Pingchuan formula improves allergic asthma in mice through inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B / mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role and decipher the mechanism of Pingchuan formula (PCF) in treating allergic asthma. METHODS: The mice were treated with saline, dexamethasone (DXM) and PCF for 1 week after the asthma model was established and their respiratory function including respiratory resistance (RI), pulmonary dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) were measured. In addition, cellular changes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and pathological changes in lung biopsy as well as the expression level of -smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-α1) in BALF and interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-13 (IL-13), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), nuclear factor-kappa B-p65 (NF-κBp65), inhibitor-α of nuclear transcription factor κB (IκBα), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), c-jun n-terminal kinase (JNK) and its phosphorylated proteins in lung tissue were also examined and compared among different groups. RESULTS: Our data suggested that the respiratory functions were significantly improved and the pathological changes ameliorated in the DXM group and the PCF group compared to the model group. Both DXM and PCF effectively decreased the number of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in BAL as well as the secretion of α-SMA and TGF-α1, IL-5, IL-13, while increased the expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Furthermore, our study indicated that the NF-κBp65, IκBα, p38MAPK and JNK pathways were inhibited under the treatment of PCF. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that PCF can attenuate the inflammatory response in asthma through inhibiting the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. This study not only supported the use of PCF in allergic asthma in clinic but also shed light upon afurther understanding of thediseasepathogenesis.

[Identification of Dredging Depths Based on Sediment Vertical Distribution Profiles of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus and Their Adsorption-desorption Equilibria].

A dredging demonstration project in the Baiyangdian Lake included open waters and fishing ponds to reduce the internal release of nitrogen and phosphorus from bottom sediments. The dredging depth design was determined by both the sediment vertical distribution profile of total nitrogen and phosphorus, and the sediment adsorption-desorption equilibrium method. The determined dredging depths were very similar and coincident. The dredging depth for the demonstration area of open waters in Nanliuzhuang was identified as(50±10) cm; and the dredging depths for fishing ponds were(30±10) cm in both the Nanliuzhuang and Caiputai demonstration areas. The equilibrium nitrogen(NH4+-N) and phosphorus(SRP) concentrations at zero net sorption or desorption(ENC0 and EPC0) were significantly positively correlated with both exchangeable and total nitrogen and phosphorus in the sediments. The total nitrogen and phosphorus in the sediments were also used to predict the risk of their release from the bottom sediments to the overlying water column. The sediment layers with ENC0 and EPC0 values greater than the NH4+-N and SRP in the overlying water column indicated the sediments act as a source of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus to the overlying water column in the Nanliuzhuang and Caiputai demonstration areas. Accordingly, the sediment layers with both total nitrogen concentrations greater than 750 mg·kg-1 and total phosphorus concentrations greater than 500 mg·kg-1 should be identified as dredging layers.

Pingchuan formula attenuates airway mucus hypersecretion via regulation of the PNEC-GABA-IL13-Muc5ac axis in asthmatic mice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease. It has been reported that Pingchuan formula (PCF) can control asthma attacks by reducing airway inflammation, muscle spasm and mucus secretion. However, PCF's mechanism for reducing airway mucus hypersecretion remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PCF on airway mucus secretion in asthmatic mice and to explore changes in the PNEC-GABA-IL13-Muc5ac axis. METHODS: Male Babl/c mice were used to establish the asthma model via sensitisation with OVA. Mice were randomly divided into Normal, OVA, DEX, and PCF groups. After treatment, lung histopathology was observed with H&E and PAS staining. BALF levels of IL-5 and IL-13 were detected using ELISA. The levels of mRNA and protein expression for GAD1, GABAARß1, GABAARα1 and Muc5ac in the lung tissue were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot assays. PNECs were observed with AgNOR staining. RESULTS: PCF treatment effectively reduced goblet cell (P < 0.01) and PNEC (P < 0.05) proliferation, lung tissue inflammation and airway mucus hypersecretion. In addition, PCF also markedly downregulated mRNA and protein expression of GAD1, GABAARß1, GABAARα1 and Muc5ac (P < 0.05, compared with OVA), thus inhibiting the GABA-IL-13 pathway in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PCF controls asthma attacks by reducing airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion via the PNEC-GABA-IL13-Muc5ac axis.

[Urban Runoff Phosphorus Removal Pathways in Bioretention Systems].

