Development of Thiol-Ene Reaction-Based HA Hydrogel with Sustained Release of EGF for Enhanced Skin Wound Healing.

This study develops a novel drug delivery system using a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel for controlled release of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to enhance skin wound healing. Conventional hydrogel-based methods suffer from a burst release and limited drug delivery times. To address this, we employ bioconjugation to introduce an acrylate group to EGF, enabling chemical bonding to the HA hydrogel matrix through thiol-ene cross-linking. This approach results in sustained-release delivery of EGF based on the degradation rate of the HA matrix, overcoming diffusion-based limitations. We confirm the introduction of the acrylate group using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. We evaluated the hydrogel morphology and rheological properties following binding of acrylate-conjugated EGF to the HA matrix. Assessment of the EGF release profile demonstrates delayed release compared to unconjugated EGF. We evaluate the impact on cells through cell proliferation and scratch assays, indicating the system's efficacy. In a rat wound healing model, the sustained release of EGF from the hydrogel system promotes appropriate tissue healing and restores it to a normal state. These findings suggest that this practical drug delivery system, involving the modification of growth factors or drugs to chemically bind healing factors to hydrogels, can achieve long-lasting effects.

One-year changes in the pediatric emergency department caused by prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lasting for more than a year, it is imperative to identify the associated changes in the use of emergency medical care for efficient operation of the pediatric emergency department (PED). This study was conducted to determine the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patterns of PED visits. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of visits to the PED of six hospitals, between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020. We compared changes in the characteristics of patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 245 022 visits were included in this analysis. After the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Korea, we observed a significant decrease (54.2%) in PED visits compared with the annual average number of visits in the previous 3 years. Since then, the weekly number of PED visits decreased by 11.9 person/week (95% CI: -15.3--8.4, P < 0.001), which included an increase of 0.21% (95% CI: 0.15%-0.26%, P < 0.001) per week in high acuity patients. From 2017 to 2020, the proportion of infectious respiratory diseases by year was 25.9%, 27.0%, 28.6%, and 16.3%, respectively, demonstrating a significant decrease in 2020 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patient visits to PEDs continues to decline, especially among those with infectious diseases. However, the disease severity of patients has gradually increased. There has been a change in the characteristics of visits to PEDs after COVID-19 which will require an appropriate response from a long-term perspective.

Level of interleukin-18 binding protein is significantly different in patients with anaphylaxis than urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Acute urticaria is a common cutaneous disease encountered in children, while anaphylaxis can show cutaneous symptoms as well as systemic symptoms. One study found that urticaria tends to precede anaphylaxis, but studies on the different role of eosinophils and related cytokines in anaphylaxis and urticaria are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features, total eosinophil count, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-18, IL-18 binding protein (BP), IL-1 receptor-like (RL) 1, and IL-33 and compare with tryptase to examine if any differences could be found between patients who experienced anaphylaxis and urticaria. METHODS: We included 63 patients with urticaria and 52 patients with anaphylaxis. We measured total eosinophil count and the serum levels of total IgE, tryptase, IL-18, IL-18BP, IL-1RL1, and IL-33, and we compared the differences between the groups. Lastly, receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine which factors accurately diagnosed anaphylaxis. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the clinical characteristics or sensitization between urticaria group and anaphylaxis group. Laboratory findings showed that total eosinophil count and IL-18BP were significantly lower in the anaphylaxis group, compared with the urticaria group. IL-18BP showed significant correlation with tryptase. The receiver operating characteristic curve for IL-18BP for diagnosing anaphylaxis had an area under the curve of 0.530. CONCLUSIONS: IL-18BP level was significantly different in patients with anaphylaxis compared to those with urticaria. Serum IL-18BP level may be used to differentiate between the patients with urticaria or anaphylaxis.

Association between pterygium, sun exposure, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin in a nationally representative sample of Korean adults.

