Changes of peripheral blood lymphocyte subtypes in patients with end stage cancer administered localized radiotherapy and Bojungikki-Tang (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang)

Source:
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 2014 (2014) http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/207613
Localized radiotherapy (RT) can cause immune dysfunction. Bojungikki-tang (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang in Mandarin) is known to restore immune function. We investigated the absolute counts and percentages of peripheral blood (PB) lymphocyte subtypes in end stage cancer patients before and after RT and after oral administration of Bojungikki-tang water extract (BJITE) and to evaluate the changes mediated by RT and BJITE.
Absolute counts and percentages of lymphocyte and lymphocyte subsets were determined in whole blood using the TetraONE System (Beckman Coulter, USA). Flow cytometry results were compared before and after RT and after administration of BJITE. Absolute numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells decreased significantly after RT. Absolute numbers of CD3-CD56+ cells did not change in both groups.
No significant differences were observed in the absolute counts of lymphocyte subtypes before and after administration of BJITE or vitamin group. When BJITE group was compared with vitamin group, absolute numbers of CD19+ B cells increased. RT-induced decrease in T cells and B cells in PB suggests that immune deterioration occurs after RT. Administration of BJITE might be effective in the restoration of number of B cells.
Bojungikki-tang is known to restore immune functions and to improve anti-tumor activity. It is usually indicated for patients with general weakness and anemia. Palliative RT relieves clinical symptoms in advanced cancer patients but it can also cause immunological changes. In the present study, we have investigated the percentages and absolute counts of PB lymphocytes and lymphocyte subtypes in patients with end stage cancer administered localized radiotherapy and Bojungikki-tang.
In our study, total lymphocyte in counts and percentages of lymphocytes did not change after palliative RT in both groups. This is contrast to the results of the earlier study of radiation-induced lymphocytopenia. This is probably due to differences of radiation dose and interval.
Conclusions
In conclusion, RT-induced decrease in helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and B cells in PB suggests that immune deterioration occurs after RT. Administration of BJITE might be effective in the restoration of number of B cells.