Impact of school-supervised ultra-long-acting basal insulin injections on ketosis in youth with T1D and elevated haemoglobin A1c: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: In youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), high haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels are associated with an increased risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). AIMS: This study examined whether daily school-supervised basal insulin injections were feasible and if they reduced the risk of morning ketosis in children and adolescents with high HbA1c levels. We hypothesized that supervised glargine and degludec would reduce the risk of ketosis and that the prolonged action of degludec would protect from ketosis after consecutive days of unsupervised injections. MATERIALS & METHODS: After a 2-4-week run-in, youth (10-18 years, HbA1c ≥ 8.5%) managing T1D with injections were randomized to school-supervised administration of degludec or glargine for 4 months. School nurses observed daily blood ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and glucose checks. During COVID closures, the research team supervised procedures remotely. RESULTS: Data from 28 youth (age 14.3 ± 2.3 years, HbA1c 11.4 ± 1.9%, 64% F) were analysed. School-supervised injections of both basal insulins for 1-4 days progressively lowered the percent of participants with elevated BHB. The percent of participants with elevated BHB (≥0.6 mmol/L) after 2 days of unsupervised basal insulin doses at home was greater in the glargine than degludec group but had a high p-value (17.2% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.3). HbA1c was unchanged in both groups. DISCUSSION: In youth with T1D at high risk for DKA, daily supervised long-acting insulin administration decreased the probability of elevated ketone levels on subsequent school days, regardless of basal insulin type. A larger sample size may have demonstrated that the longer action profile of degludec would offer additional protection from ketosis during days of not attending school. CONCLUSION: Engaging school-based caregivers in management of youth with T1D on injected insulin may decrease clinically significant ketosis and minimize acute complications of diabetes.

IMPACT OF SWITCHING YOUTH WITH DIABETES TO INSULIN DEGLUDEC IN CLINICAL PRACTICE.

OBJECTIVE: Many youth with diabetes struggle to meet glycemic targets. The new ultralong duration of action of insulin degludec (iDeg) holds potential to ameliorate missed doses of basal insulin and improve glycemic control in youth with diabetes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was undertaken of youth age 13 to <24 years in our practice with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) who had been switched from glargine or detemir to iDeg to evaluate the impact of this transition on glycemic control. RESULTS: Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in youth with T1D (n = 82) remained stable during 6 months of treatment with iDeg (10.1 ± 2.11% [87 ± 23 mmol/mol] at start of iDeg compared to 10.1 ± 2.12% [87 ± 23 mmol/mol] at 6 months of treatment), whereas in youth with T2D (n = 16), HbA1c significantly declined from 10.6 ± 2.3% (92 ± 25 mmol/mol) to 8.3 ± 2.2% (67 ± 24 mmol/mol) ( P = .0024). CONCLUSION: In youth switched to iDeg, which in our practice is commonly due to ineffectiveness of the patient's current regimen, the outcome differences we saw may be due to preserved beta-cell function in youth with T2D. It remains to be seen whether there are benefits of transition to iDeg in youth with T1D beyond glycemic outcomes, such as reduction in ketosis and episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. ABBREVIATIONS: DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis; DPV = Diabetes-Patienten-Verlaufsdokumentation (German/Austrian Prospective Diabetes Follow-Up Registry); HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin A1c; iDeg = insulin degludec; T1D = type 1 diabetes; T2D = type 2 diabetes.

