Influence of mode of delivery on infant gut microbiota composition: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Microbial colonisation in infants is initially dependent on the mother and is affected by the mode of delivery. Understanding these impacts is crucial as the early-life gut microbiota plays a vital role in immune development, metabolism, and overall health. Early-life infant gut microbiota is diverse among populations and geographic origins. However, in this context, only a few studies have explored the impact of the mode of delivery on the intestinal microbiome in children in Guangzhou, China. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of birth mode on the intestinal microbiota of healthy infants in Guangzhou, China. METHODS: Faecal samples were collected once from 20 healthy full-term infants aged 1-6 months, delivered via either caesarean section (CS) or vaginal delivery (VD), post-enrolment. The intestinal microbiota were characterised using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bacterial quantity and community composition were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in gut bacterial diversity and richness were observed between the CS and VD groups. The Pseudomonadota phylum (44.15 ± 33.05% vs 15.62 ± 15.60%, p = 0.028) and Enterobacteriaceae family (44.00 ± 33.11% vs 15.31 ± 15.47%, p = 0.028) were more abundant in the CS group than in the VD group. The VD group exhibited a higher abundance of the Bacillota phylum (40.51 ± 32.77% vs 75.57 ± 27.83%, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The early stage of intestinal bacterial colonisation was altered in the CS group as compared with the VD group. Our findings provide evidence that CS has the potential to disrupt the maturation of intestinal microbial communities in infants by influencing the colonisation of specific microorganisms. Further comprehensive studies that consider geographical locations are necessary to elucidate the progression of microbiota in infants born via different delivery modes.

Microbial colonisation in infants is affected by the mode of delivery. Early-life infant gut microbiota is diverse among populations and geographic origins. Faecal samples were collected once from 20 healthy full-term infants aged 1­6 months that were delivered via either caesarean section (CS) or vaginal delivery (VD), and intestinal microbiota were compared between the two groups. No significant differences in gut bacterial diversity and richness were observed between the two groups; however, we did note that certain types of bacteria were more abundant in the CS group, while others were more abundant in the VD group. This suggests that CS may disturb intestinal microbial maturation in infants by affecting the colonisation of specific microorganisms. Further research is needed to fully understand this relationship.

Association between Bisphenol A exposure and body composition parameters in children.

Background: Although there is evidence linking Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to obesity, research examining its relationship with body composition parameters in young children is limited. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted on 200 preschool children aged between 4 and 6 years in Guangzhou, China. BPA exposure was assessed through urine samples using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry, and body composition parameters were measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody770). Results: The median urinary BPA concentration was 0.556 µg/L (IQR: 0.301 - 1.031 µg/L) and creatinine-adjusted BPA concentration was 0.930 µg/g (IQR: 0.551 - 1.586 µg/g). BPA levels were significantly associated with body mass index (ß= 1.15; 95%CI: 0.47, 1.83), body fat mass (ß= 1.14; 95%CI: 0.39, 1.89), fat free mass (ß= 0.92; 95%CI: 0.26, 1.58), and percent body fat (ß= 3.44; 95%CI: 1.17, 5.71) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Similarly, adjusted models with log10-transformed creatinine-adjusted BPA concentrations as a continuous variable showed similar trends. Positive linear associations were observed between quartiles of BPA concentrations and body composition parameters, with the highest coefficients in the fourth quartile. Conclusion: Our study provides further evidence of positive correlations between BPA exposure and body composition parameters in children aged 4 to 6 years. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with obesity-related body composition parameters in young children. Further investigations are needed to confirm this association and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Gender-specific association between serum ferritin and neurodevelopment in infants aged 6 to 12 months.

