Abstract
Prunella vulgaris (PV), a perennial herb, has been used to treat thyroid diseases in China for over 2,000 years. In particular, its therapeutic effect has been described for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, including reducing titers autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin of and T helper 17 (Th17) cells. However, the underlying mechanism for how PV exerts such effects has not been investigated. We examined the effects of PV on innate immune activation, which is thought to be one of the triggers for the development of autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In cultured thyrocytes, PV reduced mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines that were originally induced as a result of innate immune activation initiated by transfection of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) or dsRNA. PV suppressed activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), and suppressed corresponding promoter activation, which were initially activated by dsDNA or dsRNA. PV also suppressed the mRNA levels of molecules responsible for antigen processing and presentation, and PV protected thyrocytes from apoptosis induced by dsDNA and dsRNA. Additionally, PV suppressed the expression of genes involved in iodide uptake and oxidation. Taken together, these results suggest that PV exerts its protective effect on thyrocytes by suppressing both innate and adaptive immune responses and cell death. PV may also protect cells from iodide-associated oxidative injury. This report is among the first to identify the mechanisms to explain PV’s beneficial effects in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Highlights
Prunella vulgaris (PV) is an herbaceous plant in the genus Prunella
PV Abolishes mRNA Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines Induced by doublestranded DNA (dsDNA) or dsRNA
In addition to the infiltrating T cells, we previously showed that the thyrocytes themselves can produce various cytokines in response to dsDNA or dsRNA [10, 12, 14], playing an active role in thyroid inflammation and the development of autoimmunity
Summary
Prunella vulgaris (PV) is an herbaceous plant in the genus Prunella. The young leaves and stems can be eaten raw in salads, and the spikes are dried, powdered and brewed for use in beverages or as herbal medicine. PV’s anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects have been recognized during the long-term practice of traditional Chinese medicine [1]. It is prescribed to treat headache, PV Modulates Thyroid Immune Response vertigo, mastitis, hyperplasia of mammary glands, lymphadenopathy, hyperthyroidism and thyroid goiters, in forms of topical ointments, oral liquid and capsules [2, 3]. PV in liquid or in capsules, in combination with Western medicines (e.g. levothyroxine, indomethacin or prednisone), has been used to treat patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It has been shown that PV significantly improved titers of TPO-Ab and TG-Ab, and the proportion of T helper 17 (Th17) cells among CD4+ T cell populations, compared with Western medicines alone [4,5,6,7,8]. The underlying mechanisms for its therapeutic effects are poorly understood
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
