Changes in pharmacist's recommendations of over-the-counter treatments for the common cold during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The common cold is one of the most frequently occurring illnesses worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine which OTC anti-common cold medications were most often recommended by pharmacists and if the COVID-19 pandemic affected such recommendations. METHODS: Non-interventional, observational research trial using a self-developed questionnaire to collect data on pharmacists' recommendations for anti-common cold OTC treatment. The data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic (December 2021-February 2022) in four large community network pharmacies in Lodz (Poland) and then compared with an analogue period of time before the pandemic (December 2019-February 2020). RESULTS: During COVID-19 pandemic there was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, metamizole magnesium, inosines, alpha-mimetics, mucolytics, homeopathics, and sore throat products and an increase in other tablets/capsules and add-on product recommendations. There was a significant relationship (p < 0.05, OR > 1) between the recommended frequency of paracetamol, inosines, sore throat products (each symptom), metamizole magnesium (headache, fever), acetylsalicylic acid (headache, fever, fatigue), NSAIDs, alpha-mimetics (headache, rhinorrhea), pseudoephedrine (rhinorrhea), homeopathics (headache), herbal products (fatigue), antihistamines (rhinorrhea, cough), and mucolytics (headache, fever, cough). CONCLUSIONS: Favorable prices (before COVID-19 pandemic) and reports on common NSAIDs side effects (beginning of the pandemic) led to high sale of paracetamol. Increased awareness of clinical effectiveness of some medications or their reduced availability influenced their limited recommendations.

Comparison of the effects of active and passive smoking of tobacco cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems and tobacco heating products on the expression and secretion of oxidative stress and inflammatory response markers. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This work attempts to summarize current knowledge on the effects of active and passive smoking of cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems and tobacco heating products on the expression and secretion of oxidative stress and inflammatory response mediators, and on their possible impact on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature was searched by the terms: 'smoking', 'active smoking', 'passive smoking', 'main-stream smoke', 'side-stream smoke', 'secondhand smoke', 'cigarette' 'THP', 'tobacco heating product', 'ENDS', 'electronic nicotine delivery system', 'e-cigarette', 'electronic cigarette', oxidative stress', inflammatory response' and 'gene expression'. RESULTS: Cigarette smoking (active and passive) induces oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the airways. We present the effect of active smoking of e-cigarettes (EC) and heat-not-burn (HnB) products on the increased expression and secretion of oxidative stress and inflammatory response markers. However, there is only a limited number of studies on the effect of their second-hand smoking, and those available mainly describe aerosol composition. DISCUSSION: The literature provides data which confirm that active and passive cigarette smoking induces oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the airways and is a key risk factor of COPD development. Currently, there is a limited number of data about ENDS and THP active and passive smoking effects on the health of smokers and never-smokers. It is particularly important to assess the effect of such products during long-term use by never-smokers who choose them as the first type of cigarettes, and for never-smokers who are passively exposed to their aerosol.

Skin infections during dupilumab monotherapy in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis - a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: Atopic dermatitis (AD) increases the risk of bacterial and viral cutaneous infections. This study assesses the risk of skin infections related to dupilumab monotherapy in moderate-to-severe AD. METHODS: We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library. For gray literature, Google Scholar was searched. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for overall skin infections, eczema herpeticum, nonherpetic skin infections and subgroup meta-analysis based on overall herpetic infection type was performed. RESULTS: We observed a statistically significant (p < 0.005) lower incidence rate in the dupilumab group compared to placebo for overall skin infections (Risk Ratio [RR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.47, 0.75], P < 0.0001) and nonherpetic skin infections (RR = 0.42, 95% CI: [0.27, 0.66], P = 0.0001). For herpetic infections in 2b phase studies a meta-analysis demonstrated significantly higher events in dupilumab group compared to placebo (RR = 3.38, 95% CI: [1.98, 5.76], P < 0.00001, test for subgroup differences: P = 0.02, I2 = 65.6%). CONCLUSIONS: In moderate-to-severe AD, dupilumab in monotherapy may be an effective and safe therapeutic approach, not associated with an increased risk of overall skin infections and nonherpetic skin infections. Due to the lack of statistical significance in heterogeneity associated with potential confounders in some cases, results should be interpreted cautiously. REGISTRATION: The meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO, ID: CRD42023441346.

