Clinical value of serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products in evaluating the condition of patients with bronchial asthma.

Objective: This study focused on the clinical value of serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) levels in evaluating the severity of bronchial asthma (BA). Methods: Serum sRAGE expression was measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, eosinophils (EOS) count was measured by using an automatic blood cell counter, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was measured by pulmonary function analyzer in 120 patients with BA, 40 patients with non-BA pulmonary disease, and 40 healthy controls. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze the clinical value of sRAGE expression levels, EOS counts, and FEV1 level to assess the severity of illness in the patients with BA. Results: Compared with the healthy controls and the patients without BA, the patients with BA had the lowest serum sRAGE expression level (47.36 ± 6.3 ng/L versus 75.3 ± 6.3 ng/L versus 67.5 ± 5.06 ng/L; p < 0.05), the highest EOS count (231.2 ± 18.3 106/L versus 175.9 ± 15.6 106/L versus 197.8 ± 19.6 106/L; p < 0.05), and the lowest FEV1 level (1.19 ± 0.15 L versus 1.57 ± 0.2 L versus 1.3 ± 0.17 L; p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the serum sRAGE expression levels were notably negatively correlated with the EOS counts (r value of -0.471, p < 0.05) but significantly positively linked to FEV1 levels (r value of 0.362, p < 0.05). Serum sRAGE expression levels could help in accurately diagnosing patients with severe BA (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.904), whereas prediction in the patients with mild BA was achieved by EOS counts (AUC = 0.857). Conclusion: The serum sRAGE level has potential value in diagnosing the severity of BA, which is conducive to identifying patients with severe BA and guiding in development of new therapeutic strategies.

Effect of renal function on the risk of thrombocytopaenia in patients receiving linezolid therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: The association of renal function and linezolid-induced thrombocytopaenia (LIT) remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether impaired renal function is associated with an increased LIT risk. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception to February 2021 for eligible studies evaluating the relationship between renal function and LIT. Indicators of renal function included renal impairment (RI), severe RI, haemodialysis status, creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Unadjusted and adjusted estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated separately using a random-effect model. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies with 3580 patients were included in the meta-analysis. RI patients had an increased LIT risk compared to non-RI patients in both the unadjusted (OR 3.54; 95% CI 2.27, 5.54; I2 = 77.7%) and adjusted analyses (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.82, 3.45; I2 = 17.9%). This association persisted in the subset of studies involving only patients receiving a fixed conventional dose (600 mg every 12 h) and other subgroup analyses by ethnicity, sample size and study quality. Moreover, the LIT risk was significantly higher in patients with severe RI and haemodialysis than in patients without severe RI and haemodialysis. The eGFR and Ccr were significantly lower in LIT patients than in non-LIT patients. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired renal function is associated with an increased risk of LIT. A reduced linezolid dose may be considered in RI patients at a low risk of treatment failure, ideally guided by therapeutic drug monitoring.

Incidence, risk factors and mortality of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with influenza: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) complicating influenza have been described. We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of IPA in patients with influenza. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases from their inception to 31 August 2021 for eligible studies. Data on the incidence and risk factors of and mortality due to IPA in influenza patients were pooled using a random-effects model. Sensitivity analyses restricted to severe influenza requiring intensive care unit (ICU) support and multiple subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies involving 6024 hospitalised patients with influenza were included. IPA was estimated to occur in 10% of influenza patients, with a mortality rate of 52%. Similar incidence (11%) and mortality (54%) estimates for IPA were observed in the sensitivity analysis including severe cases requiring ICU support. Subgroup analysis by geographical location showed a similar IPA rate between European (10%) and non-European (11%) studies. The IPA rate in the subset of nine studies using the modified AspICU criteria was 13%. Most subgroup analyses showed ≥50% mortality in IPA patients. Several predictors for IPA susceptibility were identified, including male sex, smoking history, chronic lung disease, influenza A (H1N1), severe conditions requiring supportive therapy, corticosteroid use before admission, solid organ transplant and haematological malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: The IPA is common in individuals with severe influenza, and the prognosis is particularly poor. Influenza patients, especially those with high-risk factors, should be thoroughly screened for IPA.