Acceleration of insulin pharmacodynamic profile by a novel insulin infusion site warming device.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Subcutaneously injected rapid-acting insulin analogs do not replicate physiologic insulin action due to delays in their onset and peak action resulting in postprandial glucose excursions. The InsuPatch (IP) is a novel insulin infusion site warming device developed to accelerate insulin action by increasing blood flow to the area of insulin absorption. Thirteen adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D, mean age 14 ± 4 yr) were enrolled in this study to investigate the effect of the IP on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of a 0.2 unit/kg bolus dose of aspart insulin using the euglycemic clamp technique. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Each subject underwent two euglycemic clamp procedures on separate occasions: one with IP and one without IP activation in random order. RESULTS: When the insulin bolus was given with IP activation as compared to without IP activation, time to reach maximum insulin action (T(GIRmax)) and to reach 50% maximum action (T(50%GIRmax)) were 35 and 18 min earlier (125 ± 8 min vs. 90 ± 6 min, p = 0.002 and 58 ± 5 min. vs. 40 ± 3 min, p = 0.01, respectively), and the area under curve, AUC(GIR 0-90 min), reflecting early glucodynamic action, was significantly greater (p = 0.001). IP activation also accelerated the rise in plasma insulin levels after the bolus (p = 0.03) and resulted in a higher peak (p = 0.04) and greater overall increase (p = 0.02) in plasma insulin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that insulin infusion site warming with IP activation accelerates the time action profile of aspart insulin which may be of benefit to current open-loop and future closed-loop insulin delivery in patients with T1D.

Safety and Glycemic Outcomes With a Tubeless Automated Insulin Delivery System in Very Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes: A Single-Arm Multicenter Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Very young children with type 1 diabetes often struggle to achieve glycemic targets, putting them at risk for long-term complications and creating an immense management burden for caregivers. We conducted the first evaluation of the Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System in this population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 80 children aged 2.0-5.9 years used the investigational system in a single-arm study for 13 weeks following 14 days of baseline data collection with their usual therapy. RESULTS: There were no episodes of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. By study end, HbA1c decreased by 0.55% (6.0 mmol/mol) (P < 0.0001). Time with sensor glucose levels in target range 70-180 mg/dL increased by 10.9%, or 2.6 h/day (P < 0.0001), while time with levels <70 mg/dL declined by median 0.27% (P = 0.0204). CONCLUSIONS: Use of the automated insulin delivery system was safe, and participants experienced improved glycemic measures and reduced hypoglycemia during the study phase compared with baseline.

Is an automatic pump suspension feature safe for children with type 1 diabetes? An exploratory analysis with a closed-loop system.

OBJECTIVES: It has been proposed that the first step towards a closed-loop artificial pancreas might be to use a continuous glucose sensor to automatically suspend the basal insulin delivery based on projected low sensor glucose values. METHODS: We reviewed our recent experience with an artificial pancreas system, utilizing a proportional-integrative-derivative (PID) algorithm, in 17 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to assess the safety and efficacy of this maneuver. RESULTS: During 34 h of closed-loop automated insulin delivery, 18 pump suspensions > or =60 min (90 +/- 18 min) occurred in eight subjects. Sensor glucose levels fell from 159 +/- 42 mg/dL to a nadir of 72 +/- 13 mg/dL. Corresponding plasma glucose levels fell from 168 +/- 51 to 72 +/- 16 mg/dL, with values <60 mg/dL recorded in only four of the 18 events. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that automatic pump suspension using the PID algorithm may be an effective means to prevent hypoglycemia in youth with T1D.

Penicillin Allergy Evaluation: A Prospective, Multicenter, Open-Label Evaluation of a Comprehensive Penicillin Skin Test Kit.

BACKGROUND: Ten percent of the population claims an allergy to penicillin, but 90% of these individuals are not allergic. Patients labeled as penicillin-allergic have higher medical costs, longer hospital stays, are more likely to be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, and develop drug-resistant bacterial infections. Most penicillin skin test reagents are not approved by the Food and drug Administration or readily available to evaluate patients labeled penicillin-allergic. OBJECTIVE: To determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of the Penicillin Skin Test Kit containing the major allergenic determinant (penicilloyl polylysine), a minor determinant mixture (penicillin G, penicilloate, penilloate), and amoxicillin, produced according to Food and Drug Administration standards. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, open-label investigation of penicillin skin testing using the Penicillin Skin Test Kit. Skin test-negative subjects were challenged with 250 mg amoxicillin, whereas skin test-positive patients were not challenged. The primary end point was NPV of the Penicillin Skin Test Kit, defined as the percentage of subjects with negative skin test results who did not experience an IgE-dependent reaction within 72 hours of amoxicillin challenge. RESULTS: In total, 455 patients with a history of penicillin allergy underwent skin testing and 63 (13.8%) had 1 or more positive test results; 65% of the positive test results were to the minor determinant mixture and/or amoxicillin alone. In the per protocol group of 373 skin test-negative subjects, 8 developed potential IgE-dependent reactions following oral amoxicillin challenge, translating to an NPV of 97.9% (95% CI, 95.8-99.1; P < .0001). All but 1 of the reactions was mild or moderate, and most subjects who required treatment received only antihistamines. CONCLUSIONS: The Penicillin Skin Test Kit, containing all relevant penicillin allergenic determinants, demonstrated very high NPV. Removal of a penicillin allergy label in a large majority of currently mislabeled patients has substantial personal and public health implications.

