Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe standard treatment for condyloma acuminatum is topical imiquimod. In the current study, we used a mouse model to compare the effects of an herbal medication PaiTeLing. METHODSLesion tissue was obtained from a woman with genital condyloma acuminatum. DNA genotyping revealed HPV6, 31, and 81. Tissue prism (0.5 cm3) was implanted to BALB/C nude mice, 22 days after the implantation, mice began to receive topical treatment with imiquimod, interferon--2b gel, or PaiTeLing over the site of implantation for 2 consecutive weeks. Mice receiving tissue implantation but no other intervention was included as a control. Skin tissue was collected for H&E staining and anti-CD207 immunohistochemistry. Blood was collected to determine a panel of cytokines. RESULTSH&E staining showed lower number of koilocytes and higher number of Langerhans cells in the treatment groups, particularly in mice receiving imiquimod or PaiTeLing. Blood levels of TNF, IL-2, INF-{gamma} and IL-12p70 were increased in the treatment groups, particularly in mice receiving imiquimod or PaiTeLing. CONCLUSIONImmune response in nude mice infected with HPV6, 31, and 81 is enhanced by treatment with imiquimod, interferon--2b and PaiTeLing. Effects of imiquimod and PaiTeLing seems to be stronger than interferon--2b.