Predictors of mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a high mortality rate, especially in patients with severe illness. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the potential predictors of mortality in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and three electronic Chinese databases were searched from December 1, 2019 to April 29, 2020. Eligible studies reporting potential predictors of mortality in patients with COVID-19 were identified. Unadjusted prognostic effect estimates were pooled using the random-effects model if data from at least two studies were available. Adjusted prognostic effect estimates were presented by qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-six observational studies were identified, of which 27 were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 106 potential risk factors were tested, and the following important predictors were associated with mortality: advanced age, male sex, current smoking status, preexisting comorbidities (especially chronic kidney, respiratory, and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases), symptoms of dyspnea, complications during hospitalization, corticosteroid therapy and a severe condition. Additionally, a series of abnormal laboratory biomarkers of hematologic parameters, hepatorenal function, inflammation, coagulation, and cardiovascular injury were also associated with fatal outcome. CONCLUSION: We identified predictors of mortality in patients with COVID-19. These findings could help healthcare providers take appropriate measures and improve clinical outcomes in such patients.

Serum exosomal microRNAs as predictive markers for EGFR mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Current therapeutic drugs show positive effects on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, whereas a lesser beneficial effect is generally noted on NSCLC patients with wild-type EGFR. Therefore, identification of new detection methods for the accurate clinical diagnosis of NSCLC is essential. METHODS: In this study, tumor-derived exosomes from the plasma of EGFR mutation and wild-type NSCLC patients were isolated. Extensive exosomal miRNA profiling of EGFR mutation and wild-type NSCLC patients, in comparison with healthy individuals, was performed using miRNA-sequencing analysis. RESULTS: The variation of exosomal miRNA expression between control group (NR) and NCSLC samples (AM and AW) was identified. 96 significantly different expressed miRNAs were identified. Of these, 39 miRNAs were upregulated and 57 were downregulated. 11 miRNAs were downregulated, and 31 miRNAs were upregulated in the miRNA expression between NR and AM. Compared with healthy donors, 54 upregulated miRNAs and 36 downregulated miRNAs were observed in samples from AW patients. 40 different expressed miRNAs were identified in AM samples, compared with AW. Ten of upregulated miRNAs are miR-260, miR-1169, miR-117, miR-15b-5p, miRNA-731, miR-342-5p, miR- 898, miR-1384, miR-56, and miR-1214. Ten of downregulated miRNAs are miR-99b-5p, miR-1116, miR-689, miR-818, miR-604, miR-72, miR-955, miR-403, miR-1228, and miR-836. CONCLUSION: The exosomal miR-1169 and miR-260 as potential candidates, which contain specific characteristics that can distinguish between wild-type EGFR and mutant EGFR NSCLC patients in early-stage cancers.

Prevalence of inappropriate use of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir antiviral therapy in hospitalized patients: A multi-centre retrospective study in China.

BACKGROUND: Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (NMVr) is a recently developed antiviral agent for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, data describing its appropriate use are scarce. This study examined the prevalence of inappropriate use of NMVr in a Chinese hospital setting. METHODS: A multi-centre retrospective chart review was performed for all hospitalized patients who received NMVr between 15 December 2022 and 15 February 2023 in four university-affiliated hospitals in Hangzhou, China. A multi-disciplinary team of experts developed the evaluation criteria. A group of senior clinical pharmacists examined and verified the suitability of NMVr prescriptions. RESULTS: In total, 247 patients received NMVr during the study period, of which 13.4% (n=31) met all the criteria for appropriate use of NMVr. The main types of inappropriate use of NMVr were delayed initiation of treatment (n=147, 59.5%), no dose adjustment for moderate renal impairment (n=46, 18.6%), use in patients with severe-to-critical COVID-19 (n=49, 19.8%), presence of contra-indicated drug‒drug interactions with other medications (n=36, 14.6%), and prescription for patients without a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 (n=36, 14.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of inappropriate use of NMVr was particularly high in the Chinese hospital setting, highlighting the urgent need to improve the appropriate use of NMVr.

The Development of a COPD Exacerbation Recognition Tool (CERT) to Help Patients Recognize When to Seek Medical Advice.