Early iron deficiency has detrimental consequences on neurodevelopment; whether male and female infants are equally susceptible to the functional outcomes of iron deficiency is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the sex differences in the association between serum ferritin levels and neurodevelopment in infants. Data for this cross-sectional study were drawn from hospital information and early childhood development program service systems at Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital, Guangzhou, China. In total, 4579 infants aged 6-12 months were included from July 2018 to March 2020. Their neurodevelopment was assessed using the Children Neuropsychological and Behavior Scale-Revision 2016. Serum ferritin levels were measured by chemiluminescence assay. The association between serum ferritin levels and neurodevelopmental delay in each domain was estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. The mean concentration of serum ferritin was 35.56 ± 21.57 ng/mL. Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in female than in male infants (P < 0.001). Iron deficiency (serum ferritin levels < 12 ng/mL) was significantly more prevalent in male than in female infants (P < 0.001). Linear regression revealed a positive association between serum ferritin levels and general quotient, gross motor, fine motor, language, and adaptive behavior in females. Iron deficiency was significantly associated with an increased risk of adaptive behavior delay in females (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-4.20). Iron deficiency anemia was associated with an increased risk of developmental delay for general quotient (adjusted OR, 4.88; 95% CI: 1.74-13.65), fine motor (adjusted OR = 2.58, 95%: CI: 1.13-5.94) and adaptive behavior (adjusted OR, 3.38; 95% CI: 1.51-7.57) among females, but not in males. Associations between serum ferritin levels and neurodevelopment in infants aged 6-12 months were sex-related. Females with iron deficiency, especially those with iron-deficiency anemia, were more susceptible to neurodevelopmental delay than males.

Correlation between vitamin D levels and bone metabolism in children with cow's milk allergy.

OBJECTIVE: Research is limited regarding biochemical markers of bone metabolism among children with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). We aimed to determine differences in vitamin D and bone metabolism markers between infants with CMPA and healthy infants and explore relationships between these in a cross-sectional study. METHODS: In total, we included 41 children diagnosed with CMPA and under systematic medical and nutritional care at our center, and 50 healthy children as a control group. We reviewed demographic and clinical characteristics and measured serum biomarkers. RESULTS: We found that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels among infants in the CMPA group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), serum phosphorus, and serum calcitonin were reduced. Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum 25(OH)D concentrations in the CMPA group were negatively correlated with parathyroid hormone but not significantly correlated with calcitonin and BALP. Logistic regression showed that CMPA was a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that CMPA was associated with disturbances in bone metabolism. Levels of vitamin D in children with CMPA were lower than those in healthy children. CMPA was a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency.

Large retrospective cohort study of the association between maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D status and birth weight of neonate.

BACKGROUND: The effect of maternal vitamin D levels on the birth weight of the offspring remains controversial, as the results are inconsistent between different populations. This large retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the relationship between maternal vitamin D levels and birth weight of neonates in southern China. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 10,586 Chinese women at 13-27 weeks of pregnancy, and the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level of the participants was assessed. Using the INTERGROWTH-21st standards, the offspring were classified into three groups based on their gestational age and birth weight, which were small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). The differences in vitamin D levels among the different groups were compared, and their correlation with newborn birth weight was analyzed. RESULTS: The average maternal vitamin D concentration was 61.1 nmol/L. The 25(OH)D concentrations were 50-75 nmol/L, 25-50 nmol/L and below 25 nmol/L in 45.5%, 29.5%, and 1.6% of the participants, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the vitamin D levels between the three groups. With the increase in 25(OH)D levels, the risk of SGA and LGA tended to increase and decrease, respectively. AGA was not affected by the 25(OH)D levels. The results of the curve fitting and threshold effect analyses did not support the correlation between vitamin D levels and SGA or LGA. Based on the univariate prediction model and the model adjusted for risk factors, the area under the curve was extremely small. Thus, 25(OH)D levels are not an effective predictor of SGA and LGA. CONCLUSIONS: Low maternal vitamin D levels were not associated with SGA or LGA.

Second-trimester 25-hydroxyvitamin D status in pregnant women from southern China and risk of macrosomia: a large-scale retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The association between maternal vitamin D concentrations and birth weight is controversial. We conducted a large-scale retrospective cohort study in southern China to explore this relationship. METHODS: From July 2017 to April 2019, we enrolled 10,586 pregnant women and measured serum vitamin D [via 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D] in the second trimester using electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. The association between macrosomia and 25(OH)D was analyzed using logistic regression and ROC curve. RESULTS: Average vitamin D concentration was 61.1 ± 20.2 nmol/L. Additionally, 31.1% participants had 25(OH)D concentrations <50.0 nmol/L, while 68.9% exhibited concentrations ≥50.0 nmol/L. Of the subjects, 3.2% of women delivered macrosomic infants (neonatal birth weight ≥4000 g) and 96.8% did not. The macrosomia group had lower vitamin D concentrations than the non-macrosomia group (59.5 ± 22.3 vs. 61.2 ± 20.1, p < .05). Approximately a third of each group had vitamin D < 50.0 nmol/L (non-macrosomia, 31.3%; macrosomia, 35.9%; p = .055). After adjusting for confounding variables, women with 25(OH)D ≥ 50.0 nmol/L had 24.3% lower macrosomia risk than women with 25(OH)D < 50.0 nmol/L (adjusted OR = 0.757, 95% CI = 0.599-0.956, p = .0193). The predictive accuracy of vitamin D concentrations for evaluating macrosomia risk was 0.667 area under the ROC curve. CONCLUSION: Maternal vitamin D levels are negatively correlated with macrosomia. Elevating vitamin D above 50.0 nmol/L may reduce macrosomia incidence.

