Association between vitamin D level and blood eosinophil count in healthy population and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with blood eosinophil count in healthy population and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).@*METHODS@#We analyzed the data of a total 6163 healthy individuals undergoing routine physical examination in our hospital between October, 2017 and December, 2021, who were divided according to their serum 25(OH)D level into severe vitamin D deficiency group (< 10 ng/mL), deficiency group (< 20 ng/mL), insufficient group (< 30 ng/mL) and normal group (≥30 ng/mL). We also retrospectively collected the data of 67 COPD patients admitted in our department from April and June, 2021, with 67 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination in the same period as the control group. Routine blood test results, body mass index (BMI) and other parameters were obtained from all the subjects, and logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between 25(OH)D levels and eosinophil count.@*RESULTS@#The overall abnormal rate of 25(OH)D level (< 30 ng/mL) in the healthy individuals was 85.31%, and the rate was significantly higher in women (89.29%) than in men. Serum 25(OH)D levels in June, July, and August were significantly higher than those in December, January, and February. In the healthy individuals, blood eosinophil counts were the lowest in severe 25(OH)D deficiency group, followed by the deficiency group and insufficient group, and were the highest in the normal group (P < 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis showed that an older age, a higher BMI, and elevated vitamin D levels were all risk factors for elevated blood eosinophils in the healthy individuals. The patients with COPD had lower serum 25(OH)D levels than the healthy individuals (19.66±7.87 vs 26.39±9.28 ng/mL) and a significantly higher abnormal rate of serum 25(OH)D (91% vs 71%; P < 0.05). A reduced serum 25(OH)D level was a risk factor for COPD. Blood eosinophils, sex and BMI were not significantly correlated with serum 25(OH)D level in patients with COPD.@*CONCLUSION@#Vitamin D deficiency is common in both healthy individuals and COPD patients, and the correlations of vitamin D level with sex, BMI and blood eosinophils differ obviously between healthy individuals and COPD patients.

Hospitalization Due to Asthma Exacerbation: A China Asthma Research Network (CARN) Retrospective Study in 29 Provinces Across Mainland China

PURPOSE: Details of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in mainland China are lacking. To improve disease control and reduce economic burden, a large sample survey among this patient population is indispensable. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of such patients.METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals of 29 regions in mainland China during the period 2013 to 2014. Demographic features, pre-admission conditions, exacerbation details, and outcomes were summarized. Risk factors for exacerbation severity were analyzed.RESULTS: There were 3,240 asthmatic patients included in this study (57.7% females, 42.3% males). Only 28.0% used daily controller medications; 1,287 (39.7%) patients were not currently on inhaled corticosteroids. Acute upper airway infection was the most common trigger of exacerbation (42.3%). Patients with severe to life-threatening exacerbation tended to have a longer disease course, a smoking history, and had comorbidities such as hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and food allergy. The multivariate analysis showed that smoking history, comorbidities of hypertension, COPD, and food allergy were independent risk factors for more severe exacerbation. The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation varied with seasons, peaking in March and September. Eight patients died during the study period (mortality 0.25%).CONCLUSIONS: Despite enhanced education on asthma self-management in China during recent years, few patients were using daily controller medications before the onset of their exacerbation, indicating that more educational efforts and considerations are needed. The findings of this study may improve our understanding of hospital admission for asthma exacerbation in mainland China and provide evidence for decision-making.

Seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China.Methods This was a retrospective study which involved patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals throughout 7 geographic areas in the mainland of China (northeast,north,central,east,south,northwest and southwest).The numbers of asthmatic patients and total inpatients of the respiratory department of each hospital were recorded.The monthly ratio of asthmatic patients to the total inpatients in every area was calculated and compared.Results During the study period,6 480 patients were admitted for asthma exacerbation,accounting for 3.14％ of all the 206 135 patients admitted to the respiratory departments in the 29 hospitals.The ratio of asthmatic patients to total inpatients in the northeast area (5.61％) was highest,and the ratio in east area was lowest (1.97％).Statistical analysis showed that the difference among different areas was significant (P＜0.000 1).In most areas,both the number and proportion of hospitalized asthmatic patients peaked in spring (February-April) and autumn (September-October).In the northeast area,east area and south area,the peaks in spring were more obvious,while in the north area and southwest area,the peaks in autumn were more obvious.In the northwest area the peaks occurred in winter (December-January) and summer (June-August),respectively.The differences in hospitalization due to asthma among different months were significant in the northeast,north,and southwest areas (P＜0.005).Conclusion The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation fluctuated with season in different areas in China.In most areas,more asthmatic patients were admitted to hospitals in spring and autumn.

