[Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis].

Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: Biomedical Database was searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCT) related to vitamin D supplementation in tuberculosis patients, and the retrieval time was from establishment to November 2019. Two evaluators independently screened the literature and extracted the data. The negative conversion rate of acid-fast-bacilli of sputum smear, the negative conversion rate of mycobacterium tuberculosis culture and the change of serum vitamin D level were the main outcome indicators, and the body mass index was the secondary outcome indicator. The incidence of hypercalcemia and abnormal urinary calcium were used as adverse event indicators and the RevMan 5.2 software was used for meta-analysis. Results: A total of 8 RCT(S) met the inclusion criteria, including 850 patients with tuberculosis. Meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, negative conversion rate of acid-fast-bacilli of sputum smear and serum vitamin D level increased after 8 weeks of vitamin D supplementation [RR (95%CI) and mean deviation (MD) (95%CI) were 1.06 (1.00, 1.13) and 8.81 (1.81, 15.81), respectively; negative conversion rate of acid-fast-bacilli of sputum smear was not increased at week 4 and 12 [RR (95%CI) were 1.08 (0.97, 1.20) and 1.01 (0.91, 1.12), respectively]; negative conversion rate of mycobacterium tuberculosis culture in sputum was not increased after 4 and 8 weeks [RR (95%CI) were 1.06 (0.91, 1.22) and 1.02 (0.96, 1.08), respectively]; there was no change in body mass index [MD (95%CI):-0.02 (-0.53, 0.50)]; there was increased risk of abnormal urinary calcium [RR (95%CI): 2.45 (1.75, 3.41)], while no increase in risk of hypercalcemia [RR (95%CI): 1.99 (0.96, 4.13)]. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation is safe but not effective in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Jia-Wei-Si-Miao-Wan alleviates acute gouty arthritis by targeting NLRP3 inflammasome.

Gout is a common metabolic disease and acute gouty arthritis (AGA) is one of the important complications. Jia-Wei-Si-Miao-Wan is a newly developed drug for treating acute gouty arthritis, but the molecular mechanism has not been completely clarified. Thus, this study was aimed to explore the regulation of Jia-Wei-Si-Miao-Wan on NLRP3 inflammasome and TLR/NF-κB signaling, which are two important signaling pathways in inflammation. AGA rat model was established by injecting monosodium urate into the right knee. Colchicine and Jia-Wei-Si-Miao-Wan were administrated by gavage. The circumference of the knee was measured. IL-1ß and IL-18 level in the flushing fluid was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of TLR4, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, NF-κB and p-NF-κB. The results showed that IL-1ß and IL-18 level in the flushing fluid was increased and TLR4, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, NF-κB and p-NF-κB expressions were up-regulated after the establishment of AGA rat model. Colchicine and Jia-Wei-Si-Miao-Wan administration could alleviate the inflammation in the knee by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and TLR/NF-κB signaling. In vivo data showed that the therapeutic effect of Jia-Wei-Si-Miao-Wan could be comparable with colchicine but had lower hepatic and renal toxicity. In conclusion, Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome and TLR/NF-κB signaling by Jia-Wei-Si-Miao-Wan could be effective in treating AGA.

Skin compatibility and efficacy of a cosmetic skin care regimen with licochalcone A and 4-t-butylcyclohexanol in patients with rosacea subtype I.

BACKGROUND: Patients with rosacea often show facial sensitivity to cosmetics or skin care products that can influence the severity of symptoms and exacerbate erythema and inflammation. Nevertheless, special skin care is necessary to address cosmetic concerns and reduce the potential side-effects of topical or oral treatment of the disease. Appropriate skin care should comprise gentle cleansing, effective moisturization, soothing actives, UV protection and concealing pigments to help neutralize the appearance of redness. OBJECTIVE: To determine the compatibility and efficacy of a skin care regimen (consisting of a cleanser, a day care with SPF25 and a night care) containing licochalcone A (Lic A), an anti-irritant from the licorice plant Glycyrrhiza inflata, and 4-t-butylcyclohexanol (SymSitive(®) ), a substance which acts as a sensitivity regulator, in female subjects with clinically determined subtype I rosacea. METHODS: Thirty-two test subjects with mild to moderate rosacea used the skin care regimen daily for 8 weeks. Clinical assessment of erythema, subjective irritation and clinical photography were performed at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks. Additionally, a quality-of-life questionnaire was filled out by the test subjects at baseline and week 8. The subjects completed a self-assessment questionnaire on product properties after 4 and 8 weeks of product use. RESULTS: Clinical assessments and subject response confirmed very good tolerability of the regimen, a statistically significant improvement in clinical grading for erythema and tactile roughness at weeks 4 and 8 and on telangiectasia at week 8 when compared to baseline scores. A statistically significant improvement in facial redness (a*) values, based on the L*a*b* colorimetric system, was determined at week 4 and 8 in comparison to baseline. No difference in corneometric measurement was detected at week 4 and 8 compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: The skin care regimen was found to be highly compatible with the sensitive facial skin of patients with rosacea subtype I and effective in improving signs of rosacea. Therefore, the daily use of skin care products containing LicA and SymSitive(®) in patients with rosacea improves the overall skin appearance and the quality of life of these patients.