Immunomodulatory effect of compound Xuelian capsule on experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis in mice

Abstract

Introduction

This study aimed to explore the immunomodulatory effects of Xuelian capsules in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) mice.

Methods

Female C57BL/6 mice were immunized with AChR-α subunit R97–116 peptide to induce EAMG. Mice were randomized into five groups: EAMG model (n = 8), prednisone (n = 7), and low-, middle-, and high-dose Xuelian capsule groups (n = 7, 7, 8). Hematological parameters and NLR were assessed using an automatic hematology analyzer. Serum AchR-Ab, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 levels were measured by ELISA. Thymus pathology was evaluated by HE staining. Spleen mRNA levels of TGF-β, IL-17, IL-6, IFN-γ were quantified by qPCR, and spleen cell populations by flow cytometry.

Results

Xuelian capsules significantly reduced the ratio of NLR in peripheral blood, the concentration of AchR-Ab, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in serum, the expression of TGF-β, IL-17, IL-6, and IFN-γ in the spleen, and the proportion of CD4+/IL-4+ and CD4+/IFN-γ+ cells in the spleen, while increasing the concentration of IL-10 in the serum and the proportion of CD4+/Treg cells in the spleen. It also improved pathological changes in the thymus tissue of mice.

Discussion

One of the possible mechanisms of Xuelian capsules in the treatment of myasthenia gravis is to improve the pathological structure of the thymus of EAMG mice by inhibiting inflammatory factors and improving immunity, which then affects the occurrence and development of inflammation to achieve anti-inflammation, thus improving myasthenia gravis (MG).