Delayed diagnosis is associated with greater disease severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the association of the time of initial diagnosis with the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).@*METHODS@#A total of 803 patients who were diagnosed to have COPD for the first time in our hospital between May 2015 to February 2018 were enrolled in this study.The diagnoses of COPD and asthma COPD overlap (ACO) were made according GOLD guidelines and european consensus definition.Lung function of the patients was graded according to the GOLD guidelines.@*RESULTS@#The patients with COPD had a mean age of 61.8±9.9 years,including 726 male and 77 female patients.The course of the patients (defined as the time from symptom onset to the establishment of a diagnosis) was 3(0.5,8) years.Among these patients,85.2% had a moderate disease severity (FEV1%<80%),and 48.3% had severe or very severe conditions (FEV1%<50%);47.0% of them were positive for bronchial dilation test.In the overall patients,295(36.7%) were also diagnosed to have ACO,and the mean disease course of ACO[3(1,9) years]was similar to that of COPD[3(0.5,8) years](>0.05).A significant correlation was found between the disease course and the lung function of the patients.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that an older age and a longer disease course were associated with poorer lung functions and a greater disease severity.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The delay of the initial diagnosis is significantly related to the severity of COPD.

Evaluation of asthma management from the surveys in 30 provinces of China in 2015-2016 / 中华内科杂志

Objective To evaluate the general level of asthma management in urban areas of China and further promote the national asthma management plan. Methods A multi-center, cross-sectional survey was carried out in 30 provinces of China (except for Tibet) during Oct 2015 to May 2016. It's a questionnaire-based face-to-face survey which included asthma management using peak flow meter (PFM) and pulmonary function test,medication choice of maintenance therapy and asthma education.Results A total of 3 875 asthmatic outpatients were recruited including 2 347(60.6%)females and 1 528(39.4%)males. The mean age was(50.7±16.7)years ranging from 14 to 99.Only 10.1%(388/3 837)patients used PFM as monitoring, whereas 62.1%(2 405/3 874) patients underwent pulmonary function test during the past year. There were 57.4%(2 226/3 875) patients treated with inhaled cortical steroid plus long-acting β2-agonist combinations (ICS+LABA) as daily medication. 43.3%(1 661/3 836) patients were followed up by physicians. Among this population, 1 362 asthmatic outpatients were recruited, who also took part in the asthma control survey in 2007-2008 in 10 cities.In this subgroup,17.9%(244/1 360)were tested by PFM and 66.6%(907/1 362)by pulmonary function test during last year.As to the medication,63.1%(860/1 362) selected ICS+LABA for daily control. There were 50.4%(685/1 359) patients in the follow-up cohort by physicians.Compared to the similar survey conducted in 2007-2008,the proportion of patients with ICS+LABA regimen and follow-up by physicians were markedly higher,while the rate of PFM use did not have significant improvement. Conclusion Although the present level of asthma management in China is still far from ideal, asthma management has improved compared to 8 years ago. Yet the use of PFM does not significantly improve.Asthma action plan and application of PFM should be further promoted to improve the level of asthma management.

Seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China.Methods This was a retrospective study which involved patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals throughout 7 geographic areas in the mainland of China (northeast,north,central,east,south,northwest and southwest).The numbers of asthmatic patients and total inpatients of the respiratory department of each hospital were recorded.The monthly ratio of asthmatic patients to the total inpatients in every area was calculated and compared.Results During the study period,6 480 patients were admitted for asthma exacerbation,accounting for 3.14％ of all the 206 135 patients admitted to the respiratory departments in the 29 hospitals.The ratio of asthmatic patients to total inpatients in the northeast area (5.61％) was highest,and the ratio in east area was lowest (1.97％).Statistical analysis showed that the difference among different areas was significant (P＜0.000 1).In most areas,both the number and proportion of hospitalized asthmatic patients peaked in spring (February-April) and autumn (September-October).In the northeast area,east area and south area,the peaks in spring were more obvious,while in the north area and southwest area,the peaks in autumn were more obvious.In the northwest area the peaks occurred in winter (December-January) and summer (June-August),respectively.The differences in hospitalization due to asthma among different months were significant in the northeast,north,and southwest areas (P＜0.005).Conclusion The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation fluctuated with season in different areas in China.In most areas,more asthmatic patients were admitted to hospitals in spring and autumn.