A partially hydrolyzed formula with synbiotics supports adequate growth and is well tolerated in healthy, Chinese term infants: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate growth and gastrointestinal tolerance in infants fed a partially hydrolyzed protein formula (pHF) with a synbiotic mixture of short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructooligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS; 9:1) and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V (test formula) compared with an intact protein infant formula (IF) with scGOS/lcFOS (control formula). METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, controlled, multicenter trial enrolled healthy, fully formula-fed Chinese infants (≤44 d) who received either the test (n = 112) or control formula (n = 112) until 17 wk of age. Fully breastfed infants served as a reference (n = 60). Anthropometrics, gastrointestinal symptoms, and adverse events were assessed monthly. Primary outcome was weight gain in grams per day from baseline to 17 wk of age. RESULTS: Equivalence in daily weight gain (primary outcome) was demonstrated between the test and control groups (estimated mean difference [SE]: -0.36 [0.93] g/d, 90% confidence interval [CI], -1.90 to 1.18) as well as between each IF group and the breastfed reference group (test: 0.02 [1.05] g/d, 90% CI, -1.71 to 1.75; control: 0.36 [1.04] g/d, 90% CI, -1.35 to 2.08). There were no clinically relevant differences in gastrointestinal tolerance or adverse events between the formula groups. CONCLUSION: A pHF with synbiotics supports adequate growth and is well tolerated in healthy, term-born Chinese infants. Additionally, infant growth and gastrointestinal tolerance measures of both IF groups were comparable to the breastfed group and can be considered suitable and well tolerated for use.

Comparison of Gut Microbiota Between Infants with Atopic Dermatitis and Healthy Controls in Guangzhou, China.

PURPOSE: Evidence on the role of the gut microbiota in atopic dermatitis is inconsistent as human intestinal microbiota is influenced by geography. This cross-sectional study therefore aimed to compare differences in the gut microbiota of infants with atopic dermatitis and healthy infants in Guangzhou, China, by analyzing their stool. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The composition of the intestinal microbiota was analyzed from the stool samples of 20 infants with atopic dermatitis (AD group) and 25 healthy infants (non-AD group) (1-6 months old), using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the relative abundance of bacteria by phylum, family, genus, and species between groups; microbial community richness and diversity were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the microbial community richness and diversity between the two groups. At the phylum level, 11 bacterial phyla were found; most sequences belonged to one of the three dominant bacterial phyla - Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. The top 10 microbes at the phylum, family, and genus levels showed no significant changes in their composition within the gut microbiota between the AD and non-AD groups. A decrease in the ratio of the Streptococcus genus was found in atopic dermatitis group when compared with healthy controls (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: A decrease in the abundance of Streptococcus was found in children with AD. The role of Streptococcus in the development of AD needs to be confirmed in a large cohort study.

Iron Status in Relation to Low-Level Lead Exposure in a Large Population of Children Aged 0-5 Years.

There are limited data regarding low lead exposure and iron status in Chinese children. This study aimed to examine the association between low-level lead exposure and iron status in a large population of children aged 0-5 years. We reviewed the records of children aged 0-5 years who had blood lead, iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin measurements during 2014-2017 at the Guangdong Women and Children Hospital. We identified 17,486 children with a blood lead level < 100 µg/L. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the associations between blood lead levels and blood iron, serum ferritin, and hemoglobin. The mean concentrations of blood lead, iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin were 31.50 µg/L, 7.50 mmol/L, 46.98 ng/mL, and 120.41 g/L, respectively. Adjusting for age and sex, blood lead was negatively correlated with iron (r = - 0.073, p < 0.05), ferritin (r = - 0.043, p < 0.05), and hemoglobin (r = - 0.047, p < 0.05). Compared with the 1st quintile of lead exposure, the 5th quintile of lead exposure was associated with a 0.146 mmol/L decrease in blood iron, a 4.678 ng/mL decrease in serum ferritin, and a 1.245 g/L decrease in hemoglobin. Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for the 5th quintile of blood lead were 1.39 (1.25-1.55) for iron deficiency and 1.45 (1.26-1.67) for anemia, relative to the 1st quintile. Our study findings confirmed the previously established association of blood lead levels with decreasing iron status and extended previous findings to even low-level lead exposure in Chinese children.