INTRODUCTION: Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) do not report exacerbations and may benefit from simple guidance about when to seek medical attention, so we developed a COPD Exacerbation Recognition Tool (CERT). METHODS: The study was run across three sites in China in patients who had an exacerbation within the previous year. Step 1: focus group qualitative study (total 48 patients) captured symptoms associated with an exacerbation. Step 2: cognitive debriefing to ensure items were appropriately worded. Step 3: 150 patients (69 years, 21% female, FEV1 63% predicted, CAT 15, 2 exacerbations in previous year) completed a questionnaire composed of the items from Steps 1 and 2 using two response options - severity during an exacerbation and magnitude of change from usual state. Responses were analysed in terms of frequency and tested for influence of demographic factors. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified key domains. Using these results, an expert panel guided choice of items that formed the CERT. RESULTS: Following Steps 1 and 2, 29 candidate items were selected for Step 3. Response rates with the two response options were very similar. There was minimal influence of demographic factors on response to the items. EFA using the 11 items with the highest response rates identified two principal factors, Factor 1: breathlessness and activity limitation (79.1% of variance), Factor 2: cough and sputum (20.9% of variance). Five items were selected for the CERT based on response rate and EFA factor loading: worsening cough, increased sputum volume, shortness of breath, laborious breathing, and limitation of motion. Sensitivity analysis suggested that worsening of two or more symptoms had good sensitivity and specificity for the presence of an exacerbation. DISCUSSION: The CERT is an evidence-based tool to provide patients with simple-to-follow guidance about when to seek medical attention when their COPD symptoms worsen.

[The mechanism of airway inflammation in eosinophilic bronchitis and cough variant asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics of airway inflammatory cells, cytokines and inflammatory mediators in eosinophilic bronchitis (EB) and cough variant asthma (CVA) patients and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of distinct airway inflammation between EB and CVA. METHODS: This study included 15 patients with EB (EB group), 15 patients with cough variant asthma (CVA, CVA group), 14 patients with bronchial asthma (asthma group) and 14 healthy controls (healthy group). Percentage of eosinophils (EOS) in sputum induced by hypertonic saline was detected by FACS. The percentage of CD(69)(+) EOS stimulated by interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) was also detected by FACS. The expression of leukotriene C4 synthase (LTC4S) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 (PTGS2) mRNA in sputum was measured by real-time PCR and the concentration of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in sputum was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The percentage of EOS in induced sputum was 15.8 ± 3.2 (EB group), 13.0 ± 2.7 (CVA group) and 11.6 ± 4.5 (asthma group), respectively, which were significantly higher than 1.0 ± 0.4 in the healthy group. The difference was significant and the t value was 16.31, 15.23 and 14.21 respectively (P < 0.05). After stimulated by IL-5 and IFN-γ, the percentage of CD(69)(+) EOS in induced sputum was 1.5 ± 0.4 and 1.5 ± 0.5 (EB group), 1.4 ± 0.4 and 1.4 ± 0.3 (CVA group) and 1.42 ± 0.72 and 1.37 ± 0.46 (asthma group) respectively. There was no statistical significance between these 3 groups, but when compared with 0.4 ± 0.2 and 0.4 ± 0.1 in healthy group, the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The expression of IL-5 mRNA and protein in induced sputum of EB group, CVA group and asthma group were higher than the healthy group and the difference was all statistically different (P < 0.05), but there was no statistical significance between EB group, CVA group and asthma group. The expression of IFN-γ mRNA and protein in induced sputum of each group was not different when compared with healthy group (P > 0.05). The concentration of PGE2 in induced sputum of EB group was(839 ± 69) ng/L, which was higher than (33 ± 8) ng/L of CVA group, (25 ± 6) ng/L of asthma group and (24 ± 8) ng/L of healthy group (all P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between CVA group, asthma group and healthy group. The expression of PTGS2 in induced sputum of EB group increased significantly; when compared with CVA group, asthma group and healthy group, the difference was significant (all P < 0.01). The concentration of LTC4 in induced sputum of EB group, CVA group and asthma group was all higher than the healthy group (all P < 0.05). The expression of LTC4S mRNA of EB group, CVA group and asthma group was also higher than the healthy group (all P < 0.05). The expression of LTC4S mRNA and LTC4 in the EB group was higher than that in the CVA group and the asthma group (P < 0.05). The value of LTC4/PGE2 in the CVA group and the asthma group was higher than that in the EB group (t = 8.7 and 13.1, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the difference in airway function observed in subjects with eosinophilic bronchitis and CVA (or asthma) may be due to the results of differences in PGE(2) production and an imbalance between the production of bronchoconstrictor LTC(4) and bronchoprotective PGE(2) lipid mediators.

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Supplementation during Pregnancy Is Associated with Allergic Rhinitis in the Offspring by Modulating Immunity.

