Hydrogen-Rich Saline Ameliorates Allergic Rhinitis by Reversing the Imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Up-Regulation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Regulatory T Cells, Interleukin-10, and Membrane-Bound Transforming Growth Factor-ß in Guinea Pigs.

It is well known that CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells play an important role in the development of allergic rhinitis (AR); the defect of cell numbers and functions contribute to AR. Hydrogen has been proven effective in alleviating symptoms of AR. We herein aim to verify the protective effects of hydrogen on CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells in guinea pigs with AR and to explore the effect of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) on CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells in animals with AR and investigate the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism. Eighteen guinea pigs were randomly divided into three groups (control group/AR group/AR-HRS group). The guinea pigs were injected with hydrogen-rich saline (AR-HRS group) for 10 days after sensitization. The control group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline. The number of sneezes, degree of runny nose, and nasal-rubbing movements were scored. Peripheral blood eosinophil count was recorded. The proportions of Th1/Th2 of the peripheral blood and the CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells in the CD4+T cells of the spleen and peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. The content of interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß in the serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA expression of Foxp3, IL-10, and TGF-ß were determined by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR analysis, respectively. Scores of symptoms, number of eosinophils,and nasal mucosa damage were dramatically reduced after HRS treatment. HRS increased the expression of Foxp3, IL-10, TGF-ß, and number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells, which were reduced in AR. HRS also revised the dysregulation of Th1/Th2 balance. Both the number and biological activity of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells increased with up-regulation of Th1/Th2 after HRS administration. HRS could play a protective role in attenuating AR through improving the proportion and functions of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells.

Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates eosinophil activation in a guinea pig model of allergic rhinitis via reducing oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: It is well considered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a prominent causative role in the development of allergic rhinitis (AR), and eosinophils cells as important allergic inflammatory cells contribute to elevating oxidative stress. Hydrogen, emerging as a novel antioxidant, has been proven effective in selectively reducing ROS in animals models of oxidative damage. We herein aim to verify protective effects of hydrogen on eosinophils cells in guinea pigs models of AR. METHODS: Thirty two guinea pigs were random divided into four groups, and AR model was established through ovalbumin sensitization. The guinea pigs were injected with hydrogen-rich saline (Normal-HRS and AR-HRS group) or normal saline (control and AR group). The frequencies of sneezing and scratching were recorded. The IgE level, blood eosinophil count and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) level in serum were measured. The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays were also measured to evaluate oxidative stress. The expression levels of eotaxin mRNA and protein in the nasal mucosa were also determined by real-time RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: HRS reduced the ROS and MDA levels and increased SOD level in guinea pigs of AR-HRS group accompanied with decreased frequency of sneezing and scratches. Meanwhile, there was a decline of the number of eosinophils cells in blood and of thelevel of ECP in serum in the AR-HRS group. HRS also significantly decreased the expression of eotaxin in nasal mucosa. CONCLUSION: HRS may play a protective role in attenuating allergic inflammation, and suppressing the increase and activation of eosinophils in AR possibly through antioxidation effect of hydrogen.

Identification and Characterization of CD133(pos) Subpopulation Cells From a Human Laryngeal Cancer Cell Line.

BACKGROUND: Recent research indicates that CD133 are expressed in several kinds of stem cells, among which, its high expression in laryngeal carcinoma has caused wide concern. To further explore efficaciously targeting drugs to laryngeal carcinoma stem cells (CSCs), we transplanted a solid tumor from CSCs into abdominal subcutaneous tissue of nude mice, and then compared the biological characteristics of laryngeal solid tumors with or without cisplatin intervention. MATERIAL/METHODS: In this study, the expression of CD133 was detected in the Hep-2 cell line by flow cytometry. By applying magnetic cell sorting (MACS) technology, we reported the results of purifying CD133-positive cells from a Hep-2 cell line. Cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumor-forming ability were examined in vitro and in vivo to identify the marker of CSCs in Hep-2 cell line. RESULTS: Upon flow cytometry analysis, CD133 was expressed constantly on 40.12±1.32% in Hep-2 cell line. Cell proliferation and colony formation ability were higher in CD133-positive cells compared to CD133-negative cells, and the in vivo tumorigenesis experiment showed the same results as in vitro assay. The 2 subpopulations cells were both sensitive to DDP, among which, the effect of DPP on proliferation ability and tumor-forming ability of CD133-positive cells was obviously greater than that of CD133-negative cells. CONCLUSIONS: Above all, our study revealed that CD133-positive cells have properties of higher proliferation, colony formation, and tumorigenesis in Hep-2 cell line, indicating that CD133 could be a marker to characterize laryngeal cancer stem cells.

