ObjectiveTo analyze the relation between regulatory T cell (Treg)/ helper T cell 17 (Th17) imbalance and the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP) and to explore the relation between Treg/Th17 cell imbalance and helper T cells 1, helper T cells 2 and cytokines in patients with AP, so as to provide a new therapeutic target for immunotherapy of AP. Methods From January to December 2020, 40 patients diagnosed with AP ( AP group) in The People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and 40 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination (normal control group) during the same period in this hospital were selected as the research objects. Their peripheral bloods were collected and the proportion of Treg and Th17 cells was detected by flow cytometry. Plasma levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were detected. Results Compared with the normal control group, the proportions of Treg and Th17 cells increased before treatment in the AP group, the differences were statistically significant (t=5.78, P<0.001; t=5.82, P<0.001). The levels of IL-10 and IL-17 increased, the differences were statistically significant (t=7.14, P<0.001; t=35.22, P<0.001). After treatment, the AP group as compared with the normal control group, the proportions of Treg and Th17 cells increased but the differences were not statistically significant (t=1.87, P>0.05; t=0.29, P>0.05), the level of IL-10 increased and the difference was statistically significant (t=3.98, P<0.001), the level of IL-17 increased but the difference was not statistically significant (t=1.67, P>0.05). After treatment as compared with before treatment in the AP group, the proportions of Treg and Th17 cells decreased, the differences were statistically significant (t=3.07, P<0.01; t=4.99, P<0.001). The levels of IL-10 and IL-17 decreased, the differences were statistically significant (t=3.38, P<0.001; t=30.63, P<0.001). Conclusion In AP, Treg cells mediate immunosuppression and Th17 cells mediate inflammatory response, promoting the occurrence and development of inflammation in the disease. IL-10 and IL-17 may play an important role in regulating their differentiation and homeostasis.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which predominantly affects middle-aged and elderly individuals, is associated with a significantly reduced quality of life and often triggers various other pulmonary conditions. Lung cancer, as one of the most prevalent and deadly pulmonary malignancies worldwide, poses a severe threat to global public health. The risk of developing lung cancer is markedly higher in COPD patients compared to the general population, indicating numerous associations between the two conditions that warrant in-depth investigation. Although a substantial body of research has explored the relationship between COPD and lung cancer, studies focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying their connection remain limited. This article reviews the latest research progress on the mechanisms of COPD complicated by lung cancer from four perspectives: the role of chronic pulmonary inflammation, programmed cell death, genetic and molecular interactions, and dysbiosis of the pulmonary microbiome. The aim is to provide new insights and references for the prevention and therapeutic strategies of COPD complicated by lung cancer.
ObjectivesTo analyze the development of acupuncture registered trials based on WHO international clinical trial registration platform (ICTRP) in the past 5 years.MethodsWHO ICTRP database was electronically searched to collect acupuncture-related clinical trials registered from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2018. Two reviewers independently screened items, extracted data, and descriptive analysis was performed for the included trials.ResultsThe results showed that there were 1 556 registered clinical trials on acupuncture, and the most registered year was 2017. China was in the main country in applying for acupuncture-related clinical trials, however, the most registered unit was Kyung Hee University in Korea. The trials were mainly interventional research, mostly used randomized, blinded methods, and design modes were mainly based on parallel trials. In clinical trial phase, the majority were in the clinical trial period of treatment of new technologies. The field of clinical research was expected to be on pain in the future.ConclusionsAlthough acupuncture research is currently in a good stage of development, it should still value on the quality and innovative training of relevant trials, strengthen Chinese ties with other countries, focus on regional, domestic and international cooperation, expand research types, and enhance acupuncture applicability.