BACKGROUND: Maternal supplementation with 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) has immunologic effects on the developing fetus through multiple pathways. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of VD3 supplementation on immune dysregulation in the offspring during allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Different doses of VD3 as well as control were given to pregnant female mice. Ovalbumin (OVA) challenge and aluminum hydroxide gel in sterile saline were used to induce allergic rhinitis in offspring mice. Nasal lavage fluids (NLF) were collected, and eosinophils were counted in NLF 24 hours after the OVA challenge. Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg subtype-relevant cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, TGF-ß, and OVA-IgE levels from the blood and NLF of offspring mice, were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The Treg subtype was analyzed by flow cytometry. Treg cells were purified from offspring and were adoptively transferred to OVA-sensitized allogenic offspring mice. The outcomes were assessed in allogenic offspring. RESULTS: Our data showed that VD3 supplementation significantly decreased the number of eosinophils, basophils, and lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and NLF. The proportion of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Tregs had a positive correlation with VD3 in a dose-dependent manner. The levels of serum IgE, IL-4, and IL-17 were decreased while the expressions of IFN-γ, IL-10, and TGF-ß were significantly enhanced in VD3 supplementation groups. Adoptive transfer CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Tregs of VD3 supplementation groups promoted Th1 and suppressed Th2 responses in the offspring during allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that low dose VD3 supply in pregnant mice's diet suppressed Th2 and Th17 responses in allergic rhinitis by elevating the Th1 subtype and the proportion of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Tregs in offspring. It suggested that low dose VD3 supply may have the potential to act as a new therapeutic strategy for allergic rhinitis.

Oropharyngeal Probiotic ENT-K12 Prevents Respiratory Tract Infections Among Frontline Medical Staff Fighting Against COVID-19: A Pilot Study.

Healthcare workers at the frontline are facing a substantial risk of respiratory tract infection during the COVID-19 outbreak due to an extremely stressful work schedule and public health event. A well-established first-line defense on oropharyngeal microbiome could be a promising strategy to protect individuals from respiratory tract infections including COVID-19. The most thoroughly studied oropharyngeal probiotic product which creates a stable upper respiratory tract microbiota capable of preventing upper respiratory tract infections was chosen to evaluate the safety and efficacy on reducing episodes of upper respiratory tract infections for COVID-19 healthcare workers. To our knowledge to date, this is the very first study describing the beneficial effects of oropharyngeal probiotic been administered by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this randomized controlled trial, we provided the probiotics to frontline medical staff who work in the hospitals in Wuhan and had been in close contact with hospitalized COVID-19 patients for prophylactic use on a daily basis. Our finding suggests that oropharyngeal probiotic administration significantly reduced the incidence of respiratory tract infections by 64.8%, reduced the time experiencing respiratory tract infections and oral ulcer symptoms by 78%, shortened the days absent from work by 95.5%, and reduced the time under medication where there is no record of antibiotic and anti-viral drug intake in the probiotic group. Furthermore, medical staff treated with Bactoblis experienced sustained protection from respiratory tract infections since the 10th day of oropharyngeal probiotic administration resulting in an extremely low incidence rate of respiratory tract infections.

Ganoderic acid DM induces autophagic apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR activity.

The incidence and mortality of lung cancer are the highest among cancer-related deaths. However, the long-term use of currently available cytotoxic drugs can increase genetic alterations in cancer cells and cause drug-resistance, which significantly limits their usage. Since current systemic treatment options are limited, effective chemotherapeutic agents are urgently needed for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. In this study, we demonstrated that ganoderic acid DM (GA-DM) could increase apoptosis in A549 and NCI-H460 NSCLC cells. GA-DM treatment decreased the protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and increased the expression levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PRAP. Furthermore, GA-DM could promote autophagic flux, and the cytotoxic effect against cancer cells of GA-DM was significantly inhibited by targeted suppression of autophagy, suggesting that autophagy contributed to GA-DM-induced cell death in NSCLC. Moreover, GA-DM clearly induced autophagy by inactivating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. When overexpression of Akt reactivated Akt/mTOR pathway in A549 or NCI-H460 cells, the increase of autophagy related marker LC3B-II and apoptosis related protein cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase 3 and the ration of apoptotic cells by GA-DM was reversed, suggesting that GA-DM promoted autophagy and apoptosis by inhibiting Akt/mTOR pathway-mediated autophagy induction. In conclusion, our study indicated that GA-DM can induce autophagic apoptosis in NSCLC by inhibiting Akt/mTOR activity. (209 words).