Effect of MKK34 on airway β-catenin in a HDM-induced mouse asthma / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the role of MKK34 (a peptide spanning a C-terminal α-helical region in TSLP) on airway inflammation and β-catenin of airway epithelium in a HDM-induced mouse asthma.Methods 32 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control,MKK34,asthma and MKK34 + HDM groups.The mice in the asthma group were exposed to HDM for five consecutive days and the MKK34 + HDM group was pretreated with MKK34 1 h prior to the HDM intranasally treated.After 8 weeks' treatment,animal lung function test and pathological staining were performed to evaluate the asthma situation,IL-4,IFN-γin bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and IgE in the serum were detected,immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to assess β-catenin and p-ERK,t-ERK levels.Results Airway reactivity,IL-4 and IgE in the asthma group were significantly higher than that in the control group.Treatment with MKK34 significantly decreased airway hyperresponsiveness,IL-4 and IgE.HE staining demonstrated the chronic bronchitic inflammation in the lungs of asthma group.β-catenin in the control group was distributed evenly at the cytomembrane of epithelial cells.In the asthma group,β-catenin was disordered in epithelial cells and its expression was decreased.Treatment with MKK34 ameliorated the damage of β-catenin and chronic bronchitic inflammation.The protein levels of p-ERK1/2 increased obviously in the asthma group.The pretreated group significantly decreased the expression of p-ERK1/2.Conclusions MKK34 can ameliorate the airway inflammation and the destruction of β-catenin of airway epithelium in a HDM-induced mouse asthma.The ERK pathway may play a role in this process.

1,25(OH)2D3 protects against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting activation of STAT3 / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the impact of 1,25(OH)2D3 on histological changes and activation of STAT3 in BLM?induced pulmonary fibrosis mice. Methods 30 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group ,BLM group and BLM+VD group. Mice in BLM group and BLM+VD group received intratracheal injection of BLM(3 U/kg). Control group were intratracheally injected equal volume of sterile saline. From the first day after the surgery,mice in BLM+VD group received intraperitoneal injection of VD (5μg/kg·d). After 21 days, H&E and Masson′s trichrome staining were carried out. Aschroft score were used to evaluate histological changes in lungs. IL?6,IL?4 and INF?γin BALF were assessed by Elisa. p?STAT3,α?SMA and Collagen I were detected by western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry. Results Fibrosis score and level of α?SMA,Collagen I in BLM group were significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). However ,treatment with VD effectively at?tenuated fibrosis (P<0.05). IL?6 and IL?4 increased while INF?γwas decreased in BALF of BLM group (P<0.05). VD could ameliorate these changes. Upregulation and neuclear translocation of p?STAT3 were observed in BLM group,while VD intervention could inhibit phosphorylation of STAT3. Conclusions VD attenuate BLM?induced pulmonary fibrosis and regulate inflammatory cytokines probably by blocking STAT3 activation.

Value of serum amyloid A in patients with acute asthma attack / 实用医学杂志

Objective To assess the value of serum amyloid A (SAA) in patients with acute asthma attack. Methods Sixty-four asthmatic patients in acute phase and 20 healthy individuals were included. The asthmatic patients were divided into bacterial infection-induced group and non-bacterial infection-induced group. Lung function test and chest X-rays test were conducted And inflammatory cell counts , serum SAA and CRP levels were measured. SAA were compared among subgroups of asthmatic patients and healthy controls and the diagnostic value of SAA to distinguish bacterial infection-induced asthma was estimated. Results SAA of both asthma subgroups were significantly higher when compared with the healthy individuals, and it was higher in bacterial infection-induced group than that in non-bacterial infection-induced group. In terms of ROC curve , AUC was 0.966 for SAA to distinguish merging bacterium infection, and the cut-off value was 36.67mg/L with sensitivity of 92.3% and specificity of 88.2%. Conclusions SAA increases in patients during acute asthma attack, and particularlymore obviously in bacterial infection-induced patients. It may be used as a reliable biomarker to distinguish merging bacterium infection during acute asthma attack.

