Effect of Traumeel S on cytokine profile in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) sepsis model in rats

Long non-coding RNA-HOTAIR promotes the progression of sepsis by acting as a sponge of miR-211 to induce IL-6R expression

Sepsis remains the primary cause of death in intensive care units and multiple long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be dysregulated in samples of patients with sepsis. However, whether lncRNA-HOTAIR is involved in the etiology of sepsis remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of HOTAIR in sepsis and to reveal the associated mechanisms. A bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to evaluate the interaction between HOTAIR and miR-211, as well as miR-211 and IL-6R. An animal model of sepsis was established in mice via cecal ligation and puncture. Interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, IL-6 receptor (R), microRNA (miR)-211 and HOTAIR expression was measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Cellular proliferation and apoptosis of monocytes were assessed using cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. miR-211 was revealed to be targeted by HOTAIR and IL-6R. The expression of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6R and HOTAIR was significantly upregulated in the septic mice, whereas miR-211 expression was downregulated. The overexpression of hox transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) and knockdown of miR-211 were associated with an increased expression of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6R in monocytes, while the overexpression of miR-211 exhibited the opposite effect. HOTAIR overexpression and miR-211 knockdown significantly inhibited cellular proliferation and promoted monocyte apoptosis, whereas the overexpression of miR-211 exhibited the opposite effects in monocytes. Therefore, HOTAIR may promote the progression of sepsis by indirectly regulating the expression of IL-6R via miR-211.

Immunologische Ex-vivo-Untersuchung zur Wirkung potenzierter Substanzen bei parodontaler Entzündung unter Verwendung der Durchflusszytometrie

<b><i>Hintergrund:</i></b> Bei der Behandlung parodontaler Entzündungen werden in der Versorgungspraxis auch homöopathische Mittel eingesetzt. Noch ist weniger über deren grundlegende Wirkprinzipien bekannt. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es daher, die Auswirkungen potenzierter Substanzen bei parodonta­ler Entzündung mittels Durchflusszytometrie zu untersuchen. <b><i>Material und Methoden:</i></b> Lymphozyten aus Blutproben von drei Parodontitis-Patienten und drei gematchten gesunden Probanden wurden extrahiert und mit stark verdünnten wässrigen Extrakten (D12 und C200) aus Mercurius solubilis, Silicea, Sulphur, Tuberculinum oder Placebo inkubiert. Um die Lymphozytenexpression zu untersuchen, wurde die Durchflusszytometrie für CD45R0- und CD25-Antikörper angewandt. Die statistische Analyse wurde unter Verwendung von Histogramm- und bivariaten Dot-Plot-Analysen durchgeführt. <b><i>Ergebnisse:</i></b> Veränderungen der Expression von CD25 und CD45R0 wurden bei Mercurius C200, Mercurius D12, Silicea D12 und Sulphur D12 beobachtet. Mit 36,47% zeigte Sulphur D12 die höchsten Veränderungen in der CD45R0-Expression zwischen Verum und Placebo bei den Parodontitis-Patienten. Die CD25-Expression war in Mercurius D12 mit 18,68% am höchsten. Aufgrund der hohen Variabilität konnten die Ergebnisse jedoch nicht durch statistische Analysen untermauert werden. <b><i>Diskussion:</i></b> Diese Studie konnte zeigen, wie Effekte hoch verdünnter Substanzen mit modernen immunologischen Methoden analysiert werden können. Obwohl die Schlussfolgerungen aufgrund der hohen Variabilität der Lymphozytenexpression begrenzt sind, könnten die Ergebnisse dieser Pilotstu­die weitere Untersuchungen anregen.