The role of vegetation and saturated zones in stormwater-dissolved phosphorus (PO43--P) removal was investigated using bioretention microcosms. Nine bioretention columns were dosed with synthetic stormwater under various hydrological conditions and phosphorus loading rates and monitored over a 12-month period. Remarkable phosphorus removal (>90%) was achieved using the mixed filter media of sand and local soil, with or without vegetation. Bioretention columns in which P. alopecuroides was planted could significantly enhance PO43--P removal. The saturated zones could also reduce the effluent PO43--P concentrations, but had no significant effect on total phosphorus removal. Approximately 50% of the input phosphorus retained in the filter media was extracted in the top 0-22.5 cm, where it could be available for uptake by plants. Further, 57.1% to 76.1% of the total phosphorus input recovered in the total plant biomass was stored in the above-ground shoots. Thus, periodic harvesting of shoots can be a sustainable method of phosphorus removal from stormwater bioretention systems.

Therapeutic effects of liver soothing pingchuan formula decoction on experimental asthma in BALB/c mice via regulation of nerve growth factor-tyrosine kinase A pathway.

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of liver soothing pingchuan formula decoction (LSPF) on experimental asthma in BALB/c mice and explore its potential molecular mechanisms. An animal model of asthma was established in BALB/c mice through sensitization and activation with intraperitoneal injection of 10% ovalbumin (OVA)/Al(OH)3 solution in addition to inhalation of a 5% OVA solution. LSPF (300 and 600 mg/kg/day) was initially administered orally prior to activation. Following this, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were collected for histopathalogical examination. Levels of inflammatory cells and cytokines were determined in the BALF, and levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) in the lung tissues were determined. The results of the present study indicated that increased inflammatory reactions were observed following OVA sensitization (P<0.05), and the expression levels of NGF (P<0.05) and TrkA (P<0.05) were significantly increased, compared with normal mice. Notably, compared with the asthma model group, immunohistochemical results revealed that LSPF treatment suppressed OVA induced inflammatory reactions (P<0.05) and NGF (P<0.05) and TrkA expression levels (P<0.05). In addition, the NGF (P<0.05) and TrkA (P<0.05) were revealed to be downregulated with LSPF treatment from the results of the ELISA and western blotting assay. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrated that LSPF exhibits therapeutic effects on experimental asthma in mice, via downregulation of the NGF-TrkA pathway.

Effect of treatment with geraniol on ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in mice.

BACKGROUND: Asthma, a complex highly prevalent airway disease, is a major public health problem for which current treatment options are inadequate. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antiasthma activity of geraniol and investigate its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: In a standard experimental asthma model, Balb/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin, treated with geraniol (100 or 200 mg/kg) or a vehicle control, during ovalbumin challenge. RESULTS: Treatment of ovalbumin-sensitized/challenged mice with geraniol significantly decreased airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine. Geraniol treatment reduced eotaxin levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and attenuated infiltration of eosinophils induced by ovalbumin. Geraniol treatment reduced TH2 cytokines (including interleukins 4, 5, and 13), increased TH1 cytokine interferon γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and reduced ovalbumin-specific IgE in serum. In addition, treatment of ovalbumin-sensitized/challenged mice with geraniol enhanced T-bet (TH1 response) messenger RNA expression and reduced GATA-3 (TH2 response) messenger RNA expression in lungs. Furthermore, treatment of ovalbumin -sensitized/challenged mice with geraniol further enhanced Nrf2 protein expression and activated Nrf2-directed antioxidant pathways, such as glutamate-cysteine ligase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase, and enhanced formation of reduced glutathione and reduced formation of malondialdehyde in lungs. CONCLUSION: Geraniol attenuated important features of allergic asthma in mice, possibly through the modulation of TH1/TH2 balance and activation the of Nrf2/antioxidant response element pathway.

[Bioretention Media Screening for the Removal of Phosphorus in Urban Stormwater].

