The Effects of Tibetan Medicine Renqing Changjue Extracts on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in a Mouse Model.

OBJECTIVES

Renqing Changjue (RQCJ) is a form of Tibetan medicine recognized for its immunomodulatory effects. However, the underlying mechanisms through which it exerts these effects remain to be elucidated.

METHODS

We randomly divided 180 male Kunming mice into five groups: control, model (CTX), and high-, medium-, low-dose RQCJ (RQCJH, RQCJM, and RQCJL respectively). The mice received appropriate medications for 15 days. We measured body weight, thymus, spleen index, immune-related cytokines, T cells, and antibodies to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects. Finally, the impact of RQCJ on immunocompromised mice was examined using spleen transcriptome sequencing analysis.

RESULTS

The RQCJ can significantly enhance immune function by regulating specific and non-specific immunity. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant changes in the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, TNF signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interactions, and Chagas disease within the RQCJH group. The Jag1 and Tgtp1 genes showed significant upregulation and demonstrated noteworthy correlations with the proportions of T-cell subsets and levels of cytokine expression. Additionally, these genes, along with Rtp4, Irf7, Dhx58, Il1b, Ifi44, and Ifi35 may be the important gene targets for the action of RQCJ.

CONCLUSION

This study provides new insights into the mechanisms by which RQCJ modulates immune responses, offering theoretical foundations for tumor treatment and clinical application.