Significance of dynamic monitoring PCT in patients with bacterial hospital acquired pneumonia / 实用医学杂志

Objective To demonstrate the influence of PCT concentration and its descent to the prognosis of patients with hospital acquired bacterial pneumonia. Methods The PCT concentration was determined. One hundred and thirteen HAP patients were enrolled from September 2011 and November 2012 , including 64 patients in the non-survival group and 49 patients in the survival group , and 92 non-infected patients in the control group. The relationship between PCT and hospital days and survival rate was analyzed. Results The initial value of PCT in the non-survival group and in the survival group were higher than that in the control group, while the PCT in the non-survival group was the highest, with significant difference (P =0.0002). Taking PCT = 0.78 μg/L as the cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity to predict the mortality of the HAP patients was 0.66 and 70%, respectively. A significant negative correlation was shown between PCT value and hospital days in the non-survival group. The survival rate of patients with PCT decrease over 50% was higher than that of patients with PCT decrease less than 50% after treatment. Conclusion Dynamic monitoring PCT in patients with bacterial HAP possesses a certain significance.

Effect of ethyl pyruvate on E-cadherin of airway epithelium in a TDI-induced mouse asthma / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the role of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on E-cadherin of airway epithelium and airway inflammation in a TDI-induced mouse asthma model. Methods 30 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group , asthma group and EP group. On day 1 and 8 , mice in asthma group and EP group were treated with 0.3%TDI on the dorsum of both ears for sensitization. And on day 15 , 18 and 21 the mice underwent an aerosol inhalation of 3% TDI, and saline (100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 1 hour before inhalation. The control group underwent acetone and olive oil (AOO) sensitization on day 1 and 8, AOO challenge on day 15, 18 and 21. Saline (100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 1 hour before challenge. One hour before each challenge, mice were given EP (100mg/kg) or vehicle via intraperitoneal injection. On day 22, airway reactivity, IL-4 , IFN-γand IgE in the serum were detected , immunohistochemistry and WB were used to assess E-cadherin levels. Results Airway reactivity, IL-4, IFN-γin and IgE in the serum in asthma group are significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Treatment with EP dramatically decreased airway hyperresponsiveness in TDI-challenged mice, as well as IL-4, IFN-γ and IgE (P < 0.05). E-cadherin in control group was distributed evenly at the connection of epithelial cells. E-cadherinin distribution was chaotic and its expression was decreased in asthma group. EP intervention can ameliorate the damage of E-cadherinin. Conclusions EP can ameliorate the destruction of E-cadherin in airway epithilum by TDI.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 pretreatment inhibits house dust mite-induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin release by human airway epithelial cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25VD3) on house dust mites (HDM)-induced expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in human airway epithelial cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human airway epithelial 16HBE cells were incubated with 200, 400, and 800 U/L in the absence or presence of 1,25VD3 (10(-8) mol/L) for 6 h and 24 h, and TSLP mRNA and protein expressions in the cells were assessed using quantitative PCR and ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>16HBE cells incubated with HDM at 200, 400, and 800 U/L showed significantly increased TSLP mRNA and protein expressions (P<0.05). Pretreatment of the cells with 1,25VD3 obviously lowered 400 U/L HDM-induced TSLP expressions (P<0.05), but 1,25VD3 added along with HDM in the cells did not produce significant effects on TSLP expressions (P=0.58).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both 1,25VD3 and HDM can induce TSLP expression and release in 16HBE cells, but pretreatment with 1,25VD3 can decrease HDM-augmented TSLP expression in the cells.</p>

Effect of thymic stromal lymphopoietin on human bronchial epithelial permeability / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) on the permeablily of monolayer bronchial epithelial cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cultured human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE was exposed to 0.1 or 1 ng/ml TSLP for 0, 0.5, 6, 12, or 24 h, and the epithelial monolayer permeability was assessed by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), permeability to FITC-labeled dextran (FITC-DX) and expression of E-cadherin.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control cells group, 16HBE cell monolayer showed significantly increased TER (P<0.001) and decreased FITC-DX fluorescence in the lower chamber (P<0.05) following exposure to 0.1 and 1 ng/ml TSLP, but these changes were not dose-dependent. Exposure to 0.1 ng/ml TSLP resulted in significantly increased expression of E-cadherin. The 16HBE monolayer exposed to 0.1 ng/ml TSLP for 24 h showed the most obvious increase of TER and E-cadherin expression (P<0.05); FITC-DX fluorescence level was markedly decreased after TSLP exposure for 12 h and 24 h (P<0.05), and the effect was more obvious in 12 h group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TSLP can protect the barrier function of normal bronchial epithelial cells in vitro.</p>