PURPOSE: Ultraviolet-B (UVB) light exposure is the major risk factor for developing a pterygium, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level is an objective measure of UVB light exposure. In this study, we investigated the association between pterygium, sun exposure, and serum 25(OH)D. METHODS: This population-based, cross-sectional study comprised 12,258 adults (aged ≥19 years) participating in the fifth annual Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2012. The enrolled subjects underwent interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory investigations. The serum 25(OH)D levels were measured, and pterygium was examined by using a slit lamp. We used three adjusted logistic regression models and selected covariates as potential confounders. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of pterygium was 7.09, and 53.1% of these subjects were women. The prevalence of pterygium was higher in elderly subjects and those who lived at low latitudes. In multivariate analysis with adjustment for confounding factors, subjects with a serum 25(OH)D level > 30 ng/mL, 25-30 ng/mL, and 15-20 ng/mL had an odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 1.565 (1.035-2.366), 1.545 (1.086-2.198), 1.8 (1.358-2.386), and 1.535 (1.216-1.938), respectively, compared to those with a serum 25(OH)D level < 15 ng/mL. Subjects with a daily sun exposure > 5 h had an OR (95% CI) of 1.761 (1.395-2.223) compared to subjects with a daily sun exposure < 2 h. CONCLUSION: The present study provides epidemiological evidence of an association of daily sun exposure and serum 25(OH)D levels with pterygium in a representative Korean population.

Lipid profiles in adolescents with and without asthma: Korea National Health and nutrition examination survey data.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia contribute to the development of a pro-inflammatory state in asthma. However, studies investigating the association between asthma and dyslipidemia have reported conflicting results. This study aimed to uncover the relationship between asthma and lipid profiles in adolescents using a national health and nutrition survey. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed the 2010-2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and included 2841 subjects aged 11-18 years with fasting blood sample data. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were analyzed. We compared asthma prevalence between high-risk and low-risk lipid groups. RESULTS: There were 123 adolescents with asthma and 2718 without asthma (controls). The TC/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, and non-HDL-C levels were significantly higher in the asthma group than in the non-asthma group (P < 0.05). The high-risk groups displayed significantly higher asthma prevalence with higher TC, TG, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C levels and TG/HDL-C ratio than the low-risk groups (P < 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the high-risk groups were associated with asthma according to their higher TC levels (adjusted odds ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.012-2.822) and TG/HDL-C ratios (adjusted odds ratio, 1.665; 95% confidence interval, 1.006-2.756). CONCLUSIONS: Asthma prevalence was greater in adolescents with a high TC level and TG/HDL-C ratio. In addition to the standard lipid profile, elevated TG/HDL-C ratio can be used as a useful additional lipid measure to evaluate interactions between dyslipidemia and asthma.

The antipyretic efficacy and safety of propacetamol compared with dexibuprofen in febrile children: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, comparative, phase 3 clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the antipyretic efficacy, safety, and tolerability between oral dexibuprofen and intravenous propacetamol in children with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) presenting with fever. METHODS: Patients aging from 6 months to 14 years admitted for URTI with axillary body temperature ≥ 38.0 °C were enrolled and randomized into the study or control group. Patients in the study group were intravenously infused with propacetamol and subsequently oral placebo medication was administered. Patients in the control group were intravenously infused with 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution without propacetamol and then oral dexibuprofen was administered. We checked the body temperature of all patients at 0.5 h (hr), 1 h, 1.5 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, and 6 h after oral placebo or dexibuprofen had been applied. RESULTS: A total of 263 patients (125 in the study group) were finally enrolled. The body temperatures of patients in the study group were significantly lower until 2 h after administration (37.73 ± 0.58 vs 38.36 ± 0.69 °C (p < 0.001), 37.37 ± 0.53 vs 37.88 ± 0.69 °C (p < 0.001), 37.27 ± 0.60 vs 37.62 ± 0.66 °C (p < 0.001), 37.25 ± 0.62 vs 37.40 ± 0.60 °C (p = 0.0452), at 0.5 h, 1 h, 1.5 h, and 2 h, respectively). The two groups showed no significant differences in terms of the range of body temperature decrease, the Area Under the Curve of body temperature change for antipyretic administration-and-time relationship, the maximum value of body temperature decrease during the 6 h test period, the number of patients whose body temperature normalized (< 37.0 °C), the mean time when first normalization of body temperature, and the development of adverse events including gastrointestinal problem, elevated liver enzyme, and thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous propacetamol may be a safe and effective choice for pediatric URTI patients presenting with fever who are not able to take oral medications or need faster fever control. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRIS KCT0002888 . Date of registration: July 31st, 2013.

Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin as a biomarker for disease severity and relapse in recalcitrant atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophils are encountered in many skin diseases, but the role of eosinophils in atopic dermatitis (AD) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of serum eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and total IgE as a biomarker of disease severity and relapse in severe recalcitrant AD. METHODS: We enrolled 99 patients with AD: 37 with severe recalcitrant AD, 20 with severe AD, and 42 with mild to moderate AD. We examined the difference in serum level of total IgE, ECP, and EDN between the groups and whether any correlation existed between disease severity and ECP or EDN. Lastly, difference in levels of ECP or EDN between those who experienced relapse was examined in the severe recalcitrant group. RESULTS: Serum levels of total IgE, ECP, and EDN were significantly higher in the severe recalcitrant AD group and severe AD group compared with the mild to moderate AD group. No significant difference was found in serum levels of total IgE, ECP, and EDN between the severe recalcitrant group and severe group. EDN had a significant positive correlation with the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis. No significant correlation was found between EDN and ECP. In the severe recalcitrant group, 29.7% of patients experienced relapse, and EDN was significantly higher in those who experienced relapse. The cutoff value of EDN for predicting relapse was 64.5. CONCLUSION: EDN correlated with the disease severity of AD. EDN may predict relapse in severe recalcitrant AD. The EDN serum level could be considered a candidate molecule as a clinical biomarker for evaluating AD disease activity and a predictor of relapse.

Value of Screening Spirometry for Early Diagnosis of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome in Children After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a chronic graft-versus-host disease that occurs in the lungs after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Serial screening pulmonary function test (PFT) is recommended after transplantation for early diagnosis of BOS. However, little is known about the value or the optimum methods of serial PFT in this context. One hundred and 10 consecutive patients of 6 to 17 years of age at the time of transplantation who underwent allogeneic HSCT were recruited for this study. Screening PFTs were performed 1 week before transplantation and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after transplantation. When findings of obstructive lung disease were found on PFT, chest high-resolution computed tomography was performed. Of the 110 patients, 5 (4.5%) developed BOS. Of the 5 patients who developed BOS, 2 patients were diagnosed early by screening PFT. However, screening PFT did not allow for early diagnosis of BOS in the other 3 patients because BOS developed after 12 months of transplantation, which is beyond the PFT screening period. In conclusion, trimonthly PFTs performed through 12 months after transplantation in patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT helped in the early diagnosis of BOS; however, there are some limitations to this screening protocol. Future studies will aid in the development of a new screening protocol that can subsequently be evaluated.

High Shear Stress Reduces ERG Causing Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Pathological high shear stress (HSS, 100 dyn/cm 2 ) is generated in distal pulmonary arteries (PA) (100-500 µm) in congenital heart defects and in progressive PA hypertension (PAH) with inward remodeling and luminal narrowing. Human PA endothelial cells (PAEC) were subjected to HSS versus physiologic laminar shear stress (LSS, 15 dyn/cm 2 ). Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a feature of PAH not previously attributed to HSS, was observed. H3K27ac peaks containing motifs for an ETS-family transcription factor (ERG) were reduced, as was ERG-Krüppel-like factors (KLF)2/4 interaction and ERG expression. Reducing ERG by siRNA in PAEC during LSS caused EndMT; transfection of ERG in PAEC under HSS prevented EndMT. An aorto-caval shunt was preformed in mice to induce HSS and progressive PAH. Elevated PA pressure, EndMT and vascular remodeling were reduced by an adeno-associated vector that selectively replenished ERG in PAEC. Agents maintaining ERG in PAEC should overcome the adverse effect of HSS on progressive PAH.

Total cholesterol and lipoprotein composition are associated with dry eye disease in Korean women.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the relationship between dyslipidemia and dry eye disease (DED) in a Korean population. METHODS: This population-based study enrolled 5,627 adults (aged >19 years) who were participating in the first year of the fifth annual Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2011. Clinically diagnosed DED and its symptoms were surveyed, and biochemical blood analysis data were collected. Dyslipidemia was defined as any of the following: hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL), hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride > 150 mg/dL), low levels of high-density lipoprotein (<40 mg/dL), or high levels of low-density lipoprotein (>100 mg/dL). RESULTS: After adjusting for demographics (age and body mass index), lifestyle (smoking, drinking, exercise, and residential district), and medical factors (diabetes, hypertension, previous ophthalmic surgery, menopause, and rheumatologic disease), elevated serum cholesterol level was found to be associated with increased likelihood of DED (odds ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.127-2.78) in women. CONCLUSIONS: DED in a Korean population was found to be associated with high serum cholesterol levelsThe results of this study highlight the significance of eye examinations and independent lipid profile monitoring in patients with dyslipidemia because of its possible correlation with DED progression.