New horizon in the treatment of sepsis: a systematic review of alternative medicine

BackgroundDespite great advancement in treatment of sepsis, mortality of sepsis remains unacceptably high, even with the modern antibiotic and intensive care technologies. Considering the key role of immune dysfunction in sepsis pathophysiology, different treatments were evaluated, but failed to improve survival of patients. Natural remedies have been tested in various studies to overcome sepsis. In this study, we aim to review some of the evidence from clinical, in vitro and in vivo studies about the effect of alternative medicine on sepsis management. MethodsThe following databases were searched up to March 2014: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid and Google Scholar using combination of Mesh term. All in vitro and in vivo studies, also clinical trials, published in English, which evaluated alternative medicine in management of sepsis were included. Results Out of 95 relevant studies, the inclusion criteria were met for 79 cases. Among them, 18 studies were performed on humans. The most herbal medicine, including Xubijing (n=10) and then Rhubarb (n=3). Most of the reviewed botanical medicines modulate the immune system. Reduction of mortality was also reported in studies. ConclusionsModulation of immune system, anti-inflammatory activities and improvement of survival were the action of herbal medicine. A monovalent approach is not enough for treatment of sepsis, we recommend further studies to identify active component of herbal and use them in combination. Also an animal model of sepsis does not exactly mimic human sepsis, so more clinical studies should be performed. With no new drug on the horizon, herbal medicine will be promising for treatment of sepsis.

Effects of Traumeel (Tr14) on Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Response in Healthy Subjects: A Double-Blind RCT

The present double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial intended to test whether ingestion of a natural combination medicine (Tr14 tablets) affects serum muscle damage and inflammatory immune response after downhill running. 96 male subjects received Tr14 tablets, which consist of 14 diluted biological and mineral components, or a placebo for 72 h after the exercise test, respectively. Changes in postexercise levels of various serum muscle damage and immunological markers were investigated. The area under the curve with respect to the increase (AUCi) of perceived pain score and creatine kinase (CK) were defined as primary outcome measures. While for CK the p value of the difference between the two groups is borderline, the pain score and muscle strength were not statistically significant. However, a trend towards lower levels of muscle damage (CK, p = 0.05; LDH, p = 0.06) in the Tr14 group was shown. Less pronounced lymphopenia (p = 0.02), a trend towards a lower expression of CD69 count (p = 0.07), and antigen-stimulated ICAM-1 (p = 0.01) were found in the verum group. The Tr14 group showed a tendentially lower increase of neutrophils (p = 0.10), BDNF (p = 0.03), stem cell factor (p = 0.09), and GM-CSF (p = 0.09) to higher levels. The results of the current study indicate that Tr14 seems to limit exercise-induced muscle damage most likely via attenuation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01912469).

[Lymphocyte migration under exposure of homeopathic remedies for periodontal inflammation - a controlled pilot study]

BACKGROUND

Several homeopathic remedies are applied in the treatment of periodontal inflammation. However, little is known about their basic active principles. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the effects of homeopathic drugs in periodontal inflammation by observing lymphocyte migration activity in vitro.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Lymphocytes from blood samples of 3 periodontitis patients and 3 matched healthy volunteers were extracted and embedded in collagen matrix migration assays together with highly diluted (D12 and C200) aqueous extracts from Mercurius solubilis, Silicea, Sulphur, Tuberculinum, or placebo. Lymphocyte migration and lymphocyte speed were observed in a 60-min time frame. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate statistics and SiZer time series analysis.

RESULTS

While C-dilutions did not reveal clear differences between placebo and substances, strong effects were observed in D-dilutions compared to placebo. The strongest effects were achieved in lymphocytes exposed to Sulfur D12. While most specific effects were observed in Sulphur D12 showing an activating effect on periodontitis patient lymphocytes (mean activity: 11,1% (placebo) vs. 23,8% (verum)), there was no effect in healthy volunteers (25,8% (placebo) vs. 25,6% (verum)). SiZer analysis confirmed this effect to be significant.

CONCLUSION

The basic active principles of highly diluted substances are still a matter of controversial debate. Although conclusions are limited due to low sample size, results from our pilot study might encourage further investigations on the role of highly diluted Sulphur in the treatment of periodontitis. Apart from a reproduction study with Sulphur, other immunological experiments, i.e. the investigation of cell limes via flow cytometry, should be performed to underpin these results.