Urban runoff is an increasingly important source of excess phosphorus (P) to local receiving waters. Bioretention, a promising technology for urban stormwater pollution treatment, was investigated to determine whether the mixture of purple soil and sand could adsorb sufficient P at low concentrations in urban stormwater. The TP concentrations of urban runoff from variously impervious areas in Chongqing City ranged from 0. 04 to 7. 00 mg . L-1 (mean ± S. D. = 0. 75 mg . L-1 ± 1. 08 mg . L-1); the TDP concentrations ranged from 0. 02-0. 46 mg . L-1 ( mean ± S. D. = 0. 15 mg . L-1 ± 0. 10 mg . L-1). The media adsorption benchmark was determined for a bioretention facility sized at 10% of the 100% impervious catchment area and having 10 years of capacity according to annual rainfall pattern and the runoff TDP range. The media benchmark for adsorption was calculated as 7. 5 mg . kg-1 at soluble P concentration of 0. 30 mg . L-1 which provided the necessary stormwater treatment. The oxalate-extractable aluminum and iron content influenced the P sorption capacity for neutral and acid purple soils. A strong positive linear relationship was observed between the oxalate ratio [OR = (Alox + Feox)/Pox] and media P sorption capacity. The media mixture of 20% purple soil and 80% sand showed excellent P removal, meeting the developed benchmark for adsorptive behavior. The media mixture in a large-scale (60 cm) column consistently produced soluble reactive phosphorus effluent event with mean concentrations <0. 05 mg . L-1. The media mixture of purple soil and sand can be used as a bioretention media to treat low-concentration phosphorus in urban runoff under various hydrologic and pollutant concentration conditions.

[Spatiotemporal characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus in a mountainous urban lake].

Longjing Lake in Chongqing Expo Garden is a typical representative of mountainous urban lake. Based on water quality monitoring of Longjing Lake, spatiotemporal characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus and their relations were analyzed, combined with natural and human factors considered. The results indicated that annual average concentrations of TN and TP in overall lake were (1.42 ± 0.46) mg · L(-1) and (0.09 ± 0.03) mg · L(-1), nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations fluctuated seasonally which were lower during the flooding season than those during the dry season. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentration in main water area, open water areas and bay areas of Longjing Lake were distributed with temporal and spatial heterogeneity by different regional influencing factors. The seasonal variation of the main water area was basically consistent with overall lake. Two open water areas respectively connected the main water area with the upstream region, bay areas. TN and TP concentrations were gradually reduced along the flow direction. Upstream water quality and surrounding park functional layout impacted nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient concentrations of open water areas. Nutrient concentrations of typical bay areas were higher than those of main water area and open water areas. The mean mass fraction of PN/TN and PP/TP accounted for a large proportion (51.7% and 72.8%) during the flooding season, while NO(3-)-N/TN and SRP/TP accounted for more (42.0% and 59.4%) during the dry season. The mass fraction of ammonia nitrogen and dissolved organic nitrogen in total nitrogen were relatively stable. The annual mean of N/P ratio was 18.429 ± 7.883; the period of nitrogen limitation was 5.3% while was 21.2% for phosphorus limitation.

[Research on stormwater runoff quality of mountain city by source area monitoring].

Stormwater runoff samples were collected from 10 source areas in Mountain City, Chongqing, during five rain events in an attempt to investigate the characteristics of runoff quality and influencing factors. The outcomes are expected to offer practical guidance of sources control of urban runoff pollution. The results indicated that the stormwater runoff of Mountain City presented a strong first flush for almost all events and constituents. The runoff quality indices were also influenced by the rainfall intensity. The concentration of TSS, COD, TN and TP decreased as the rainfall intensity increased. The concentrations of COD and TP in stormwater runoff were highly correlated with TSS concentrations. Suspended solid matter were not only the main pollutant of stormwater runoff but also served as the vehicle for transport of organic matter and phosphorus. Organic matter and phosphorus in stormwatrer runoff were mainly bound to particles, whereas nitrogen was predominantly dissolved, with ammonia and nitrate. A significant difference of stormwater runoff quality was observed among the ten monitored source areas. The highest magnitude of urban stormwater runoff pollution was expected in the commercial area and the first trunk road, followed by the minor road, residential area, parking lot and roof. Urban surface function, traffic volume, population density, and street sweeping practice are the main factors determining spatial differentiation of urban surface runoff quality. Commercial area, the first trunk road and residential area with high population density are the critical sources areas of urban stormwater runoff pollution.

[Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Pingchuan Formula on airway inflammation, interferon-γ and interleukin-4 in mice with asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), factors related to T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2), in airway inflammation in an asthmatic model of mice and the effects of Pingchuan Formula (PCF), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine. METHODS: Eighty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, dexamethasone group and PCF group, with 20 mice in each group. For inducing asthma, the BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of mixed ovalbumin, and then activated by inhaling ovalbumin. After 2 weeks of sensitizing, asthmatic mice were intragastrically administered with the drugs once a day for four weeks. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were collected respectively after 7-day activation or 2 weeks after activation. The general histological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and collagen staining, meanwhile the levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in BALF were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: After 7 d of activation, compared with the normal group, significant decrease in IFN-γ and increase in IL-4 were detected in the model group; compared with the model group, IL-4 level of the two treated groups was decreased and the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was increased significantly; no significant difference was found between the two treated groups. Two weeks after activation, compared with the normal group, IFN-γ was decreased, IL-4 was increased, and the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was decreased in the model group; compared with the model group, IL-4 level in the dexamethasone group was significantly decreased and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was significantly elevated, while the level of IL-4 in the PCF group was significantly decreased, the level of IFN-γ was increased simultaneously, and the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was significantly elevated. There was no significant difference between the two treated groups in IFN-γ and IL-4 levels, nor in the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio. The area of collagen fiber in airway wall epithelium in the model group was smaller than that in the normal group, and those in the treated groups were lower than that in the model group; there was no significant difference between the two treated groups. CONCLUSION: PCF has regulating function in correcting the imbalance of Th1/Th2 so as to improve airway inflammation. The therapeutic effects of PCF are basically similar to dexamethasone.

[Nitrogen and phosphorus composition in urban runoff from the new development area in Beijing].

Stormwater runoff samples were collected from two impervious roof and road of the new development area in Beijing, during three rainfall events in an attempt to characterize the urban runoff and determine nitrogen and phosphorus composition. The outcomes are expected to offer the practical guidance in sources control of urban runoff pollution. The results indicated that the stormwater runoff from the studied area presented a strong first flush for all monitored events and constituents. Eighty percent of the total pollutant loads were transported by the first 10 mm flow volume for roof runoff, whereas 80% of the total pollutant loads were discharged by the first 15 mm flow volume for road runoff. Average EMCs of TSS, COD, TN, NH4(+) -N, NO3(-) -N and TP for roof runoff were 50.2 mg x L(-1), 81.7 mg x L(-1), 6.07 mg x L(-1), 2.94 mg x L(-1), 1.05 mg x L(-1), and 0.11 mg x L(-1), respectively. Average EMCs of TSS, COD, TN, NH4(+) -N, NO3(-)-N and TP for road runoff were 539.0 mg x L(-1), 276.4 mg x L(-1), 7.00 mg x L(-1), 1.71 mg x L(-1), 1.51 mg x L(-1), and 0.61 mg x L(-1), respectively. Moreover, for the roof runoff, the particle-bound fraction was 20.8% for COD, 12.3% for TN, and 49.7% for TP. For road runoff, the particle-bound fraction was 68.6% for COD, 20.0% for TN, and 73.6% for TP. Nitrogen in roof runoff was predominantly dissolved (87.7%), with ammonia (57.6%) and nitrate (22.5%). Nitrogen in road runoff was also predominantly dissolved (80.0%), with ammonia (42.1%) and nitrate (35.0%). These findings can assist the development of effective source control strategies to immobilize dissolved and particulate-bound nitrogen/phosphorus in urban stormwater.

[Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Bushen Gubiao Recipe on toll-like receptor 4 and CD4(+)CD25(+)foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in mice with recurrent respiratory tract infections].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Bushen Gubiao Recipe (BGR), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway and CD4(+)CD25(+)foxp3(+)regulatory T cells (CD4(+)CD25(+)foxp3(+)Tregs) in mice with recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs). METHODS: A mouse model of kidney-yang deficiency which simulated physical characteristics of RRTIs was established by intraperitoneal injection of hydrocortisone for 14 d. The model mice were divided into 4 groups, model group, high-dose BGR group, low-dose BGR group, and nucleic acid and casein oral solution group. They were administered respectively with distilled water, high-dose BGR (50 g/kg body weight), low-dose BGR (25 g/kg body weight) and nucleic acid and casein oral solution. Besides, a normal control group was set up and gastrogavage with distilled water. The effect of intervention was evaluated 4 weeks later by estimating the changes in behaviors of mice. Expressions of TLR4 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemical SABC method, the expression of TLR4 mRNA in lung tissue was detected by fluorescence quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR), and the level of blood CD4(+)CD25(+)foxp3(+) Tregs was determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: A kidney-yang deficiency mouse model with RRTIs was successfully established by intraperitoneal injection of hydrocortisone. BGR could improve the abnormal behavioral condition of the mice and enhance the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the lung tissue. Expression of TLR4 mRNA in high-dose BGR group was higher than that in model group (P<0.05), while the difference was not statistically significant between high-dose BGR group and low-dose BGR group (P>0.05). Levels of CD4(+)CD25(+)foxp3(+)Tregs in high-dose BGR group and nucleic acid and casein oral solution group were lower than that in model group (P<0.05), while the difference was not statistically significant between high-dose BGR group and low-dose BGR group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: BGR can improve the behavior of the kidney-yang deficiency mice, and improve the innate immune function by up-regulating TLR/NF-κB signaling pathway. BGR can adjust the immune imbalance of T-helper cell (Th) 1/Th2 through reducing the activity of CD4(+)CD25(+)foxp3(+)Tregs and enhancing the immune response of Th1 type.