Hyaluronic acid hydrogel for controlled release of heterobifunctional photocleavable linker-modified epidermal growth factor in wound healing.

Peptide and protein drugs, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), face challenges related to stability and bioavailability. Recently, hydrogels have emerged as promising carriers for these drugs. This study focuses on a light-responsive hydrogel-based drug delivery system for the controlled release of EGF in wound healing. A photocleavable (PC) linker was designed to bind EGF to the hydrogel matrix, enabling UV light-triggered release of EGF. Hydrogels have evolved from drug reservoirs to controlled release systems, and the o-nitrobenzyl-based PC linkers offer selective cleavage under UV irradiation. We used a thiol-ene crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel matrix modified with the PC-linked EGF. The release of EGF from the HA hydrogel under UV irradiation was evaluated, along with in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the controlled effect of EGF on wound healing. Our results indicate that the successful development of a light-responsive hydrogel-based system for precise temporal release of EGF enhances the therapeutic potential in wound healing. This study highlights the importance of incorporating stimulus-responsive functionalities into hydrogel-based drug delivery systems to optimize protein drugs in clinical applications.

Sodium sulfite enhances rhinovirus-induced chemokine production in airway epithelial cells.

We investigated the effects of sodium sulfite (Na(2)SO(3)) on rhinovirus (RV)-induced chemokine production in A549 airway epithelial cells. Our results demonstrated that the treatment of A549 cells with 2,500 µM Na(2)SO(3) enhanced the mRNA expression of RV-induced interleukin (IL)-8 1.8 fold (p = 0.025); and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), 2.9 fold (p = 0.025). Moreover, the secretion of IL-8, RANTES, and interferon-γ-inducible protein (IP)-10 was increased in a statistically significant manner without affecting cell viability and RV replication. Our results suggest that Na(2)SO(3) may potentiate RV infection by enhancing chemokine production.

Increased risk of cataract surgery in patients with allergic disease: a population based cohort study.

We investigated the association between cataract and allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), and asthma using 2,631,015 subjects' data from the 2009 National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort in Korea. Each allergic disease was defined as three or more occasions of diagnosis within 1 year with dedicated ICD-10 codes. The primary endpoint was newly received cataract surgery during the follow-up period. In total, 447,883 subjects had at least one allergic disease. During the mean follow-up of 7.8 ± 1.7 years, newly developed cataract surgery was observed in 301,693 subjects (allergic group, n = 69,321; non-allergic group, n = 232,372). After adjusting for demographic characteristics (age, sex), systemic and ocular comorbidities, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking, regular exercise), the allergic group had a higher hazard ratio (HR) for cataract development compared with the non-allergic group. We further performed a subgroup analysis for patients regarding sex and age. In the subgroup analysis of subjects with AD, men aged < 50 years had a higher HR compared to women of the same age group. In conclusion, subjects with allergic diseases had a higher risk of cataract surgery than their counterparts, and the combination of AD and AR resulted in the highest risk. Particularly, the association was more evident in male than female patients with AD aged < 50 years.

In vivo biocompatibility evaluation of in situ-forming polyethylene glycol-collagen hydrogels in corneal defects.

The available treatment options include corneal transplantation for significant corneal defects and opacity. However, shortage of donor corneas and safety issues in performing corneal transplantation are the main limitations. Accordingly, we adopted the injectable in situ-forming hydrogels of collagen type I crosslinked via multifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG)-N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) for treatment and evaluated in vivo biocompatibility. The New Zealand White rabbits (N = 20) were randomly grouped into the keratectomy-only and keratectomy with PEG-collagen hydrogel-treated groups. Samples were processed for immunohistochemical evaluation. In both clinical and histologic observations, epithelial cells were able to migrate and form multilayers over the PEG-collagen hydrogels at the site of the corneal stromal defect. There was no evidence of inflammatory or immunological reactions or increased IOP for PEG-collagen hydrogel-treated corneas during the four weeks of observation. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the superior corneal stroma of the keratectomy-only group (indicative of fibrotic healing), whereas low stromal α-SMA expression was detected in the keratectomy with PEG-collagen hydrogel-treated group. Taken together, we suggest that PEG-collagen may be used as a safe and effective alternative in treating corneal defect in clinical setting.