The present and future treatment of pediatric type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents is particularly challenging. Metformin monotherapy is the standard initial treatment for youth with T2D, once metabolic control is restored with insulin in patients who present with ketosis and/or marked hyperglycemia. Insulin, the only other drug approved for use in youth with T2D, is also used as add-on therapy when patients fail metformin mono-therapy. AREAS COVERED: In this paper, we will summarize the current use of both metformin and insulin in the treatment of pediatric type 2 diabetes, as well as comment on their limitations. Given the rapid progression of T2D in youth, there is also considerable interest in treating youth with new oral and injectable agents that have been approved for use in adults with T2D. The potential for improving clinical outcomes of each of the main classes of new drugs for the treatment of pediatric T2D will be summerized. EXPERT COMMENTARY: We will conclude by reviewing why phase 3 randomized clinical trials examining the safety and efficacy of these medications in the pediatric population have been difficult to complete and discuss a potential pathway to overcome these obstacles to regulatory approval for these drugs for adolescents with T2D.

Biologic therapies for the treatment of asthma.

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airway whose pathogenesis involves the complex interplay between many cell types and inflammatory mediators. The mainstays of therapy, inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids, do not target the asthmatic airway specifically and therefore are associated with untoward side effects. Anti-IgE (omalizumab) is the only biologic therapy to have transitioned completely from bench to bedside. Other candidate therapies, such as those that alter the T-helper 1/T-helper 2 cytokine balance, interfere with inflammatory cell trafficking, or modify normal intracellular signaling cascades involved in inflammatory gene transcription, have had only limited success in human clinical trials. This article describes several potential novel biologic therapies that have been or could be investigated.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in children with type 1 diabetes.

Recent studies have shown that continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), or insulin pump therapy, provides a treatment option that can assist in the attainment of current goals of treatment in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). In pediatric patients, CSII has been demonstrated to reduce both glycosylated hemoglobin levels and frequency of severe hypoglycemia, without sacrifices in safety, quality of life, or excessive weight gain, particularly in conjunction with the use of new insulin analogs and improvements in pump technology. Clinical studies of safety and efficacy of CSII in children are reviewed.

Case study: contrasting challenges of insulin pump therapy in a toddler and adolescent with type 1 diabetes.

PURPOSE: To describe the challenges and outcomes of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pump therapy in a toddler and adolescent with type 1 diabetes. Insight into patient-family aspects motivating pump use is provided. METHODS: Two cases treated at the Pediatric Diabetes Clinic at Yale University. RESULTS: Upon parental request, CSII was initiated to improve glycemic control in a 4-year-old boy (case 1) with unpredictable food intake. During 68 months of CSII therapy, hemoglobin A1C levels averaged 6.3% +/- 0.6%. Severe hypoglycemic episodes ceased 36 months ago, and occasional postprandial hyperglycemia during early school years was corrected with school nurses' reminders about premeal insulin bolus doses. Currently 9.5 years old, he independently manages all his insulin injections with parental assistance only to change the catheter site. Case 2 is a girl who was nearly 12 years of age when diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Initially managed with daily injections, hypoglycemic episodes were interfering with her physically active lifestyle. At age 13 years, she elected CSII therapy, and glycemic control improved. Temporarily erratic in the immediate period pre- and postmenarche, metabolic control has since stabilized. At 15 years old, she successfully manages her diabetes independently. CONCLUSIONS: To optimize glycemic control, CSII can be initiated and used effectively, both in children of all ages and in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. CSII may be ideal therapy for toddlers, with no apparent lower age boundary for initiating CSII; however, the parenting challenges and requirements for supportive education differ between toddlers and adolescents. When disease and pump management are appropriately individualized, CSII therapy can help children with diabetes achieve and sustain glycemic control. Lifestyle flexibility, quality-of-life improvement, and independence can thus begin early in childhood and be maintained throughout young adulthood.