Effect of Pandemic-Related Confinement on Vitamin D Status Among Children Aged 0-6 Years in Guangzhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Pandemic-related confinement helps to contain the transmission of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) but restricts children's exposure to sunlight, thereby possibly affecting their 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. This study aimed to examine the effect of COVID-19 measures on 25(OH)D levels in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included children who underwent health checks between March 1 and June 30, 2020, and those over the equivalent period during 2017-2019 (N = 3600). Children's 25(OH)D levels and the proportion of children with vitamin D deficiency were compared between different observation periods. RESULTS: The mean serum 25(OH)D level was 84 ± 25nmol/L. The overall proportion of children with vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D level <50 nmol/L) was 4.6%. Home confinement led to an increase in the proportion of children aged 3-6 years with vitamin D deficiency during March 1-June 30, 2020 compared with the same months in previous years, and the most noticeable increase was found in March 2020. In children aged 3-6 years, 25(OH)D levels were lower in 2020 (65 ± 17nmol/L) than during 2017-2019, and the proportion of those with vitamin D deficiency was higher in 2020 (19.0%) than in previous years. Among children aged 0.5-1 and 1-3 years, 25(OH)D levels were higher (97 ± 25 nmol/L, 91 ± 27 nmol/L), while the proportion of children with vitamin D deficiency was lower in 2020 (2.3%, 3.0%) than during 2017-2019. CONCLUSION: The 25(OH)D levels tended to decrease gradually with increasing age. Reduced sunlight exposure during confinement is associated with lower 25(OH)D levels among children aged 3-6 years. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation for children aged >3 years is recommended.

Associations Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Thyroid Function Parameters in Previously Healthy Children Aged 6 to 24 Months.

PURPOSE: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to overt thyroid diseases. Data on the effects of vitamin D status on thyroid function in children are less examined. The goal of the present study was to explore the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and thyroid function parameters in early childhood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving record-linkage of children's data of routine health check-ups for promoting early childhood development at Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital; 2869 children aged 6-24 months were included from January 2015 to May 2017. Serum 25(OH)D, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were measured using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: The study population had a mean serum 25(OH)D level of 79.7 ± 28.1 nmol/L and 12.5% vitamin D deficiency and 36.0% insufficiency rates. The rates of thyroid dysfunctions detected were 2.9% hypothyroidism, 4.2% subclinical hypothyroidism, 0.9% hyperthyroidism, and 1.7% subclinical hyperthyroidism among the previously healthy children aged 6 to 24 months. Serum 25(OH)D levels had no significant correlation with TSH (r = 0.022, P = 0.236), FT3 (r = 0.014, P = 0.440) and FT4 (r = -0.059, P = 0.056) levels. No significant difference in the levels of thyroid hormones was found between the different quartiles of 25(OH)D level. Vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L] was associated with hypothyroidism (adjusted odds ratio = 2.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-3.94) but not with subclinical hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and subclinical hyperthyroidism. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is slightly associated with hypothyroidism. No associations were found between serum 25(OH)D levels and thyroid-related measures (TSH, FT3, and FT4) in previously healthy children aged 6-24 months.

The Effects of Online Homeschooling on Children, Parents, and Teachers of Grades 1-9 During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND Beginning in the 2020 spring semester, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all school-age children in China were homeschooled via live/recorded broadcasts, online group communication, and software-based homework submission. This study assessed the effects of and proper preparation for this educational approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS The homeschooling behaviors and feelings of school-age children were assessed with 2010 online surveys obtained separately from students, parents, and teachers of grades 1-9 in 15 Chinese provinces. Answers were compared among low- (grades 1-3), middle- (grades 4-6), and high- (grades 7-9) grade groups. The chi-square test was used to identify significant differences between groups. RESULTS We found that 76% of the respondents thought the homeschooling style was acceptable. However, teachers were concerned that students' interest, focus, and academic performance would decline. Sixty-nine percent of the parents reported their children had more than 3 hours of daily screen time, and 82% of students had less than 2 hours of daily outdoor activity. Ninety-five percent of the parents were concerned about their children's eyesight. Additionally, 17.6% of the students were suspected to have emotional or behavioral problems according to the parent-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) results. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) results of parents and teachers showed higher levels of anxiety than usual. CONCLUSIONS Students should continue the going-to-school rhythm at home to cope with changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Integrated grade-specific approaches are needed. Because long screen time and insufficient outdoor activities can severely affect children's eyesight, appropriate eye-protection measures should be implemented.