Pathologically confirmed histoplasmosis: analysis of 14 cases / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the features of disease history, clinical manifestations, adjuvant examination results, diagnosis, treatments and outcome of patients with histoplasmosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 14 patients with biopsy-confirmed histoplasmosis between 2000 and 2012 in Nanfang Hospital were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The clinical manifestations of histoplasmosis included fever, productive cough, chest pain, and abdominal pain, accompanied occasionally by neurological symptoms, lymph node enlargement or surface mass. Seven out of the 14 o patients had underlying immunosuppressive conditions, 9 had chest imaging changes, and 2 showed reduced white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. The cases were initially diagnosis as tuberculosis, malignant tumor, or malignant lymphoma before the definite diagnosis was established pathologically. Ten patients received treatments with itraconazole, amphotericin B, fluconazole or voriconazole, and 9 of them responded favorably to the treatments.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Histoplasmosis, with a low incidence and diverse clinical manifestations, presents with no specific imaging features to easily cause misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, and its definite diagnosis relies on pathological examination.</p>

Establishment of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model by passive cigarette smoking and intratracheal LPS instillation in spontaneously hypertensive rats / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) model by passive cigarette smoking and (or) intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifteen male SH rats were randomly divided into control group, cigarette smoking exposure (CS) group and CS+LPS (cigarette smoking exposure plus intratracheal instillation of LPS) group. After 8 weeks' treatment, the COPD model was validated by inspecting the general condition and examining lung function and pulmonary pathological changes. The expressions of surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A), NF-κB, histone, p-Iκ-Kα/β, Iκ-Kα/β, and IκB-α were determined with Western blotting, and the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA were measured using qRT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rats in both CS and CS+LPS groups were marantic with intermittent cough and tachypnea. Lung function test showed increased RI and lowered peak expiratory flow in CS group, which were more prominent in CS+LPS group (P<0.05). HE staining demonstrated typical chronic bronchitic inflammation and emphysema in the lungs of the two model groups with significantly decreased mean alveolar number and significantly increased mean lining intermittent and destruction index. The emphysema level was more serious in CS+LPS group than in CS group. Western blotting showed markedly decreased expressions of SP-A and IκB-α in CS group and CS+LPS , especially the latter group. The protein levels of NF-κB, Iκ-K phosphorylation and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 increased obviously in the two model groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>COPD model can be established by passive smoking and (or) intratracheal instillation of LPS in SH rats, and the model induced by combined exposures is optimal.</p>

Establishment and Evaluation of a Simplified Evaluation System of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

PURPOSE: In recent years, a variety of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) evaluation systems have been developed worldwide; however, they are not so convenient for the doctors clinically, we decided to establish and evaluate a simplified evaluation system of ARDS (SESARDS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 140 ARDS patients (derivation data set) were collected to screen for prognostic factors affecting outcomes in ARDS patients. By logistic regression analysis, scores were allocated to corresponding intervals of the variables, respectively, by means of analysis of the frequency distribution to establish a preliminary scoring system. Based on this primary scoring system, a definitive evaluation scheme was created through consultation with a panel of experts. The scores for the validation data set (92 cases) were assigned and calculated by their predictive mortality with the SESARDS and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II). The performance of SESARDS was compared with that of APACHE II by means of statistical analysis. RESULTS: The factors of age, pH, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), oxygenation index (OI), and the lobes of lung were associated with prognosis of ARDS respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of SESARDS for the validation data set were 96.43% and 58.33%, respectively. On the AUC, no significant difference between APACHE II and SESARDS was detected. There were no significant differences between the prediction and the actuality obtained by SESARDS for the validation data set the SESARDS scores were positively correlated with the actual mortality. CONCLUSION: SESARDS was shown to be simple, accurate and effective in predicting ARDS progression.