[Clinical analysis of simple orbital blowout fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical features and treatment methods for simple orbital blowout fracture. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of the CT images of 16 orbital blowout fracture case, and identification of the sites, degree, patterns and features of fractures. Among the 16 cases, 2 cases adopted conservative treatment; 11 cases gained a reduction of orbital fracture through endoscopic transnasal surgery; the other 3 patients choosed endoscopic transnasal surgery and Caldwell-Luc operations. RESULT: Among 16 diplopia cases, 13 cases were completely cured, and 3 patients' vision were significantly improved. Among 11 enophthalmos cases, 10 patients were cured, and the effect of the other one was not satisfied. Among the 15 eye movement disorder cases, 13 patients' eye movement gained a full recovery, and the other 2 cases were nearly normal. All patients' vision were improved in different extents, and no one got a complication. CONCLUSION: Computerized Tomography is helpful to the diagnosis of simple orbital blowout fracture. Caldwell-Luc operation with transnasal endoscope is an effective method for the treatment of orbital fractures.

Impact of carbon monoxide/heme oxygenase on hydrogen sulfide/cystathionine-γ-lyase pathway in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs.

OBJECTIVE: The discovery of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as pathogenic signaling molecules in airway-related diseases has led to significant insights into the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the development of allergic rhinitis (AR). The potential crosstalk between CO and H2S signaling pathways in AR has not been adequately investigated. This study was performed to elucidate the mechanistic relationship between CO and H2S in AR. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental prospective animal study. SETTING: Animal laboratory of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A well-established model of AR was used whereby guinea pigs (N=24) were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups (n=6 for each group): The first group received ovalbumin only; the second group was administered exogenous hemin, a CO-binding metalloporphyrin; the third group received zinc protoporphyrin, an inhibitor of heme oxygenase-1. A control group was challenged using only saline. Symptoms of AR were recorded, and quantitation of plasma CO and H2S levels was performed. Expression of heme oxygenase-1 and H2S-generating enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) were measured from nasal mucosa. RESULTS: Plasma CO and heme oxygenase-1 expression levels of nasal mucosa were significantly increased in the AR group compared to controls, whereas H2S concentrations were significantly decreased. Exogenous administration of CO exacerbated allergic symptoms, resulting in higher levels of both CO and heme oxygenase-1 expression, and a further reduction in H2S levels and CSE expression. Zinc protoporphyrin decreased CO concentrations and increased levels of both H2S and CSE expression. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated an inverse relationship between H2S levels and CO in the pathogenesis of AR.

[The effect of dendritic cells on allergic rhinitis in sublingual therapy].

Dendritic cells (DCs) is known as the most potential and professional antigen presenting cells (APC), it mainly involves in the cellular immunity and T cell dependent humoral immunity, which plays a key role in the immune response and is one of the most hot areas in immunology in recent years. DCs plays a key role in allergic rhinitis (AR) and is one of the most important mechanism of AR treating by sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). This article reviewed the mechanism of the role of DCs in AR and AR treating by SLIT.

[Twenty-six clinical case analysis of defect repairing after the resection of basal cell carcinoma on external nose].

OBJECTIVE: To study a surgical and repairing method for defects after the resection of basal cell carcinoma of external nose. METHOD: There are 26 cases of basal cell carcinoma that tumors have been resected completely after operation. For defect repairing in those 26 cases, 2 cases adopt direct suture method; 2 cases use skin graft repairing methods; 18 cases employ naselabial skin flap repairing method; 4 cases choose forehead pedicle skin flap repairing methods. RESULT: the wound of all the 26 cases was primary healed. Additionally, skin flap and skin graft were all survived. Follow-up studied in patients 1 to 3 years after the surgery showed that the local scar was not obvious and no tumor recurred or transferred. CONCLUSION: Different surgical and repairing methods are performed to obtain a satisfactory results based on the area of defect and its location in nose. Naselabial skin flap is especially an ideal method to repair defects.

[A case report of vagus nerve invasion with disseminated herpes zoster].

