The effect of Jiaweidaochi powder on Th1/Th2 in rats with recurrent aphthous ulcer

To elucidate the effect of Jiaweidaochi powder on the Th1/Th2 ratio in rats with recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU). 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were included in this study, randomly divided into a control group, a model group, and three treatment groups (0.5 g/ ml, 1 g/ml, 2 g/ml Jiaweidaochi powder). The RAU model of rats was established by autoantigen injection. The effects of Jiaweidaochi powder on the expression of INFG, IL-4, TBX21, and GATA3 mRNA were detected by real-time PCR. The expression of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IFN-γ/IL-4 proteins in oral ulcer tissue and serum of rats were analyzed by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. The proportion of Th1 cells and Th2 cells in RAU rats was analyzed by flow cytometry. Jiaweidaochi powder reduced the number, diameter, and duration of oral ulcers in RAU rats. Real-time PCR showed that middle and high-dose Jiaweidaochi powder decreased the expression of INFG TBX21 mRNA and increased the expression of IL-4 and GATA3 mRNA in the oral tissue of RAU rats. ELISA and western blot confirmed that the expression of IFN-γ protein was significantly decreased, and the level of IL-4 protein was increased both in oral tissue and serum of RAU rats treated with middle or high doses of Jiaweidaochi powder. Flow cytometry found that the Jiaweidaochi powder decreased the proportion of Th1 cells and increased the proportion of Th2 cells in RAU rats. This study found that Jiaweidaochi powder promoted the balance of Th1/Th2 in RAU rats, contributing to the healing of RAU. •Jiaweidaochi powder can promote the healing of recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) in rats.•Jiaweidaochi powder can reduce the proportion of Th1 cells, and increase the proportion of Th2 cells in RAU rats.•Jiaweidaochi powder can promote the balance of Th1/Th2 cells in RAU rats.