Improvement of asthma control in adult patients using extrafine inhaled beclomethasone/formoterol fixed combination as maintenance therapy as well as maintenance and reliever therapy - CONTROL study.

INTRODUCTION: Extrafine formulation of beclomethasone/formoterol fixed combination (BDP/F pMDI HFA) is approved for both fixed maintenance and maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) of asthma, and recent data has proven that BDP/F pMDI HFA maintenance and reliever therapy is an effective alternative to other regimens. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the level of asthma control in a real-life setting in adult patients using extrafine BDP/F pMDI HFA fixed combination in a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) as fixed maintenance dosing as well as maintenance and maintenance and reliever therapy. Additionally, we examined patients' satisfaction with the inhaler device and compliance with therapy as essential factors determining asthma control. METHODS: This multicenter prospective non-interventional observational study lasted 4 months with 3 patient visits. We used the Asthma Control Questionnaire 7 (ACQ-7) to evaluate the degree of asthma control and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4) to assess compliance. A self-developed questionnaire was used to assess satisfaction with the inhaler device. RESULTS: 2179 patients using BDP/F pMDI HFA fixed combination as maintenance and reliever therapy or BDP/F pMDI HFA as maintenance therapy and SABA (short-acting beta2-agonist) as a reliever for at least 2 months were included. During the prospective follow-up, we observed an upward trend in the FEV1% (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) predicted values, improvement in the control of symptoms as indicated by a decline in the mean ACQ-7 score was noted (1.62 at Visit 1 vs. 1.21 at Visit 2 vs. 0.94 at Visit 3, p < 0.001) and increase in patients' compliance (the number of patients that reported forgetting at times to take their medication was reduced from 49.7 % to 27.1 %, p < 0.001). At the same time, we noted a reduction in the number of as-needed doses used for symptom relief (p < 0.001). Most patients were satisfied with the pMDI, considered it easy and convenient to use, and preferred it to a dry powder inhaler (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of extrafine BDP/F pMDI HFA as maintenance as well as reliever therapy seems to be associated with increased asthma control and better compliance to therapy.

Was China's zero-COVID policy the right choice? The multiple factor analysis of variables that affected the course of COVID-19 pandemic in China.

Background: After 3 years of the COVID-19 pandemic and zero-COVID policy, a rapid increase in the number of daily COVID-19 infections was observed in China from November to December 2022. Therefore, we decided to analyze the factors that have been related to the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods: The multiple factor analysis was conducted, using the data from publicly available databases from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to 30 January 2023. Results: Our study showed that each year of the pandemic in China had different profiles and can be described by different variables: year 2020 was characterized by restrictions, such as international travel controls, stay at home requirements, and health system policies including contact tracing and protection of older adults; year 2021 was characterized by Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants; 2022 was characterized by new cases per million, Omicron lineages, and a few restrictions-related variables; and year 2023 was mainly described by the number of new deaths per million and Omicron variant 22B (BA.5) but also by testing and vaccination policies, as well as the number of people fully vaccinated per 100 and total boosters per 100. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed over time. Therefore, the anti-pandemic policies implemented must be dynamic and adapted to the current situation.