Vitamin D Status in Pregnant Women in Southern China and Risk of Preterm Birth: A Large-Scale Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND The influence of maternal vitamin D on pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB), is unclear due to different experimental designs and study populations (patient race and sample size) of previous studies. We aimed to investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D) levels and PTB among pregnant women in southern China. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 11 641 pregnant women were retrospectively enrolled between January 2016 and April 2019. Vitamin D concentrations were evaluated by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between vitamin D and PTB. RESULTS The average 25(OH) D concentration was 59.3±21.5 nmol/L; 34.8% of patients were vitamin D deficient, 43.0% were vitamin D insufficient (25[OH] D <50 nmol/L and 50-74.9 nmol/L, respectively). In total, 3.6% of newborns were born prematurely. Comparing the pre-term and full-term groups, 45.7% versus 42.9% and 29.8% versus 35% were vitamin D deficient and insufficient, respectively These differences were not significant (P>0.05). However, the mean vitamin D status was significantly different between the pre-term and full-term groups (61.3±21.3 and 59.1±21.5 nmol/L, respectively). No association was found between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and PTB in unadjusted or adjusted models, compared with vitamin D sufficiency (adjusted odds ratio, 1.016; 95% confidence interval, 0.794-1.301 and 0.842; 0.641-1.106, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Low maternal 25(OH) D levels are common in southern China. However, low vitamin D status in pregnant women appears to be unrelated to PTB. Measuring vitamin D level alone is therefore not sufficient to predict PTB.

[Developmental level of joint attention ability in children aged 16-30 months and related influencing factors].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the developmental level of joint attention ability in children aged 16-30 months and factors influencing the developmental level. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was performed among 1 675 children aged 16-30 months who visited the Department of Child Health Care in Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital between September and December, 2016 to investigate their joint attention ability and related influencing factors. RESULTS: Of the 1 675 children, 1 579 (94.27%) had reactive joint attention ability at the age of 16-30 months, and 1 428 (85.25%) had active joint attention ability. The percentages of children with reactive joint attention ability and active joint attention ability in boys were lower than in girls (P<0.001). Mother's age, father's occupation, annual family income, way of conception, intended or unintended pregnancy, and mode of delivery were factors influencing the total score of joint attention ability and the scores of reactive/active joint attention ability (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Most children have reactive joint attention ability and active joint attention ability at the age of 16-30 months. During this period of age, boys tend to have poorer joint attention ability than girls. Mother's age, father's occupation, annual family income, way of conception, intended or unintended pregnancy, and mode of delivery are associated with the development of joint attention.

Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among children in southern china: A cross-sectional survey.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with numerous public health issues. Limited data are available for children in southern China, a region that receives abundant sunlight. We aimed to estimate the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in children in that area, and to determine seasonal variations in serum 25(OH)D levels. A total of 16,755 children aged 0 to 6 years, who visited the Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital for health examination between January 2016 and May 2017, were included in the present study. The serum 25(OH)D levels ranged from 10.5 to 307.4 nmol/L (mean ±â€Šstandard deviation: 78.5 ±â€Š26.3 nmol/L). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 10.8% and 39.0%, respectively. The mean serum 25(OH)D level in spring (71.8 ±â€Š24.9 nmol/L) was lower than that in other seasons. From January to April, we found a relatively high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, both of which were also found to increase with age. Logistic regression analysis revealed that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were significantly associated with age and season. Deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D are common among children in southern China, despite the area receiving sufficient sunlight.

