMP,but have different regulatory effects on the expression of autophagy protein and mitochondrial mitotic protein.The three components have both synergistic and complementary effects in classic medicine compatibility.This study may provide an innovative strategy to reduce the lung inflammation related to IL-13.
文摘AIM：To identify the effects of interleukin（IL）-13 on retinal pigment epithelial（RPE） cells and the IL-13 level in aqueous humor of age-related macular degeneration（AMD） patients.METHODS：IL-13 levels in aqueous humor specimens from AMD patients were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）.ARPE-19 cells were treated with 10 ng/m L IL-13 for 12,24,and 48 h.The cell proliferaton was evaluated by the MTS method.The m RNA and protein levels of α-SMA and ZO-1 were evaluated with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction（q RT-PCR） and Western blot respectively.The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）,transforming growth factor-β（TGF-β） and vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF） were assessed by ELISA.RESU LTS：IL-13 levels in the aqueous humor of patients with AMD were significantly higher than those in the control（167.33±17.64 vs 27.12±5.65 pg/m L;P〈0.01）.In vit ro,IL-13 of high concentrations（10,15,and 20 ng/m L） inhibited ARPE-19 cell proliferation.α-SMA m RNA in ARPE-19 cell were increased（1.017±0.112 vs 1.476±0.168;P〈0.001） and ZO-1 decreased（1.051±0.136 vs 0.702±0.069;P〈0.001） after treated with 10 ng/m L IL-13 for 48 h.The protein expression of α-SMA and ZO-1 also showed the same tendency（α-SMA：P=0.038;ZO-1：P=0.008）.IL-13 significantly reduced the level of TNF-α（44.70±1.67 vs 31.79±3.53 pg/m L;P=0.005） at 48 h,but the le vel of TGF-β2 was significantly increased from 34.44±2.92 to 57.61±6.31 pg/m L at 24h（P=0.004） and from 61.26±1.11 to 86.91±3.59 pg/m L at 48h（P〈0.001）.While expressions of VEGF didn＇t change after IL-13 treatment.CONCLUSION：IL-13 in vitr o inhibit ARPE-19 cell proliferation and expression in the aqueous may be associated with AMD.
文摘The changes in the levels of serum interleukin-13 (IL-13) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their clinical significance were investigated. Sandwich ELISA was used to determine the levels of serum IL-13 and NGF in 35 SLE patients and 15 normal controls. The results showed that the levels of serum IL-13 (92.69±9.87 pg/ml) and NGF (339.69±25.60 pg/ml) in active SLE patients were significantly higher than those in inactive SLE patients (IL-13, 54.22±9.31 pg/ml; NGF, 300.89±33.51 pg/ml)(P<0.01). The inactive patients also had significantly increased serum levels of IL-13 and NGF as compared with normal controls (IL-13, 35.20±12.70 pg/ml; NGF, 111.40±32.54 pg/ml; P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the serum IL-13 levels were correlated with disease activity index of SLE (SLEDAI), ESR and serum levels of C_3 (r= 0.813, 0.504, -0.605, respectively). The serum NGF levels were also correlated with above markers (r=0.442, 0.338, -0.463, respectively). The serum levels of IL-13 and NGF had a positive correlation (r=0.506, P<0.01). It was suggested that IL-13 and NGF might be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE and closely correlated with disease activity.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundational of China(Key Program),No.U24A20692(to CJZ)the National Natural Science Foundational of China,Nos.82101414(to MLJ),82371355(to CJZ)+4 种基金the National Natural Science Foundational of China for Excellent Young Scholars,No.82022019(to CJZ)Sichuan Special Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars,No.24NSFJQ0052(to CJZ)The Innovation and Entrepreneurial Team of Sichuan Tianfu Emei Program,No.CZ2024018(to CJZ)Funding for Distinguished Young Scholars of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital,No.30420230005(to CJZ)Funding for Distinguished Young Scholars of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China,No.A1098531023601381(to CJZ)。
文摘The interleukin-17 family is the key group of cytokines and displays a broad spectrum of biological functions,including regulating the inflammatory cascade in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases,such as multiple sclerosis,neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder,myasthenia gravis,Guillain–Barre syndrome,acute disseminated encephalomyelitis,diabetes,inflammatory skin diseases,joint inflammation,and cancer.Although the function of the interleukin-17 family has attracted increasing research attention over many years,the expression,function,and regulation mechanisms of different interleukin-17 members are complicated and still only partially understood.Currently,the interleukin-17A pathway is considered a critical therapeutic target for numerous immune and chronic inflammatory diseases,with several monoclonal antibodies against interleukin-17A having been successfully used in clinical practice.Whether other interleukin-17 members have the potential to be targeted in other diseases is still debated.This review first summarizes the recent advancements in understanding the physicochemical properties,physiological functions,cellular origins,and downstream signaling pathways of different members and corresponding receptors of the interleukin-17 family.Subsequently,the function of interleukin-17 in various immune diseases is discussed,and the important role of interleukin-17 in the pathological process of immune diseases is demonstrated from multiple perspectives.Then,the current status of targeted interleukin-17 therapy is summarized,and the effectiveness and safety of targeted interleukin-17 therapy are analyzed.Finally,the clinical application prospects of targeting the interleukin-17 pathway are discussed.
文摘Background Airway remodeling is the specific pathological characteristics of asthma, which is related to the clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and airway hyperreactivity. This study aimed at exploring the effects of dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen-specific immunotherapy （SIT） on the serum interleukin （IL）-13 and pulmonary functions in asthmatic children. Methods Fifty-eight pediatric asthma patients allergic to dust mite participated in this study. Thirty-five children received SIT with a standardized dermatophgoides pteronyssinus extract for one year （SIT group）, and the other 23 children treated with inhaled corticosteroids （ICS group） according to the Global Initiative for Asthma （GINA） for one year. Serum levels of IL-13, IL-4 and interferon （IFN）-γ were examined and the pulmonary functions were checked before and after the treatment. Results After the treatment, the number of emergency visiting for asthma attack in SIT group was significantly less than that in ICS group. The serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 were clearly reduced, IFN-γ and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 were significantly increased, the pulmonary functions （forced vital capacity （FVC）, forced expiratory volume in one second percentage （FEV1%） and peak expiratory flow percentage （PEF%） were significantly improved in the SIT group. Meanwhile, IFN-γ and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 were greatly increased, but serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 had less changes, the pulmonary functions （FVC, FEV1% and PEF%） were poorly improved in ICS group. The basic pulmonary functions in both groups were at the same level, which had made more improvement in SIT group than in ICS group one year later. Conclusions One year of dermatophagoides pteronyssinus SIT can significantly reduce the frequencies of emergency visiting for asthma attack and improve the pulmonary functions of children with allergic asthma, and that is attributed to SIT, which can reduce the levels of IL-4 and IL-13 and regulate the imbalance of the Th1/Th2 cells in asthmatic children. All of these might be effective in preventing the asthmatic airway from remodeling.
