Abstract: AIM: To explore the immunologic effect of extra bacillus calmette guerin(EBCG)on asthmatic patients.METHODS: 58 asthmatic patients in acute exacerbation were randomly enrolled into two groups:EBCG group(n=34)and control group(n=24).Before treatment,the levels of interleukin-4(IL-4)and interleukin-12(IL-12)in blood plasma were examined in both groups.The patients in EBCG groupinhaled budesonide aerosol according to asthmatic ladder treatment program and injected with EBCG.Spasmolytic could be used if necessary(excluding theophylline).The patients in control grouponly used budesonide aerosol and spasmolytic.The level of IL-4 and IL-12 in blood plasma were determined again after three months.RESULTS: After the drug intervention,the level of IL-4 significantly decreased in EBCG group(29.0±5.6 vs 22.6±6.5 ng·L^-1,P<0.05),but IL-12 concentrations in plasma markedly increased(37.2±4.6 vs 51.7±10.7 ng ·L^-1,p<0.05).In control group,the level of IL-4 decreased from(29.7±5.1)to(26.4±4.9)ng·L^-1(p<0.05),but IL-12 concentrations did not significantly change(p>0.05).Before drug intervention,no significant differences were found between two groups in IL-4 and IL-12concentrations;However,there were markedly differences after drug intervention(p<0.05).CONCLUSION: EBCG can restrain the secretion of IL-4 and contribute to the secretion of IL-12 in asthmatic patients.

Key words: extra bacillus calmette guerin, asthma, interleukin-4, interleukin-12