Insulin pump treatment of childhood type 1 diabetes.

Current goals for the treatment of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus include achieving near-normal blood sugar levels, minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia, optimizing quality of life, and preventing or delaying long-term microvascular complications. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) provides a treatment option that can assist in the attainment of all of these goals in all ages of children. Usage of CSII has been demonstrated to reduce glycosylated hemoglobin levels and frequency of severe hypoglycemia, without sacrifices in safety, quality of life, or weight gain, particularly in conjunction with the use of new insulin analogs and improvements in pump technology. Clinical studies of safety and efficacy of CSII in children are reviewed.

A randomized, prospective trial comparing the efficacy of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion with multiple daily injections using insulin glargine.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of the insulin analogs now available for multiple daily injection (MDI) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy in type 1 diabetes has not yet been established in pediatric patients. Our principal aim in this short-term study was to compare the efficacy of CSII to MDI with glargine in lowering HbA(1c) levels in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-two youth with type 1 diabetes (age 8-21 years) were randomly assigned to receive either MDI treatment with once-daily glargine and premeal/snack insulin aspart or CSII with insulin aspart. Dose titration in both groups was based on home self-monitored blood glucose measurements and monthly HbA(1c). HbA(1c), total daily insulin dose (TDD), self-monitored blood glucose readings, and adverse events were compared after 16 weeks of therapy. RESULTS: While there was no significant change in the glargine group (HbA(1c) 8.2% at baseline vs. 8.1% at 16 weeks), youth randomized to CSII had a sharp reduction in HbA(1c) levels, from 8.1 to 7.2% after 16 weeks of therapy (P < 0.02 vs. baseline and <0.05 vs. glargine group). TDD was unchanged in the glargine group, but significantly dropped with CSII (1.4 units/kg at baseline vs. 0.9 units/kg at 16 weeks, P < 0.01). Both groups had similar basal doses and insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios. Fasting self-monitored blood glucose was similar in both groups, but lunch, dinner, and bedtime readings were significantly lower in the CSII group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lower HbA(1c) and premeal glucose levels were more achievable in this short-term study with CSII than with glargine-based MDI treatment. CSII is an efficacious treatment to improve metabolic control in youth with type 1 diabetes.

Analysis of continuous glucose monitoring data from non-diabetic and diabetic children: a tale of two algorithms.

Use of the Medtronic MiniMed Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS) in non-diabetic children has revealed many low and high sensor glucose (SG) values, suggesting that the original analytical algorithm (Solutions 2.0) might be overreading glycemic excursions. A revised algorithm (Solutions 3.0) was introduced in 2001. Our aim was to compare analyses of the same sensor profiles using both programs. Twenty-five lean, non-diabetic subjects (mean age 14 +/- 4 years) underwent continuous glucose monitoring with CGMS for up to 72 h. Sensor tracings were analyzed with both algorithms and compared. Separate analyses were performed for nocturnal readings (12-6 a.m.). Mean SG values were similar (103 +/- 24 mg/dL for version 2.0 vs. 100 +/- 14 for version 3.0), but the distribution was significantly different: 13.8% of total SG were <70 mg/dL by version 2.0 versus 8.2% by version 3.0 (p < 0.001), and 7.7% of total SG were >150 mg/dL by version 2.0 versus 4.7% by version 3.0 (p = 0.02). Of nocturnal SG values, 25.8% were <70 mg/dL by version 2.0 compared with 17.9% by version 3.0, and 9.4% were >150 mg/dL by version 2.0 compared with 4.0% by version 3.0. In lean non-diabetic children, Solutions 2.0 identified significantly more hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia than Solutions 3.0. Similar analyses in 40 children with type 1 diabetes revealed no significant differences. Solutions 3.0 may be a more useful algorithm for preventing over-reading of low and high SG readings in non-diabetic children, whereas both algorithms give similar results in children with diabetes.