Frequency of Signs and Symptoms in Persons With Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Signs and symptoms of asthma are well established; however, no study has been performed to rank them. Therefore, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the pooled frequencies of different signs and symptoms of asthma in subjects age ≥ 14 y to develop a patient-specific questionnaire. METHODS: Specific search queries were developed to include records published in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, until November 2016. We planned to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies for determining the pooled proportions of signs and symptoms and association between combination of symptoms and asthma severity in subjects age ≥ 14 y. The quality assessment was performed using 3 parameters: reported number or percentage of subjects with asthma symptoms, respiratory disorder history, and method for data collection. RESULTS: Of the 4,939 records retrieved, 67 observational studies (N = 57,033 subjects; age ≥ 14 y) were considered eligible for inclusion in the analysis. A total of 10 symptoms were reported across the studies, with pooled proportions of nasal congestion, sleep disturbances, breathlessness, chest tightness, and wheezing being 61.57%, 56.56%, 50.31%, 50.41%, and 46.97%, respectively. In records of medical history, the pooled proportion of rhinitis was 76.37%, followed by allergy/atopy at 63.53%. The pooled proportion of asthma medication use was 83.27%. In terms of the symptom combinations, the combination of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough was reported in 71.26% of subjects from 4 studies (n = 12,014 subjects). Nasal congestion, sleep disturbance, and chest tightness were the most common symptoms of asthma, followed by wheezing and breathlessness with a combination of symptoms (ie, wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough) affecting the highest proportion of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma severity was dependent on variety of symptoms, consisting mostly of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough. On the basis of our analysis, we recommend a combination of symptoms be included in diagnostic-based questionnaires to aid early diagnosis.

[Immunoregulatory role of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)-treated dendritic cells in allergic airway inflammation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism and immunoregulatory role of 1, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D(3) [1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3)]-treated dendritic cells (DCs) in allergic airway inflammation. METHODS: Mouse bone marrow-derived DCs were treated by 1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3) for 72 h. The expression levels of different Notch ligands: Jagged1, Jagged2, Delta1, Delta3, and Delta4 in these DCs were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Mouse spleen CD4+ T cells were cultured with 1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3)-treated DCs or 1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3)-treated DCs blocked by polyclonal antibody of Jagged1 or Jagged2 (control group) for 48 h. The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in CD4+ T cells was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). Ten mice underwent intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) to be sensitized and then divided into 2 groups to inhale 1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3)-treated DC suspension and PBS-DC suspension respectively for 6 successive days. Then the mice were killed. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained to detect the eosinophil count and the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-13, and interferon (IFN)-gamma, and pathological examination of lung was conducted. Spleens were taken out to isolate the CD4+ T cells, and immunolabeling and FCM were used to detect the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expression levels of Jagged1 and Jagged2 in the 1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3)-treated DCs were (0.376 +/- 0.029) and (0.786 +/- 0.034), and (0.564 +/- 0.018) and (0.632 +/- 0.026) respectively, all significantly higher than those of the control group [(0.146 +/- 0.032) and (0.124 +/- 0.025), and (0.267 +/- 0.012) and (0.098 +/- 0.012) respectively, all P < 0.01)]. The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in the CD4+ T cells cultured with 1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3)-treated DCs was (22.49% +/- 0.56%), significantly higher than that of the a PBS control group [(6.67% +/- 0.60%), P < 0.01]. The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in CD4+ T cells after cultured with 1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3)-treated DC blocked by polyclonal antibody of Jagged2 was (6.56% +/- 1.89%), significantly lower than that of the un-blocked control group [(20.37% +/- 1.64%), P < 0.01]. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-gamma, and eosinophil count in the BALF of the 1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3)-treated DC group were (33 +/- 5) pg/ml, (134 +/- 23) pg/ml, (91 +/- 11) pg/ml, and undetectable (< 12.5 pg/ml), and (236 +/- 29) x 10(3)/ml, all significantly lower than those of the PBS-DC group [(55 +/- 7) pg/ml, (332 +/- 49) pg/ml, (152 +/- 19) pg/ml, and (23 +/- 6) pg/ml, and (588 +/- 56) x 10(3)/ml, all P < 0.01]. The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in the spleens of the 1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3)-treated DC group was (14.69% +/- 1.14%), significantly higher than that of the PBS-treated DC group [(2.38% +/- 0.14%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Treatment of the DCs with 1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3) inhibits the allergic inflammation in the airway, maybe via the induction of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells by 1, 25 (OH)(2)D(3)-treated DCs through Jagged2-mediated Notch signal pathway.