The potential immunomodulatory role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of asthma: an in vitro study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Bacteroides vulgatus (BV), Clostridium perfringens (CP), Parabacteroides distasonis (PD) and Ruminococcus albus (RA) lysates on secretion of selected cytokines by PBMC, MDM and HT-29 cells, as well as to determine the potential mechanisms of their action in the development of asthma. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to analyze the effect of BV, CP, PD and RA lysates on the secretion of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α by human PBMC, MDM and HT-29 cells. BV and CP lysates significantly lowered IL-1ß secretion by MDM vs. control (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively) but only at a dose of 400 µg lysate. The secretions of IL-6 by PBMC and MDM were elevated significantly above control values (p < 0.05) after administration of CP and PD lysates. BV, CP and PD lysates (100 µg) significantly increased IL-10 secretion by PBMC vs. control (p < 0.05). CP, PD and RA lysates (400 µg) significantly increased IL-10 secretion by MDM vs. control (p < 0.001). BV lysate (400 µg) also significantly increased IL-10 secretion by MDM as compared to control (p < 0.05). In PBMC and MDM, the production levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine were increased by all the bacterial lysates used in a dose-dependent manner.

Resveratrol and Its Derivatives in Inflammatory Skin Disorders-Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis: A Review.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are inflammatory skin diseases whose prevalence has increased worldwide in recent decades. These disorders contribute to patients' decreased quality of life (QoL) and constitute a socioeconomic burden. New therapeutic options for AD and psoriasis based on natural compounds are being investigated. These include resveratrol (3,5,40-trihydroxystilbene) and its derivatives, which are produced by many plant species, including grapevines. Resveratrol has gained interest since the term "French Paradox", which refers to improved cardiovascular outcomes despite a high-fat diet in the French population, was introduced. Resveratrol and its derivatives have demonstrated various health benefits. In addition to anti-cancer, anti-aging, and antibacterial effects, there are also anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can affect the molecular pathways of inflammatory skin disorders. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms may help develop new therapies. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have been conducted on the therapeutic properties of natural compounds. However, regarding resveratrol and its derivatives in treating AD and psoriasis, there are still many unexplained mechanisms and a need for clinical trials. Considering this, in this review, we discuss and summarize the most critical research on resveratrol and its derivatives in animal and cell models mimicking AD and psoriasis.

Assessment of the available therapeutic approaches for severe COVID-19: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The study aimed to evaluate severe COVID-19 treatment approaches. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RTCs) with standard of care (SoC) as a control group and/or placebo. Database searching was performed separately for severe COVID-19 treatment such as anakinra, remdesivir, baricitinib, ivermectin, ritonavir, tocilizumab, sarilumab, sotrovimab, casirivimab/imdevimab. The results are presented as Risk Ratio (RR), 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and heterogeneity (I2). We obtained the most statistically significant outcomes favorable tocilizumab compared to SoC for death incidents RR 0.87 [95% CI 0.80, 0.95], overall effect p = 0.002, heterogeneity p = 0.85, I2 = 0%, need for mechanical ventilation RR 0.78 [95% CI 0.68, 0.89], overall effect p = 0.0004, heterogeneity p = 0.55, I2 = 0%, and number of patients discharged from hospital. RR 1.13 [95% CI 1.07, 1.20], overall effect p < 0.00001, heterogeneity p = 0.009, I2 = 85%. This meta-analysis has revealed that a considerable amount of research characterized by a very diverse methodology is available. Despite the limited data that met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis, we showed that the available treatment options for severe COVID-19 are effective.

Alpha-lipoic acid, apocynin or probiotics influence glutathione status and selected inflammatory parameters in C57/BL6 mice when combined with a low-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the potential of a low-fat diet (LFD) to protect against oxidative and inflammatory damage in the course of asthma and obesity when combined with antioxidants (alpha-lipoic acid-ALA, apocynin-APO) or a probiotic (P) (Lactobacillus casei). METHODS: The experiments were carried out on ten groups of male C57/BL6 mice that were fed standard fat (SFD), low-fat (LFD), or high-fat (HFD) diets. Ovalbumin (OVA, administered subcutaneously and by inhalation) was used to sensitize the animals. IL-1α, IL-10, eotaxin-1, leptin, and TNF-α concentrations were examined in blood, while total glutathione (GSHt), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and -SH groups were measured in lung homogenates. RESULTS: LFD in combination with the analyzed compounds (APO, P, ALA) significantly decreased the concentration of IL-1α compared to the OVA + HFD group (p < 0.01; p = 0.025; p = 0.002, respectively). Similarly, the treated mice demonstrated lower eotaxin-1 concentrations compared to the HFD group (p < 0.001). Moreover, supplementation of LFD with probiotics significantly increased the concentration of IL-10 vs. controls (p < 0.001) and vs. untreated OVA-sensitized and challenged/obese mice (p < 0.001). Animals administered APO/ALA with LFD displayed a significant decrease in TNF-α concentration compared to OVA + HFD mice (p = 0.013; p = 0.002 respectively). Those treated with ALA displayed significantly improved GSH levels (p = 0.035) compared to OVA + HFD mice. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of the tested compounds with LFD appears to have a positive influence on the glutathione redox status of pulmonary tissues and selected inflammatory parameters in mouse blood.

Which Factors Were Related to the Number of COVID-19 Cases in the 2022/2023 Season Compared to the 2021/2022 Season in Europe?

The number of COVID-19 cases was greater in early autumn 2022 in contrast to in autumn 2021. Therefore, we decided to examine the factors that may have affected differences in the number of COVID-19 cases between the time periods 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 with consideration of the occurrence of influenza. In this cross-sectional study, we conducted a multiple factor analysis using data from publicly available databases for weeks 35-14 in 2022/2023 and 2021/2022 for Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Slovenia. In the 2021/2022 season, the analyzed countries had similar profiles and were characterized by restrictions, health system policies, and SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as Alpha, Beta, Delta, Kappa, Eta, as well as Omicron sublineages (BA.1, BA.2), which were positively correlated with the number of new cases of COVID-19 per million people. However, in the 2022/2023 season, the analyzed countries were described by groups of variables corresponding to vaccination, influenza, the number of flights, and the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 subvariant. In summary, crucial factors correlated with the increasing of number of COVID-19 cases in the 2021/2022 season were the presence of dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as the lifting of restrictions and strict health system policies.

Pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy of allergic rhinitis induced by house dust mite, grass, and birch pollen allergens: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of oral antihistamines (AHs), intranasal antihistamines (INAH) intranasal glucocorticosteroids (INCS), subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in the management of allergic rhinitis (AR). The authors focused on the division into selected AR's triggers: house dust mites (HDMs), grass pollen, and birch pollen. METHODS: For each drug and allergen class, a meta-analysis of the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) was performed. The obtained results were presented as a therapeutic index (TIX-Score). RESULTS: Twenty-seven randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. The best total efficacy was observed for: HDMs for INCS and grass pollen for combination of INCS with INAH in a single device and for INAH. Considering the data that was obtained for birch pollen, SLIT showed statistically significant total efficacy. Summation scores for efficacy and AEs showed highest TIX-Score for combination of INCS and INAH in a single device in grass pollen. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment methods selected for this review may serve as an effective and safe treatment in reducing perennial and seasonal AR's symptoms. However, due to high heterogeneity probably associated with potential confounders existence in control in some cases, results should be interpreted with caution.

Anti-fibrotic effect of ciglitazone in HRV-induced airway remodelling cell model.

Fibrosis is an important phenomenon as it can occur early in the pathogenesis of asthma; it may be associated with disease severity and resistance to therapy. There is a strong evidence that infection caused by human rhinovirus (HRV) contributes to remodelling process, but there is lack of studies clearly explaining this pathway. Synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ presents immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory features. In this study, we examined immunomodulatory properties of ciglitazone - PPAR-γ agonist, in development and modulation of airway remodelling. Epithelial cells (NHBE) and two lines of fibroblasts (WI-38, HFL1) were stimulated with ciglitazone and rhinovirus. The expression of genes related to airway remodelling process were analysed in the cells; moreover NF-κB, c-Myc and STAT3 were silenced in order to estimate potential pathways involved. Ciglitazone decreased mRNA expression of MMP-9 and TGF-ß. It also modified the expression of α-SMA and collagen after rhinovirus infection. Transcription factors knockdown altered the levels of expression. The results suggest possible anti-fibrotic activity of PPAR-γ agonist in human airway cells. Ciglitazone has been shown to be dependent on NF-κB- and STAT3-related pathways, thus, the PPAR-γ agonist may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of airway remodelling in asthma.