Effect of multi-ethnicity and ancestry on prevalence of allergic disease.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Differences exist among racial and ethnic groups in the prevalence and severity of allergic diseases. However, influence of population admixing on allergic disease has not been studied. We examined the effect of population admixing on the occurrence of allergic disease. METHODS: We reviewed the data of 68,043 adolescents who participated in the 11th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, which provides a sample that is representative of the entire Korean middle school and high school student population. Multi-ethnic status was determined by using parental country of birth and prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD) was determined by questionnaire. RESULTS: Multi-ethnic adolescents accounted for approximately 0.9% of the total adolescents. Prevalence of asthma was significantly higher in multi-ethnic group than non multi-ethnic group while that of AR and AD was significantly higher in non multi-ethnic group than multi-ethnic group. Parental region of country at birth showed a significant difference in prevalence of allergic disease. Univariate analysis found that urbanity, perceived economic status (PES), parental region of country at birth, and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) showed a significant odds ratio (OR) in asthma, AR, and AD. Body mass index (BMI) showed a significant OR in asthma and AD. After adjusting for urbanity, PES, BMI and ETS, multiethnicity showed significantly lower OR in AR and AD. CONCLUSION: Population admixing appears to have significant effect on the prevalence of allergic disease. Further study will be needed to clarify the effect of population admixing on prevalence of allergic disease.

Topical Cyclosporine Pretreatment of Ocular Surface in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

PURPOSE: Dry eye disease (DED) of ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Ongoing inflammation and irreversible fibrotic changes of the ocular surface and adnexa are obstacles for effective treatment of ocular GVHD. We hypothesized that topical cyclosporine A (CsA) pretreatment might be effective in preventing ocular GVHD. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, comparative study, patients were randomly assigned to the topical CsA treatment (4 times daily in both eyes for a month before allogeneic HSCT and continued use of eye drops after transplantation) or control (no treatment) groups. Participants underwent thorough ophthalmic examination-including Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire survey, Schirmer test, tear break-up time (TBUT) evaluation, and corneal fluorescein staining-before and 1, 2, and 3 months after allogeneic HSCT. RESULTS: Fifty-eight participants completed the study. Among patients with baseline Schirmer values <10 mm and TBUT <5 s before allogenic HSCT, those in the topical CsA treatment group exhibited significantly better corresponding values after transplantation than patients in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Topical CsA pretreatment might be beneficial in the early stage of DED and might prevent further inflammation and consequent irreversible fibrosis, especially in patients with preexisting DED components.

Foreign body removal by flexible bronchoscopy using retrieval basket in children.

OBJECTIVES: Aspiration of foreign bodies into the tracheobronchial tree is a common accident in children. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and outcome of foreign body removal by flexible bronchoscopy using a retrieval basket in children. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of children treated for foreign bodies in the airway via flexible bronchoscopy using a retrieval basket at a tertiary hospital in Korea between February 2014 and October 2017. The medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 20 children underwent foreign body removal from the airway via flexible bronchoscopy using a retrieval basket. The median age of the patients was 16 (range, 10-21.5) months, and 12 (60%) were male. Foreign bodies removed included 16 (80%) organic items including peanuts, almond, and beans, and 4 (20%) inorganic items including a plastic bag, metal screw, spring, and Lego brick. The locations of the foreign bodies included the central airway (n = 5; trachea, n = 4; subglottic area, n = 1), right bronchial tree (n = 9), and left bronchial tree (n = 6). Successful removal was observed in 18 (90%) cases. The only complication that occurred was mild laryngeal edema (n = 2) after the procedure; both improved with corticosteroid administration. CONCLUSION: Flexible bronchoscopic extraction of a foreign body in the airway using a retrieval basket in children can be performed successfully with minimal complications.

Effect of Proparacaine in a Mouse Model of Allergic Rhinitis.