[Research on spatial differentiation of urban stormwater runoff quality by source area monitoring].

Runoff samples were collected from 14 source areas in Hanyang district during four rain events in an attempt to investigate the spatial differentiation and influencing factors of urban stormwater runoff quality. The outcomes are expected to offer practical guidance in sources control of urban runoff pollution. The results revealed that particle-bound proportion of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) in stormwater runoff were 58% +/- 17%, 65% +/- 13% and 92% +/- 6%, respectively. The fractions of ammonia, nitrate and dissolved organic nitrogen were homogeneous in dissolved nitrogen composition. Urban surface function, traffic volume, land use, population density, and street sweeping practice are the main factors determining spatial differentiation of urban surface runoff quality. The highest magnitude of urban stormwater runoff pollution was expected in the old urban residential area, followed by general residential with restaurants, commercial and transport area, new developments and green land. In addition, the magnitude of road stormwater runoff pollution is positively correlated to traffic volume, in the following order: the first trunk road > the second trunk road > minor road. Street sweeping and critical source areas controls should be implemented to mitigate the adverse effects of urban stormwater runoff on receive waters.

First flush of storm runoff pollution from an urban catchment in China.

Storm runoff pollution process was investigated in an urban catchment with an area of 1.3 km2 in Wuhan City of China. The results indicate that the pollutant concentration peaks preceded the flow peaks in all of 8 monitored storm events. The intervals between pollution peak and flow peak were shorter in the rain events with higher intensity in the initial period than those with lower intensity. The fractions of pollution load transported by the first 30% of runoff volume (FF30) were 52.2%-72.1% for total suspended solids (TSS), 53.0%-65.3% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 40.4%-50.6% for total nitrogen (TN), and 45.8%-63.2% for total phosphorus (TP), respectively. Runoff pollution was positively related to non-raining days before the rainfall. Intercepting the first 30% of runoff volume can remove 62.4% of TSS load, 59.4% of COD load, 46.8% of TN load, and 54.1% of TP load, respectively, according to all the storm events. It is suggested that controlling the first flush is a critical measure in reduction of urban stormwater pollution.

[Effect of antecedent dry weather period on urban storm runoff pollution load].

Twelve storm events were surveyed at Shilipu catchment in Wuhan City through three-year monitoring regime. The flow discharges, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) in runoff were measured to study the mechanism of urban stormwater runoff pollution. The relationship between the event pollution load and the antecedent dry weather period was identified to discuss the influence of the urban surface sanitation management, operation of sewer pipe maintenance and rainfall characteristics on the urban stormwater runoff pollution. It was found that the antecedent dry weather period and runoff amount were the important determining factors in the generation of urban stormwater runoff pollution. The event pollution load was positively correlated to the antecedent dry weather period between two rainfall events (R2 = 0.95, p < 0.01). It was the most important hydrological factor influencing the events pollution loads. The best regression equation to estimate pollution load for storm events was developed based on the antecedent dry weather period and runoff depth. Source control including improving urban street sweeping activities and operation of sewer pipe maintenance should be made to reduce the amount of available pollutant over the dry days. It is important alternative to control urban stormwater runoff pollution for Hanyang District.

[Clinical trial on ibandronate in patients with tumor-associated hypercalcemia].

OBJECTIVE: Ibandronate, a third generation bisphosphonate, inhibits bone resorption in human and animal studies. This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ibandronate as a single agent in patients with tumor-associated hypercalcemia. METHODS: An open, multicenter, non-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 22 patients. The patients received 2 mg ibandronate intravenously if the corrected calcium was less than 3.0 mmol/L but more than 2.7 mmol/L; they received 4 mg ibandronate iv if corrected calcium was more than 3.0 mmol/L. RESULTS: There was 100% efficacy in these two dose groups but the calcium correcting effect was more pronounced in the 4-mg dose group than the 2-mg dose group. The most common adverse reactions were fever and skin itching with an incidence of 4.5%. CONCLUSION: Ibandronate is active in patients with tumor-associated hypercalcemia and the adverse effects are well tolerated.