Modified Si-Jun-Zi-Tang Attenuates Airway Inflammation in a Murine Model of Chronic Asthma by Inhibiting Teff Cells via the mTORC1 Pathway.

Background: Modified Si-Jun-Zi-Tang (MSJZT), a multi-herb formulation, is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine for patients during the remission stage of asthma. However, the pharmacological basis underlying the effects of MSJZT on asthma has yet to be elucidated. This study aims at evaluating the anti-asthmatic effects of MSJZT and investigating its possible mechanism. Methods: A chronic murine model of asthma was established by sensitization and repeated challenge with ovalbumin (OVA) in female BALB/c mice, followed with oral administration of MSJZT during remission, and then mouse were re-challenged by OVA. The chemical profile of MSJZT was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The characteristic features of allergic asthma, including airway hyperreactivity, histopathology, cytokine levels (IL-4, -5, -13, -17, and INF-γ), T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes (Foxp3+CD4+CD25+), and T effector (Teff) lymphocytes (Foxp3-CD25+CD4+) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and downstream proteins of mTORC1/2 signaling pathway were examined. Results: MSJZT markedly suppressed airway hyper-responsiveness to aerosolized methacholine, and reduced levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the BALF. Histological studies showed that MSJZT significantly reduced inflammatory infiltration in lung tissues. The percentage and absolute number of Teff cells were suppressed to a remarkable level by MSJZT without affecting Treg cells. Furthermore, MSJZT effectively inhibited the mTORC1 activity, but exerted limited effects on mTORC2, as assessed by the phosphorylation of the mTORC1 and mTORC2 substrates, S6 ribosomal protein, p70 S6 kinase, mTOR S2481, and Akt, respectively. Conclusion: MSJZT attenuated chronic airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma by inhibiting Teff cells, which occurred, at least in part, via modulation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway.

Suppression of allergic inflammation by allergen-DNA-modified dendritic cells depends on the induction of Foxp3+ Regulatory T cells.

CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play important roles in regulating allergic inflammation. To analyse if allergen-DNA-modified dendritic cells (DC) can suppress allergic responses and what roles Treg cells play in DC-based allergen-specific immunotherapy. Immature DC were transfected with retrovirus encoding Der p2 DNA, and administered to mice that sensitized and challenged with Der p2 protein. After Treg cells were depleted with anti-CD25 mAb, mice were re-challenged to observe the airway inflammation, and Treg cells in spleen CD4(+) T cells. And responses of spleen CD4(+) T cells to Der p2 were determined. Co-culture of naïve CD4(+) T cells with allergen-modified DC induced Foxp3+ Tregs. Sensitized and challenged mice developed allergic airway inflammation and Th2 responses, and decreased Foxp3(+) Tregs. Treatment with allergen-modified-DC suppressed airway inflammation and Th2 responses, and increased IL-10 and IFN-gamma production and Foxp3(+) Tregs significantly; and eliminated the responses of CD4(+) T cells to allergen. Administration of anit-CD25 mAb eliminated all the effects of modified-DC except for the increasing of IFN-gamma. Allergen-modified DC can induce immune tolerance to allergens and reverse the established Th2 responses induced by allergen, with dependence on the induction of Foxp3(+) Tregs.

Ganoderic Acid A improves high fat diet-induced obesity, lipid accumulation and insulin sensitivity through regulating SREBP pathway.

Obesity and its major co-morbidity, type 2 diabetes, have been an alarming epidemic prevalence without an effective treatment available. Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) are major transcription factors regulating the expression of genes involved in biosynthesis of cholesterol, fatty acid and triglyceride. Therefore, inhibition of SREBP pathway may be a useful strategy to treat obesity with type 2 diabetes. Here, we identify a small molecule, Ganoderic Acid A (GAA), inhibits the SREBP expression and decreases the cellular levels of cholesterol and fatty acid in vitro. GAA also ameliorates body weight gain and fat accumulation in liver or adipose tissues, and improves serum lipid levels and insulin sensitivity in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Consistently, GAA regulates SREBPs target genes and metabolism associated genes in liver or adipose tissues, which may directly contribute to the lower lipid level and improvement of insulin resistance. Taken together, GAA could be a potential leading compound for development of drugs for the prevention of obesity and insulin resistance.