OBJECTIVES: Lidocaine, a local anaesthetic is a treatment option in uncontrolled asthma due to its immunomodulatory effects. In the present study, proparacaine (PPC), a derivative of lidocaine was examined for its therapeutic application in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis. METHODS: The mice were grouped into 4 groups: control group, allergic rhinitis (AR) group, ciclesonide (CIC) group, and PPC group. Nasal symptom scores, eosinophil counts, goblet cell counts, and mast cells counts in the nasal mucosa were measured. Serum ovalbumin (OVA)-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, OVA-specific IgG1, OVA-specific IgG2a, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and cortisol levels were measured. RESULTS: Intranasal administration of PPC significantly decreased nasal symptoms, number of eosinophils, goblet cells, and mast cells in the lamina propria of the nasal mucosa. Serum OVA-specific IgE, OVA-specific IgG1, OVA-specific IgG2a was significantly higher in the AR compared with the control group. Serum level of IL-4 was significantly lower in the CIC group and PPC group in comparison with AR group. Serum IL-5 showed no significant difference among all groups. No significant difference in serum cortisol levels was observed among the 4 groups. CONCLUSION: PPC appears to have a therapeutic potential in treatment of allergic rhinitis in a mouse model by reducing eosinophil, goblet cell, and mast cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa.

Roles of Bcl-2 and caspase-9 and -3 in CD30-induced human eosinophil apoptosis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Activation of cell surface CD30 by immobilized anti-CD30 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) induces strong apoptosis in human eosinophils. This anti-CD30 mAb-induced eosinophil apoptosis is inhibited by the addition of inhibitors of p38, ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. However, there is little data investigating the role of Bcl-2 and caspases in eosinophil apoptosis induced by anti-CD30 mAb. We sought to determine whether anti-CD30 mAb induces human eosinophil apoptosis via Bcl-2 and caspase pathways. METHODS: Peripheral blood was drawn from 37 healthy volunteers. The CD30 expression on eosinophils was measured at various time points. Eosinophils were then cultured in plates precoated with anti-CD30 mAb (clone Ber-H8), isotype control immunoglobulin G1, interleukin (IL)-5, or dexamethasone. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of Bcl-2, procaspase-8, -9, and -3, and caspase-8, -9, and -3 after cross-linking of CD30. Human eosinophils were also cultured in plates precoated with anti-CD30 mAb (clone Ber-H8) in the presence or absence of caspase-9 or -3 inhibitors. Eosinophil apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The addition of anti-CD30 mAb significantly increased eosinophil apoptosis compared with controls. In western blot analysis, the addition of anti-CD30 mAb significantly decreased the expression of Bcl-2 and procaspase-9 and -3 and increased the expression of caspase-9 and -3. The addition of caspase-9 or -3 inhibitors decreased anti-CD30 mAb-induced human eosinophil apoptosis. Procaspase-8 or caspase-8 expression was not changed in response to various stimuli. CONCLUSION: Anti-CD30 mAb-induced human eosinophil apoptosis is likely to be mediated through Bcl-2 and caspase-9 and -3.

Pentraxin 3 as a clinical marker in children with lower respiratory tract infection.

BACKGROUND: Pentraxin 3 (PTX-3) is an acute-phase protein that increases in the plasma during inflammation. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of PTX-3 as a clinical marker in children with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and examine the correlation of PTX-3 with other biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT). METHODS: We enrolled 117 consecutive patients admitted to Seoul St. Mary's Hospital with LRTI using the WHO criteria. We recorded data on fever duration and peak temperature before admission, duration of fever after admission, respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation upon admission, duration of oxygen supplementation, and duration of hospital stay. Upon admission, white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP level were measured. Multiplex respiratory virus polymerase chain reaction was performed using nasal swabs. PTX-3, PCT, and various cytokines were measured after the study had been completed. RESULTS: We found that there was no significant difference in the level of PTX-3 according to the type of viral infection. PTX-3 levels showed a significant correlation with PCT levels, but not with levels of CRP. The level of PTX-3 showed a significant correlation with peak temperature and duration of fever before admission as well as interleukin (IL)-6 levels. PCT levels showed a significant correlation with IL-6 and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor levels, peak temperature, and duration of fever before admission, and duration of hospital stay. CRP levels showed a significant correlation with duration of fever before admission, total WBC count, and neutrophil count. PCT levels significantly predicted a hospital stay of 7 days or more. PTX-3, PCT, and CRP levels showed no correlation with any other clinical features. CONCLUSION: PTX-3 reflected disease severity but failed to predict length of hospital stay. Further studies evaluating the use of PTX-3 as a biomarker in mild LRTI would be useful.