Skin and adhesive issues with continuous glucose monitors: a sticky situation.

The purpose of this article is to describe challenges associated with successful use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) by young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to detail the techniques and products used to improve the duration of sensor wear. The DirecNet Study Group conducted 2 studies in 169 children with T1D between the ages of 1 and 9 years who were instructed to wear a CGM device daily. Problems related to skin irritation and sensor adhesiveness in these young children presented challenges to daily use of the CGM. Study coordinators instituted a variety of techniques using commercially available products to attempt to overcome these problems. Three primary factors that contributed to reduced CGM use were identified: the limited body surface area in smaller children, ambient temperature and humidity, as well as the type and duration of physical activity. Using supplemental products to minimize the impact of these factors resulted in improved adherence and reduced skin irritation. Achieving satisfactory adhesion of the CGM sensor and transmitter may involve finding the right supplemental product or combination of products through trial and error. Optimizing adhesion and minimizing skin irritation can significantly improve duration of use and tolerability of CGM devices by young children.

Faster in and faster out: accelerating insulin absorption and action by insulin infusion site warming.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of an insulin infusion site warming device, the InsuPatch(40)(™) (IP(40)) (InsuLine Medical Ltd., Petach-Tikvah, Israel), on insulin aspart pharmacodynamics (PD) and pharmacokinetics (PK) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventeen subjects with type 1 diabetes (age, 15±1 years; hemoglobin A1c, 7.5±0.2% [58±2.2 mmol/mol]) underwent two euglycemic clamps performed on separate mornings with and without IP(40) activation with warming temperature at 40°C. On both days, the basal infusion was suspended, and glucose levels were maintained between 90 and 100 mg/dL by a variable rate dextrose infusion for up to 5 h after a 0.2 U/kg bolus of insulin aspart. RESULTS: Time to peak insulin action and time to half-maximal action occurred earlier with a greater early glucodynamic effect (area under the curve [AUC] for glucose infusion rate from 0 to 30 min) with IP(40) than without the IP(40), whereas the AUC for the time-action profile and the peak action did not differ with and without infusion site warming. PK parameters were in agreement with PD parameters, namely, a significantly earlier time to reach the maximum increment in insulin concentrations and greater early bioavailability (AUC for the change in insulin concentration from 0 to 30 min) with the IP(40). The tail of the plasma insulin response curve was also shortened with infusion site warming, with the time to reach baseline insulin concentration occurring significantly earlier (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that skin warming around the infusion site to 40°C with the IP(40) is an effective means to accelerate absorption and action of rapid-acting insulin. These improvements in time-action responses have the potential to enhance the performance of open- and closed-loop insulin delivery systems.

Safety of nighttime 2-hour suspension of Basal insulin in pump-treated type 1 diabetes even in the absence of low glucose.

OBJECTIVE: An integrated sensor-augmented pump system has been introduced that interrupts basal insulin infusion for 2 h if patients fail to respond to low-glucose alarms. It has been suggested that such interruptions of basal insulin due to falsely low glucose levels detected by sensor could lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. We hypothesized that random suspension of basal insulin for 2 h in the overnight period would not lead to clinically important increases in blood ß-hydroxybutyrate levels despite widely varying glucose values prior to the suspension. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Subjects measured blood glucose and blood ß-hydroxybutyrate levels using a meter each night at 9:00 p.m., then fasted until the next morning. On control nights, the usual basal rates were continued; on experimental nights, the basal insulin infusion was reprogrammed for a 2-h zero basal rate at random times after 11:30 p.m. RESULTS: In 17 type 1 diabetic subjects (mean age 24 ± 9 years, diabetes duration 14 ± 11 years, A1C level 7.3 ± 0.5% [56 mmol/mol]), blood glucose and blood ß-hydroxybutyrate levels were similar at 9:00 p.m. on suspend nights (144 ± 63 mg/dL and 0.09 ± 0.07 mmol/L) and nonsuspend nights (151 ± 65 mg/dL and 0.08 ± 0.06 mmol/L) (P = 0.39 and P = 0.47, respectively). Fasting morning blood glucose levels increased after suspend nights compared with nonsuspend nights (191 ± 68 vs. 141 ± 75 mg/dL, P < 0.0001), and the frequency of fasting hypoglycemia decreased the morning following suspend nights (P < 0.0001). Morning blood ß-hydroxybutyrate levels were slightly higher after suspension (0.13 ± 0.14 vs. 0.09 ± 0.11 mmol/L, P = 0.053), but the difference was not clinically important. CONCLUSIONS: Systems that suspend basal insulin for 2 h are safe and do not lead to clinically significant ketonemia even if the blood glucose level is elevated at the time of the suspension.