Respiratory syncytial virus induces leukotriene C4 synthase expression in bronchial epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) results in acute wheezing in infants and is frequently associated with recurrent wheezing. Although RSV-induced wheezing clinically resembles that of asthma, corticosteroids are not equivalently effective in RSV-associated wheezing. The study sought to determine the mechanisms of RSV-induced wheezing by establishing an in vitro model of RSV-infected human bronchial epithelial cells (16-HBEC). METHODS: Leukotriene C4 synthase (LTC4 S) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in 16-HBEC was detected using fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the relative level of LTC4 S mRNA was expressed as quotient cycle threshold (qCt) based on the threshold cycle number value compared with that of ß-actin. Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT) in culture supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RSV-infected 16-HBEC was incubated with gradient concentration of budesonide (BUD) to assess its effects on LTC4 S expression and CysLT secretion. RESULTS: RSV infection resulted in increased LTC4 S mRNA expression between 48 and 96 h post-infection. High level of CysLT was detected in the supernatant of RSV-infected 16-HBEC. BUD at concentrations of 10(-10) to 10(-5) mol/L did not significantly alter LTC4 S mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: RSV infection upregulated LTC4 S expression in HBEC leading to increased CysLT secretion. Such induction was not attenuated by BUD, suggesting that CysLT might contribute to the pathogenesis of RSV-induced wheezing.

Effect of combination of rapamycin and cisplatin on human cervical carcinoma Hela cells.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effect of combined use of rapamycin and cisplatin against Hela cells in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The inhibitory effects of rapamycin and cisplatin, used alone or combination, on the proliferation of Hela cell were measured with MTT assay and median-effect plot analysis. RESULTS: Combined use of rapamycin and cisplatin significantly improved the chemotherapeutic effect against Hela cells. The inhibitory rates were dose-dependent. Rapamycin and cisplatin showed synergistic effects in the chemotherapy of Hela cells (q > 1.15, King's formula). CONCLUSIONS: Combined use of rapamycin and cisplatin significantly improves the chemotherapeutic effect against Hela cells.

[Simultaneous treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children with a nasally inhaled glucocorticosteroid].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a nasally inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) through a spacer with mask aiming at simultaneous treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma in children and make an analysis on the costs. METHOD: A total of 72 children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma were randomized into two groups. Experimental group received budesonide inhaler (400 microg/d) through the nose using a spacer attached to a face mask, control group children orally inhaled budesonide dry powder (400 microg/d) plus a nasal spray of budesonide aquae (256 microg/d). RESULT: The patients were observed for 12 weeks. The symptom scores of rhinitis of both experimental group and control group declined (F=6.529 and 7.014, all P<0.01), symptom scores of asthma in both group were also reduced (F=4.132 and 4.950, P<0.01). The pulmonary function PEF (L/min) in both groups continuously increased (F=2.750 and 3.282, P<0.05). But the clinical scores, PEF value and FEV1 all did not differ between the two groups at admission or at nearly all follow-up visits (P>0.05 for all). The proportion of dry nose was lower in experimental group than in the control group (5.6% vs. 19.4%), but the difference was not statistically significant. The cost in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Nasal inhalation of ICS provides a therapeutic strategy for controlling AR and asthma in children, especially it result in higher compliance, lower costs, and fewer side effects.

[Relationship between the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids and the leukotriene expression in children with asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between leukotriene expression in blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in children with asthma. METHODS: Thirty-two children with asthma (5-12 years) and ten healthy children (control group) were enrolled. The asthmatic children were subdivided into ICS well-controlled and ICS poorly-controlled groups based on their clinical symptoms and lung function. The level of leukotriene C4 synthase (LTC4S) mRNA in PMNL was detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The level of LTC4S mRNA was expressed by the value of qCt, and the value of qCt was diversely correlated with the level of LTC4S mRNA expression. The concentration of urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4) was measured using ELISA. RESULTS: The expression of LTC4S mRNA in PMNL was significantly higher in children with asthma (qCt: 1.12+/-0.27) than that in the control group (qCt: 1.42+/-0.12; P< 0.05). The expression of LTC4S mRNA in PMNL in the ICS poorly-controlled group (qCt: 1.03+/-0.17) was significantly higher than that in the ICS well-controlled group (qCt: 1.24+/-0.33; P< 0.05) and the control group(1.42+/-0.12; P< 0.01). There was no significant difference in the level of urinary LTE4 among the the ICS poorly-controlled, the ICS well-controlled and the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: LTC4S mRNA expression in PMNL in asthmatic children increases, and the LTC4S mRNA expression in the ICS poorly-controlled group is higher than that in the ICS well-controlled group. This suggests that an increased leukotriene expression might be associated with poorly-controlled asthma.