Relationship between vitamin D and asthma from gestational to adulthood period: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous studies investigating vitamin D, its impact on asthma is still unknown. The aim of our meta-analysis is to analyze the vitamin D supplementation influence on asthma prevention and treatment ranging from gestational to adulthood period. METHODS: Fifteen randomized clinical trials were included after database search. Studies contained the analyzed endpoints: the number of asthma and wheezing occurrence in gestational and infantile periods, the change of childhood/adult asthma control test score and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in childhood and adulthood periods. Random effects model was used to calculate effect sizes. RESULTS: Supplementation by women during pregnancy period decreased the wheezing occurrence in their children by 23% (RR = 0.77; 95% CI [0.64; 0.92]; p < 0.0049, I2 = 0%); whereas had no effect on given asthma parameters during the infantile period. Moreover, vitamin D administration had negative effect on the FEV1 change in children (MD = -3.84; 95% CI [-7.68; -0.01]; p = 0.0497; I2 = 95%), but had positive effect on the change of ACT score in adults (MD = 1.80; 95% CI [0.12; 3.49]; p = 0.0359; I2 = 99%). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis showed the varying results depending on patient's life period. It is important to further investigate the role of vitamin D supplementation in asthma management.

Compositional differences between gut microbiota of adult patients with asthma and healthy controls.

Introduction: Asthma is a complex and multifactorial disorder, with severe public health implications. Over the last several years, our knowledge in the field of human gut microbiota has expanded and allowed us to understand its crucial role in the development of many diseases. Aim: To analyse the nature of human gut microbiota patterns among patients with asthma compared to healthy controls. Material and methods: Composition of the complex gut microbiota was analysed in faecal samples from 13 asthma patients and 7 healthy volunteers using Next-Generation Sequencing technology (NGS). The Kruskal-Wallis Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the above two groups of subjects. Results: The composition of the gut microbiota of asthma patients differed from that of healthy volunteers at each of the analysed levels (p < 0.05). Compared to healthy individuals, bacterial diversity was significantly lowered among the asthma group, which is the evidence of gut microbiota depletion in asthma patients. The analysis of beta diversity showed that the gut community compositions of asthma are widely dispersed in contrast to the tight clustering observed in the control group. Finally, the similarity index was found to be lower in the inter-group comparison than in the intra-group comparison, which confirmed changes in the gut microbial composition in the asthmatic group. Conclusions: The study revealed significant differences in the human gut microbiome composition between asthma patients and the healthy control group.

New Data on Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Potential of Transgenic Senna obtusifolia Hairy Roots: In Vitro Studies.

Asthma is an inflammatory disease whose etiology remains unclear. Its characteristics encompass a wide range of clinical symptoms, inflammatory processes, and reactions to standard therapies. Plants produce a range of constitutive products and secondary metabolites that may have therapeutic abilities. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Senna obtusifolia transgenic hairy root extracts on virus-induced airway remodeling conditions. Three cell lines were incubated with extracts from transformed (SOA4) and transgenic (SOPSS2, with overexpression of the gene encoding squalene synthase 1) hairy roots of Senna obtusifolia in cell lines undergoing human rhinovirus-16 (HRV-16) infection. The effects of the extracts on the inflammatory process were determined based on the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1α and IFN-γ) and total thiol content. The transgenic Senna obtusifolia root extract reduced virus-induced expression of TNF, IL-8 and IL-1 in WI-38 and NHBE cells. The SOPSS2 extract reduced IL-1 expression only in lung epithelial cells. Both tested extracts significantly increased the concentration of thiol groups in epithelial lung cells. In addition, the SOPPS2 hairy root extract yielded a positive result in the scratch test. SOA4 and SOPPS2 Senna obtusifolia hairy root extracts demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects or wound healing activity. The SOPSS2 extract had stronger biological properties, which may result from a higher content of bioactive secondary metabolites.

