Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Priming of The Host Antiviral Interferon Signaling Pathway by Bronchobini® Resulting in Balanced Immune Response to Rhinovirus Infection in Mouse Lung Tissue Slices.

Rhinovirus (RV) is the predominant virus causing respiratory tract infections. Bronchobini® is a low dose multi component, multi target preparation used to treat inflammatory respiratory diseases such as the common cold, described to ease severity of symptoms such as cough and viscous mucus production. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of Bronchobini® in RV infection and to elucidate its mode of action. Therefore, Bronchobini®'s ingredients (BRO) were assessed in an ex vivo model of RV infection using mouse precision-cut lung slices, an organotypic tissue capable to reflect the host immune response to RV infection. Cytokine profiles were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and mesoscale discovery (MSD). Gene expression analysis was performed using Affymetrix microarrays and ingenuity pathway analysis. BRO treatment resulted in the significant suppression of RV-induced antiviral and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Transcriptome analysis revealed a multifactorial mode of action of BRO, with a strong inhibition of the RV-induced pro-inflammatory and antiviral host response mediated by nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) and interferon signaling pathways. Interestingly, this was due to priming of these pathways in the absence of virus. Overall, BRO exerted its beneficial anti-inflammatory effect by priming the antiviral host response resulting in a reduced inflammatory response to RV infection, thereby balancing an otherwise excessive inflammatory response.

Efficacy of topical pale sulfonated shale oil in the treatment of venous leg ulcers: a randomized, controlled, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Venous leg ulcers are a growing socioeconomic burden. Pale sulfonated shale oils (PSSO) are used for therapy of inflammatory skin diseases and have been shown to enhance wound healing in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PSSO is capable of enhancing venous ulcer healing beyond compression therapy alone. METHODS: One hundred nineteen patients were enrolled in this randomized, multicenter, observer-blind study. In the treatment group, PSSO 10% was applied daily for 20 weeks, and the control group received the vehicle only. Wounds were covered by a nonadherent gauze dressing, and compression therapy with short-stretch elastic bandages was performed in an outpatient setting. The primary study end point was defined as cumulative reduction in wound area; the secondary study end point was treatment success as assessed by both physicians and patients. Additionally, adverse events, including changes with respect to physical examination and vital signs, were documented. RESULTS: At the end of the study period, ulcer size was significantly more reduced in the PSSO group compared with the vehicle group (15 +/- 15.9 to 6.2 +/- 12.9 cm(2) vs 11.4 +/- 14.5 to 10.8 +/- 15.7 cm(2); P = .0005). The cumulative relative reduction in ulcer area was significantly higher in the PSSO group (-4391 +/- 4748.7 vs -231.9 +/- 6283.6 % x days; P < .0001). Relative reduction in wound area was significantly greater in the PSSO group as early as 6 weeks after the beginning of treatment (-47.4 +/- 28.4 vs -23.8 +/- 42.2%; P < .001). PSSO was judged successful both by physicians and patients. There were no significant differences in adverse events (PSSO, 9 [12.2%]; vehicle, 7 [11.1%]. Similarly, tolerability of PSSO was equal to the tolerability of the vehicle. CONCLUSION: Pale sulfonated shale oils were capable of favoring venous ulcer healing in addition to compression therapy. PSSO should be considered for future wound care protocols for treatment of venous leg ulcers.