Astragaloside IV Ameliorates Airway Inflammation in an Established Murine Model of Asthma by Inhibiting the mTORC1 Signaling Pathway.

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a main active constituent of Astragalus membranaceus, has been confirmed to have antiasthmatic effects. However, it remained unclear whether the beneficial effects of AS-IV on asthma were attributed to the mTOR inhibition; this issue was the focus of the present work. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin followed with 3 weeks of rest/recovery and then reexposure to ovalbumin. AS-IV was administrated during the time of rest and reexposure. The characteristic features of allergic asthma, including airway hyperreactivity, histopathology, cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, and INF-γ), and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and downstream proteins of mTORC1/2 signaling were examined. AS-IV markedly suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness and reduced IL-4, IL-5, and IL-17 levels and increased INF-γ levels in the BALF. Histological studies showed that AS-IV markedly decreased inflammatory infiltration in the lung tissues. Notably, AS-IV inhibited mTORC1 activity, whereas it had limited effects on mTORC2, as assessed by phosphorylation of mTORC1 and mTORC2 substrates S6 ribosomal protein, p70 S6 Kinase, and Akt, respectively. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells in BALF were not significantly changed by AS-IV. Together, these results suggest that the antiasthmatic effects of AS-IV were at least partially from inhibiting the mTORC1 signaling pathway.

Three cases of avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) virus infection in Zhejiang Province, China: case report and literature review.

This report provides information on the clinical characteristics and treatment of three patients with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus treated in Zhejiang Province, China. The infection was characterized by respiratory symptoms, fever, rapid progression, and significant hypoxemia. Laboratory tests showed a low level or decrease in leukocytes. It is recommended that neuraminidase inhibitors be administered at early stage of the disease.

H7N9 influenza A-induced pneumonia associated with acute myelitis in an adult.

Recently, we encountered three patients infected with an avian influenza A virus (H7N9) who exhibited upper respiratory catarrh symptoms, pharyngalgia, a high fever and hypodynamia in the early stages of the disease. Their conditions deteriorated rapidly, and one-sided pneumonia progressed to two-sided pneumonia. The patients developed respiratory failure and even acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). One patient experienced numbness of the lower limbs, urinary retention and fecal incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord indicated edema at the thoracic level, and the patient was diagnosed with acute myelitis. This report details the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with H7N9-induced pneumonia associated with acute myelitis.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 pretreatment enhances the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy in a mouse allergic asthma model.

BACKGROUND: Allergen-specific immunotherapy can induce immune tolerance to specific allergens by regulating immune status of individuals. However, its clinical application is limited due to individual differences in efficacy among patients and un-confirmed safety. 1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) has been shown to be involved in a variety of physiological processes, including immune response regulation. In the present study we explored the role of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) pretreatment for immunotherapy. METHODS: Seventy-five BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups (15 mice per group). The mouse allergic asthma model was established by intra-peritoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA, 10 µg) and aluminium hydroxide (2 mg) as an adjuvant. Intra-peritoneal injection of 50 ng of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) served as a pretreatment, subcutaneous injection of OVA (100 µg) as an immunotherapy, and 1% OVA inhalation as a challenge. Histopathological analysis was performed on four mice per group. The number of cells and their classification in bronchoalvolar lavage (BAL) fluid were assayed. Levels of serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) and IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 in BAL fluid were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: After 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) pretreatment, immunotherapy could significantly inhibit the infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissues and BAL fluid of mice with allergic asthma when compared with un-treated animals (eosinophils: (7.46 ± 1.34) × 10(4)/ml vs. (13.41 ± 1.67) × 10(4)/ml, P < 0.05). In addition, levels of IL-4 ((36.91 ± 7.87) pg/ml vs. (43.70 ± 6.42) pg/ml, P > 0.05) and IL-5 ((41.97 ± 7.93) pg/ml vs. (60.14 ± 8.35) pg/ml, P < 0.05) in BAL fluid and serum sIgE ((0.42 ± 0.05) vs. (0.75 ± 0.06) OD units, P < 0.05) were profoundly reduced. However, the IL-10 level in BAL fluid was significantly increased ((67.74 ± 6.57) pg/ml vs. (44.62 ± 8.81) pg/ml, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) pretreatment enhanced the inhibitory effects of immunotherapy on allergic airway inflammation. In the treatment of allergic diseases, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) pretreatment may be beneficial for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy.