Effects of PQL on levels of immunal proteins, C3, C4 and expressions of CD4, CD8, and CD25 on lymphocytes of peripherial blood in patients with breast carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy

Objective: To evaluate the effects of panaxatriol in quinquefolium leaf (PQL) on immune functions in the patients with breast carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy. Methods: Thirty patients with breast carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy were randomly divided into 2 groups: panaxatriol treatment group (n=17) and control group (n=13). All patients in panaxatriol treatment group were administrated with PQL as well as radiotherapy, no administration in control group. After radiotherapy with 40 Gy, the white cells count and IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, and C4 values, and the percentages of CD4+, CD8+, CD25+ and lymphocyte transformation rate of peripheral blood in the patients were examined. Results: There were (4.02 ± 0.67) x 109 ·L-1 and (6.17 ± 1.20) x 109 ·L-1 white blood cells, respectively, in control and PQL groups. The lymphocyte transformation rate of peripheral blood were 7966 ± 1562 in the control group, while 18035 ± 1577 in PQL group, which was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.001). The percentages of CD8+ and CD25+ T lymphocytes in PQL group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05, P<0.001). Conclusion: The PQL could enhance the cellular immune function in patients with breast carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy. (authors)