Effect of age of infusion site and type of rapid-acting analog on pharmacodynamic parameters of insulin boluses in youth with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin pump therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of type of insulin analog and age of insertion site on the pharmacodynamic characteristics of a standard insulin bolus in youth with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin pump therapy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventeen insulin pump-treated adolescents with type 1 diabetes underwent two euglycemic clamp procedures after a 0.2 unit/kg bolus of either insulin aspart or lispro on day 1 and day 4 of insulin pump site insertion. The glucose infusion rate (GIR) required to maintain euglycemia was the primary pharmacodynamic measure. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in any of the pharmacodynamic parameters between aspart and lispro during day 1 and day 4. However, when the two groups were combined, time to discontinuation of exogenous glucose infusion, and time to half-maximal onset and offset of insulin action were observed significantly earlier during day 4 compared with day 1 (P = 0.03-0.0004), but the overall area under the GIR curve was similar on day 1 and day 4. CONCLUSIONS: With both insulin aspart and lispro, there is an earlier peak and shorter duration of action with increasing duration of infusion site use, but overall insulin action is not affected.

The anti-inflammatory effect of glucocorticoids is mediated by glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper in epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of asthma, being linked to the production of inflammatory cytokines that drive inflammation. A recently described anti-inflammatory protein, glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ), interferes with NF-kappaB-mediated gene transcription in T cells and macrophages. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the regulation of GILZ expression in airway epithelial cells and determine whether GILZ mediates part of the anti-inflammatory effect of corticosteroids. METHODS: GILZ expression was assessed by means of PCR and immunoblotting in human epithelial cells at baseline and after stimulation with dexamethasone or cytokines (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma). The effect of GILZ on LPS-, IL-1beta-, and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid-induced NF-kappaB activation was assessed in BEAS-2B cells overexpressing GILZ. The requirement for GILZ in the inhibitory action of dexamethasone was assessed by knocking down GILZ expression by means of small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology. RESULTS: GILZ is constitutively expressed by human airway epithelial cells, and its levels are increased by dexamethasone and decreased by inflammatory cytokines. Overexpression of GILZ in BEAS-2B cells significantly inhibited the ability of IL-1beta, LPS, and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid to activate NF-kappaB, whereas knockdown of GILZ inhibited the ability of dexamethasone to suppress IL-1beta-induced chemokine expression. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the expression of GILZ in human airway epithelial cells, its induction by dexamethasone, its suppression by inflammatory cytokines, and its role in mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of dexamethasone. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Therapeutic upregulation of GILZ may be a novel strategy for the treatment of asthma.

Eosinophilic disorders in children.

Many pediatric diseases demonstrate blood or tissue eosinophilia. Included among these disorders are common atopic diatheses such as asthma as well as the rarer conditions of hypereosinophilic syndrome and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. Eosinophil trafficking and activation in target organs leads to tissue damage and ongoing reparative attempts that can ultimately result in changes in organ structure and function. Recent treatment with biologic agents such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anti-interleukin-5 has offered new therapeutic options in certain eosinophilic disorders. Eosinophilic disorders such as eosinophilic esophagitis are increasingly being diagnosed in children, but many lessons in disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, optimal treatment, and natural history continue to be learned.