A case of vagus nerve invasion with disseminated herpes zoster was reported. Clinical manifestation of disseminated herpes zoster and vagus nerve injury. relevant imaging examination and laboratory examination can help to establish a preliminary diagnosis. Anti-virus, anti-infection and symptomatic treatment had been performed and showed good clinical efficacy.

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis and a descending mediastinal abscess caused by acute epiglottitis with diabetes mellitus: a life-threatening complication.

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis and a descending mediastinal abscess of the neck following acute epiglottitis, life-threatening complications, is reported in a 43-year-old man with DM. The bacterial culture showed Peptostreptococcus anaerobius. The patient recovered after surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics therapy.

[The expression and relationship of CXCR4 and microvessel density in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in laryngeal squamous carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathology character and the building of microvessel density (MVD). To evaluate its role in the carcinogenesis and progression in laryngeal squamous carcinoma. METHOD: The expression of CXCR4 in fresh laryngeal squamous carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues from 42 patients were examined by RT-PCR, immunohistochemical staining and Image-pro-plus software. The numbers of regeneration blood vessels in the laryngeal squamous carcinoma was counted by antibody against factor V associated antigen and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULT: The positive expression rate of CXCR4 in tumor samples was significantly higher than that in normal ones (P < 0.01). In tumor samples, the expression of CXCR4 were not associated with age, sex, tumor site and T stage (P > 0.05), while it were higher in tumors of grade III, IV than in grade I, II of pathology classification (P < 0. 01). The expression of CXCR4 were significantly higher in tumors with cervical lymph node metastasis than that in tumor without cervical lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01). The expression of CXCR4 protein and CXCR4 mRNA were at the same level. The expression level of CXCR4 in the laryngeal squamous carcinoma tissue was positively correlated with vascularization. CONCLUSION: The higher expression of CXCR4 may play a key role in the invasion and metastasis of laryngeal squamous carcinoma, and were correlated with micro-vascularization.

[The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and its relationship with MVD].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and the correlation with tumor angiogenesis. METHOD: The COX-2 and FVIII of 42 cases of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were detected by immunohistochemical SABC method,and the correlation between the expression rates, clinical significance and microvessel density(MVD) was analyzed. RESULT: The positive rate of COX-2 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues were 71.43% and 19.05% respectively. The expression of COX-2 were not associated with age, sex, tumor site and T stage. The tumors of grade III approximately IV showed a higher COX-2 expression than tumors of grade I approximately II did and the expression of COX-2 in the cervical lymph node metastasis group was higher than that in the non-metastasis group. The expression of COX-2 was closely associated with microvessel density(MVD) of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The expression of COX-2 may play a crucial role in the carcinogenesis and development of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. COX-2 may be a important factor in tumor angiogenesis.

[The expression of VEGF and iNOS in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and its clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in laryngeal squamous carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathologic parameters, to identify the interactions between the expression of VEGF and iNOS. METHOD: The mRNA expression of VEGF and iNOS in fresh laryngeal squamous carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues from 40 patients were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULT: The positive expression rate of VEGF and iNOS in tumor samples were significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P < 0.01); in tumor samples, their expression were not associated with age, sex, tumor site and T stage (P > 0.05); their expression were higher in moderately and poorly differentiated tumors than in well differentiated tumors (P < 0.05); their expression were significantly higher in tumors with cervical lymph node metastasis than in tumor without cervical lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01). There were correlation between the expression of VEGF and iNOS in tumor samples (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: VEGF and iNOS could up-regulate each other to promote the development and cervical lymph node metastasis of laryngeal squamous carcinoma.

[Expression of VEGF and VEGF-C in laryngeal carcinoma and their clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To study the gene expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C (VEGF-C) in laryngeal carcinoma and their relation with clinic pathologic features. METHOD: VEGF and VEGF C gene expression in 20 cases of fresh laryngeal carcinoma, cutting edge and normal tissue were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULT: The gene expression of VEGF and VEGF-C is different among laryngeal carcinoma, cutting edge and normal tissue in the same patient. In laryngeal carcinoma, the gene expression of VEGF, VEGF-C were not associated with age, sex, site, T stage and histological grade of differentiation. Expression of VEGF, VEGF-C in laryngeal carcinoma was significantly higher in lymph node positive group than in lymph node negative group. CONCLUSION: VEGF, VEGF-C have prognostic significance in laryngeal carcinoma.