Leonotis nepetifolia Transformed Root Extract Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Promotes Tissue Repair In Vitro.

Inflammation is closely related to asthma and its defining feature: airway remodeling. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of extracts of normal (NR) and transformed (TR) Leonotis nepetifolia roots on respiratory cells and against the gingival epithelium. Extracts from NR and TR roots were added to lung fibroblast, bronchial epithelial and gingival fibroblast cell lines, in the presence of HRV-16 infection, to determine their impact on inflammation. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, GM-CSF and MCAF) as well as total thiol contents were assessed. The TR extract inhibited rhinovirus-induced IL-6 and IL-1ß expression in all tested airway cells (p < 0.05). Additionally, the extract decreased GM-CSF expression in bronchial epithelial cells. The tested extracts had positive effects on total thiol content in all tested cell lines. The TR root extract demonstrated wound healing potential. While both tested extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, they were stronger for the TR extract, possibly due to higher concentrations of beneficial metabolites such as phenols and flavonoids. Additionally, wound healing activity was demonstrated for the TR root extract. These results suggest that TR root extract may become a promising therapeutic agent in the future.

Does Oxidative Stress Along with Dysbiosis Participate in the Pathogenesis of Asthma in the Obese?

The most important environmental factor that can play a key role in the development of asthma in the obese is overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of the study was to examine changes in the concentration of oxidative stress parameters in the lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and blood of mice in models of asthma or/and obesity caused by high-fat diet (HFD). The concentrations of 4-HNE and isoprostanes in the lungs of the animals were measured. BAL fluid levels of hydrogen peroxide were marked. Additionally, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were used as biomarkers of oxidative stress in the blood. Administration of lipoic acid (LA), a probiotic with standard-fat diet (SFD, 10% fat) and low-fat diet (LFD, 5% fat) significantly decreased the concentration of 4-HNE as compared to the OVA (ovalbumin) + HFD group (p < 0.05). Treatment with low-fat diet or LFD in combination with apocynin insignificantly decreased H2O2 values as compared to the OVA + HFD group. Supplementation of probiotic with SFD and LFD significantly decreased the concentration of TBARS as compared to the OVA + SFD and saline + HDF groups (p < 0.05). Significantly lower concentrations of TBARS were also observed in the LA plus LFD group (p < 0.05) as compared to the OVA + HFD group. Low-fat diet with probiotic significantly increased the concentration of FRAP as compared to the obese mice (p = 0.017). Treatment with LFD in combination with LA significantly increased FRAP values as compared to the obese and obese asthmatic mice (p < 0.001).

Comparison of effects of tobacco cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems and tobacco heating products on miRNA-mediated gene expression. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This work attempts to summarize current knowledge on the effects of cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems and tobacco heating products on miRNA-mediated gene expression regulation and on their possible impact on smoking-related respiratory disease development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search by terms combination: 'smoking', 'cigarette' 'THP', 'tobacco heating product', 'ENDS', 'electronic nicotine delivery system', 'e-cigarette', electronic cigarette' and 'miRNA-mediated gene expression' has been performed from October 2021 to February 2022. In this systematic review all relevant literature, including clinical trials, cellular and animal-based studies were included. RESULTS: Cigarette smoke (CS) significantly altered transcriptome, including miRNAs expression profile. MiRNA-mediated gene expression is mentioned as one of the mechanisms associated with smoking-related respiratory disease development. Differential expression of miRNAs was reduced in aerosol from e-cigarettes (EC) and tobacco heating products (THP) when compared to CS. However, there was a significant alteration of some miRNAs expression when compared to air-controls in both EC and THP. DISCUSSION: CS negatively affects transcriptome and miRNA-mediated gene expression regulation because of a huge number of hazardous substances which predispose to smoking-related diseases. Despite the reduced effect of ENDS and THP on miRNAs profile compared to CS, differences in expression of miRNAs when compared to air-control were observed, which may be harmful to never-smokers who may perceive such alternative smoking products as non-hazardous. To clearly indicate the role of ENDS and THP in the alteration of miRNA-mediated gene expression and the development of smoking-related respiratory diseases associated with this mechanism, more long-term studies should be performed in the future.

