Schwann cells and trigeminal neuralgia.

Schwann cells are components of the peripheral nerve myelin sheath, which supports and nourishes axons. Upon injury of the trigeminal nerve, Schwann cells are activated and cause trigeminal neuralgia by engulfing the myelin sheath and secreting various neurotrophic factors. Further, Schwann cells can repair the damaged nerve and thus alleviate trigeminal neuralgia. Here, we briefly describe the development and activation of Schwann cells after nerve injury. Moreover, we expound on the occurrence, regulation, and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia; further, we point out the current research deficiencies and future research directions.

[Effects of montelukast sodium and bacterial lysates on airway remodeling and expression of transforming growth factor-ß1 and Smad7 in guinea pigs with bronchial asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of montelukast sodium (MK), a leukotriene receptor antagonist, and bacterial lysates (OM-85BV), used alone or in combination, on airway remodeling and the expression of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and Smad7 in guinea pigs with bronchial asthma and their correlation. METHODS: A total of 40 male Hartley guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal control group, asthma group, MK group, OM-85BV group, and MK+OM-85BV group, with 8 guinea pigs in each group. Intraperitoneal injection of 10% ovalbumin (OVA) for sensitization and aerosol inhalation of 1% OVA for challenge were performed to establish a model of airway remodeling of asthma in all of the groups apart from the normal control group, which were treated with normal saline. In the stage of challenge by aerosol inhalation, the guinea pigs in the MK, OM-85BV, and MK+OM-85BV groups were given corresponding suspension by gavage, and those in the normal control and asthma groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the guinea pigs was collected within 24 hours after challenge, and ELISA was used to measure the levels of TGF-ß1 and Smad7 in BALF. The guinea pigs were sacrificed and the pathological section of lung tissue was prepared to observe the degree of airway remodeling. An image analysis technique was used to measure perimeter of the basement membrane (Pbm), total bronchial wall area (Wat), and airway bronchial smooth muscle area (Wam). Pearson linear regression was used to investigate the correlation between two variables. RESULTS: According to the lung pathological section, compared with the normal control group, the asthma, MK, OM-85BV, and MK+OM-85BV groups had significant thickening of bronchial smooth muscle and alveolar wall, significantly higher Wat/Pbm and Wam/Pbm, a significantly higher level of TGF-ß1, and a significantly lower level of Smad7 (P<0.05). Compared with the asthma group, the MK, OM-85BV, and MK+OM-85BV groups had a significant improvement in pathological injury, significantly lower Wat/Pbm and Wam/Pbm, a significantly lower level of TGF-ß1, and a significantly higher level of Smad7 (P<0.05). The MK+OM-85BV group had significantly greater improvements than the MK group and the OM-85BV group (P<0.05). The expression of TGF-ß1 was negatively correlated with that of Smad7 and positively correlated with Wat/Pbm and Wam/Pbm, and the expression of Smad7 was negatively correlated with Wat/Pbm and Wam/Pbm (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: MK and OM-85BV, used alone or in combination, can reduce airway remodeling in guinea pigs with asthma, and MK combined with OM-85BV has the best effect, possibly by reducing TGF-ß1 expression, increasing Smad7 expression, and improving the TGF-ß1/Smad7 imbalance.

Regulating effect of glycyrrhetinic acid on bronchial asthma smooth muscle proliferation and apoptosis as well as inflammatory factor expression through ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on bronchial asthma (BA) smooth muscle proliferation and apoptosis as well as inflammatory factor expression and its molecular mechanism. METHODS: Male SD guinea pigs were selected and made into asthma models, bronchial asthma smooth muscle cells were cultured and divided into BA group, GA group and GA + LM group that were treated with serum-free RPMI1640 culture medium, serum-free RPMI1640 culture medium containing 50 ng/mL glycyrrhetinic acid, serum-free RPMI1640 culture medium containing 50 ng/mL glycyrrhetinic acid and 100 ng/mL LM22B-10 respectively; normal guinea pigs were collected and bronchial smooth muscle cells were cultured as control group. The cell proliferation activity as well as the expression of proliferation and apoptosis genes, inflammatory factors and p-ERK1/2 was determined. RESULTS: Proliferation activity value and mRNA expression of Bcl-2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, YKL-40, protein expression of p-ERK1/2 of airway smooth muscle cell in BA group were significantly higher than those of control group while mRNA expression levels of Bax, caspase-9 as well as caspase-3 were significantly lower than that of control group (P < 0.05); proliferation activity value and mRNA expression of Bcl-2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, YKL-40, protein expression of p-ERK1/2 of airway smooth muscle cell in GA group were significantly lower than those of BA group (P < 0.05) while the mRNA expression levels of Bax, caspase-9 as well as caspase-3 were significantly higher than those of BA group (P < 0.05); proliferation activity value and mRNA expression of Bcl-2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, YKL-40 of airway smooth muscle cell in GA + LM group were significantly higher than those of GA group (P < 0.05) while mRNA expression levels of Bax, caspase-9 as well as caspase-3 were significantly lower that of GA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: GA can inhibit the proliferation of bronchial smooth muscle cells and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK1/2.