High-mobility group box protein 1 in synergy with interleukin-1β promotes interleukin-8 expression in human airway epithelial cells in vitro / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To test the effect of high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) alone or in synergy with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on the expression of IL-8 in human airway epithelial cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human airway epithelial 16HBE and A549 cell lines were incubated with HMGB1 (100 ng/ml) in the absence or presence of IL-1β (10 ng/ml) for 24 h, and the changes of IL-8 mRNA and protein expressions were assessed using quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the two human airway epithelial cell lines, HMGB1 alone did not produce obvious effect on the expression of IL-8, but in the presence of IL-1β, HMGB1 caused a significant increase of IL-8 expressions at both the mRNA and protein levels.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HMGB1 in synergy with IL-1β increases the expression of IL-8 in human airway epithelial cells, which provides new evidence that HMGB1 contributes to neutrophilic airway inflammation by regulating IL-8 expression.</p>

An improved method for primary culture of mouse pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish an improved method for culturing primary mouse pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An improved tissue block adherent culture method was used to isolate and culture the PMVECs from C57 mice. The cultured cells were identified by factor VIII-related antigen and CD31 antigen, and the growth of cells cultured using the improved method and the conventional method was compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cultured primary pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells showed a short fusiform or round morphology, and the cell monolayer displayed a cobble stone-like appearance. The cultured cells were positive for VIII-related antigen and CD31 antigen. The cell growth was accelerated in the cell cultures with the improved method compared with that in conventional cell cultures.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The improved culture method allows more efficient acquisition of primary mouse PMVECs of a greater purity.</p>

Hydrogen peroxide induces high mobility group box 1 release in human bronchial epithelial cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of hydrogen dioxide (H(2)O(2)) on the release and translocation of high mobility group box 1 release (HMGB1) from normal human bronchiolar epithelial cells (HBE).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MTT assay was used to assess the viability of HBE135-E6E7 cells exposed to different concentrations of H(2)O(2). The expression and location of HMGB1 in the cytoplasm, nuclei and culture medium of the exposed cells were determined using Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Exposure to 125 µmmol/L H(2)O(2) did not obviously affect the cell viability. At the concentration of 250 µmmol/L, H(2)O(2) significantly decreased the cell viability (P<0.05), but significant cell death occurred only after exposure to 400 µmmol/L H(2)O(2) (P=0.000). Compared with the control cells, the cells exposed to 12.5, 125 and 250 µmmol/L H(2)O(2) for 24 h showed significantly increased levels of HMGB1 in the culture medium (P<0.05), and exposure to 125 µmmol/L H(2)O(2) for 12 and 24 h also caused significantly increased HMGB1 level (P<0.05). Exposure to 125 µmmol/L H(2)O(2) for 24 h significantly increased HMGB1 expression in the cytoplasm but decreased its expression in the nucleus. HMGB1 translocation from the nuclei to the cytoplasm and to the plasmalemma occurred after 125 µmmol/L H(2)O(2) exposure for 12 h and 24 h, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>H(2)O(2) can induce HMGB1 translocation and release in human bronchial epithelial cells, suggesting the involvement of HMGB1 in airway oxidative stress in chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma and COPD.</p>

Analysis of an acellular pigskin based nerve scaffold / 生物工程学报

A scaffold fabricated with lysine/nerve growth factor (NGF)/poly (lactic acid coglycolic acid) copolymer (PLGA) and acellular pigskin was evaluated in vitro as a potential artificial nerve scaffold. Properties of the scaffold such as microstructure, mechanical property, degradation behavior in PBS and water, Schwann cell adhesion property, and release of NGF were investigated. Results showed PLGA had permeated into the porous structure of acellular pigskin; its breaking strength was 8.308 MPa, breaking extensibility was 38.98%, elastic modulus was 97.27 MPa. The porosities of the scaffold ranged from 68.3% to 81.2% with densities from 0.62 g/cm3 to 0.68 g/cm3. At 4 weeks of degradation in vitro, maximum mass loss ratio was 43.3%. The release of NGF could still be detected on the 30th day, and its accumulative release rate was 38%. Lysine added into the scaffold neutralized the acidoid preventing degradation of PLGA to maintain a solution pH value. Schwann cells had grown across the scaffold after co-cultivation for 15 days. These in vitro properties of the pigskin based composite might indicate its potentiality to be an artificial nerve scaffold.