COVID-19 mortality rate determinants in selected Eastern European countries.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased mortality worldwide. We noticed a tendency for higher number of deaths in Eastern European countries. Therefore, we decided to investigate whether any common factor that might be responsible for the increased COVID-19 mortality exists. METHODS: In our cross-sectional study, we conducted the correlation and multiple regression analysis using R basing on the data gathered in publicly available databases. In the analysis, we included variables such as: number of deaths, number of new cases, number of hospitalizations, number of ICU (intensive care units) patients, number of vaccinations, number of boosters, number of fully vaccinated individuals, stringency index, number of reported COVID-19 variant cases, and number of flights. Additionally, we analyzed the influence of population density and median age in particular European countries on total number of COVID-19 deaths. Analyzed data represents periods from start of the COVID-19 pandemic in particular Eastern European Countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, while as the end of the study the day of January 31, 2022 is considered. Results were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Our study showed that mortality rate reflects the number of COVID-19 cases (e.g. for Poland was 0.0058, p < 0.001), number of hospitalized patients (e.g. for Poland 0.0116, p < 0.001), and patients in intensive care (e.g. for Slovakia 0.2326, p < 0.001). Stringency index corresponding to level of introduced restrictions and vaccination can affect the mortality rate of COVID-19 in a country-dependent manner: e.g. for Romania 0.0006, p < 0.001; whereas in Lithuania - 0.0002, p < 0.001. Moreover, occurrence of B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 variants increased COVID-19 mortality rates. CONCLUSION: Our analysis showed that crucial factor for decreasing mortality is proper healthcare joined by accurate restriction policy. Additionally, our study shows that COVID-19 vaccination proven successful in COVID-19 mortality prevention.

Does Vitamin D Work Synergistically with Anti-Asthmatic Drugs in Airway Remodeling?

Vitamin D is commonly known for its properties of airway remodeling inhibition. Due to this, we decided to analyze the action of calcitriol with anti-asthmatic drugs in airway remodeling. The HFL1 cell line was treated with calcitriol, beclomethasone 17-propionate, montelukast sodium, LTD4 and TGF-ß in different combinations. Real-time PCR was used to analyzed the expression of ACTA2, CDH-1, Vimentin, ADAM33, MMP-9 and CysLTR1 on the mRNA level, whereas Western blot was used to analyze gene expression on the protein level. One-way analysis variants, the Kruskal-Wallis test, Student's t-test or Welch's t-test were used for statistical analysis. Concerning the results, pre-treatment with calcitriol increased the inhibitory effect of beclomethasone 17-propionate and montelukast sodium on the expression of ACTA2 (p = 0.0072), Vimentin (p = 0.0002) and CysLTR1 (p = 0.0204), and 1,25(OH)2D3 had an influence on the effects of beclomethasone 17-propionate and montelukast sodium and of CDH1 expression (p = 0.0076). On the protein level, pre-treatment with calcitriol with beclomethasone 17-propionate and montelukast sodium treatment decreased ACTA2 expression in comparison to the LT (LTD4 and TGF-ß) control group (p = 0.0191). Hence, our study not only confirms that vitamin D may inhibit airway remodeling, but also shows that vitamin D has a synergistic effect with anti-asthmatic drugs.