Effects of Sairei-to and Tokishakuyaku-san on cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells upon recognition of HLA-G protein in the treatment of recurrent abortion

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G has been shown to play a role in establishi ng pregnancy through the mechanism of modulating cytokine secretion from ma ternal lymphocytes. To elucidate the mechanisms of actions of the herbal me dicines, Sairei-to and Tokishakukuyaku-sun in th treatment of recurrent abo rtion, we investigated whether these medicines modulate cytokine secretion from peripheral blood mononuclear- cells (PBMCs) upon recognition of HM-G p rotein on trophoblasts. Sairei-to and Tokishakuyaku-san increased the inter leukin (IL)- I beta and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha secretion and de creased the IL-3 secretion from PBMCs, regardless of whether these cells re cognised HLA-G protein or not. According, Sairei-to nullified the effects o f HLA-G to reduce the secretion of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha and to enhance t he secretion of IL-3. Tokishakuyaku-san also abolished the effect of HLA-G to reduce IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha secretion but not affect the increase in IL-3 secretion. Thus, it is conceivable that Sairei-to may normalize Th1/Th 2 balance by enhancing Th1 polarization in autoimmunity-related recurrent a bortion in which Th1/Th2 balance might be shifted towards Th2 polarization. However, the mechanisms of action of Tokishakuyaku-san when used in treati ng unexplained recurrent abortion, cannot be explained only by the Th1/Th2. (C) 1991 Prous Science. All rights reserved.