[Distribution characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila in hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection: an analysis of 13 198 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP), and Legionella pneumophila (LP) in hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). METHODS: A total of 13 198 hospitalized children with ARTI were enrolled as study subjects. Whole blood and urine were collected. The passive agglutination was used to detect serum MP-IgM, ELISA was used to detect serum CP-IgM, and immunochromatography was performed to detect urinary LP antigen. RESULTS: Among the 13 198 hospitalized ARTI children, the detection rates of MP, CP, and LP were 25.31%, 12.74% and 3.27%, suggesting that MP had the highest detection rate (P<0.0125). The detection rates of MP in 2013 and 2014 were significantly higher than that in 2012 (P<0.0125). CP had the highest detection rate in 2013, and LP had the highest detection rate in 2014 (P<0.0125). These three pathogens were detected all around the year, and MP had the highest detection rate in all seasons (P<0.0125). The detection rate of mixed infection with three pathogens was 4.35%, and mixed infection with MP and CP was the most common (P<0.0071). Among the children in different age groups, the patients aged 5-16 years showed the highest overall detection rate of three pathogens (P<0.0071). Among the children with different types of ARTI, the children with bronchopneumonia showed the highest overall detection rate of three pathogens (P<0.0045). CONCLUSIONS: MP, CP, and LP, particularly MP, are important pathogens for children with ARTI in the local area. LP infection tends to increase year by year and should be taken seriously in clinical practice.

Anti-α-enolase is a prognostic marker in postoperative lung cancer patients.

Our previous studies suggest that antibodies against ENO1 (anti-ENO1 Ab) have a protective role in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of anti-ENO1 Ab levels in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients undergoing surgery. Circulating levels of anti-ENO1 Ab were assessed in 85 non-small cell lung carcinoma patients before and after surgery, and were correlated with clinical outcome. After surgery, patients with a higher increase of anti-ENO1 Ab had a lower hazard ratio and a better progression-free survival. Using animal models, we demonstrated that tumor cells reduce the circulating levels of anti-ENO1 Ab through physical absorption and neutralization of anti-ENO1 Ab with surface-expressed and secreted ENO1, respectively. Mice transplanted with ENO1-overexpressing tumors generated ENO1-specific regulatory T cells to suppress the production of anti-ENO1 Ab. Our results suggest that the increase of anti-ENO1 Ab may reflect anti-tumor immune responses and serve as a prognostic marker in postoperative lung cancer patients.

Postnatal high-protein diet improves learning and memory in premature rats via activation of mTOR signaling.

PURPOSE: The present study investigated whether a high-protein diet affects spatial learning and memory in premature rats via modulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. METHODS: Pre- and full-term Sprague-Dawley pups were fed a normal (18% protein) or high-protein (30% protein) diet (HPD) for 6 or 8 weeks after weaning. Spatial learning and memory were tested in the Morris water maze at week 6 and 8. The activation of mTOR signaling pathway components was evaluated by western blotting. RESULTS: Spatial memory performance of premature rats consuming a normal and HPD was lower than that of full-term rats on the same diet at 6 weeks, and was associated with lower levels of ribosomal protein S6 kinase p70 subtype (p70S6K) and initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Spatial memory was improved in 8-week-old premature rats on an HPD as compared to those on a normal diet. Premature rats on an HPD had p70S6K and 4EBP1 phosphorylation levels in the hippocampus that were comparable to those of full-term rats on an HPD. CONCLUSION: Long-term consumption of a protein-rich diet can restore the impairment in learning and memory in pre-term rats via upregulation of mTOR/p70S6K signaling.

[Pattern Recognition Analysis for Quality Control of Jia Ga Song Tang by GC-MS].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a scientific method for identitication and evaluation of the Tibetan prescription Jia Ga Song Tang. METHODS: Volatile oil was extracted by water steam distillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to the samples for chemical fingerprint pattern recognition research. RESULTS: 16 samples according to hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were divided into two classes, and results from two recognition analysis methods had good consistency. CONCLUSION: GC-MS-pattern recognition method was a kind of scientific, accurate and effective method for the quality evaluation of Jia Ga Song Tang.

[Influence of OM-85 BV on hBD-1 and immunoglobulin in children with asthma and recurrent respiratory tract infection].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of OM-85 BV(OM-85 Broncho-Vaxom) in children with asthma and recurrent respiratory tract infection, and the effect of OM-85 BV on human ß-defensins 1 (hBD-1) and immunoglobulin levels. METHODS: Sixty-two children with asthma and recurrent respiratory infection treated between 2011 January and December were divided into two groups by the randomized, double blind method: a treatment group and a control group. With inhaling corticosteroids, the treatment group was given OM-85 BV, and the control group was given a placebo. Clinical curative effects and adverse reactions were observed. Serum levels of hBD-1, IgA, IgG, IgM and urea and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured before treatment and 6 months and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: Compared with the control group and before treatment, the frequency of respiratory tract infection was reduced in the treatment group 6 months and 12 months after treatment (P<0.05), and serum levels of hBD-1, IgA and IgG in the treatment group increased significantly (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum levels of urea, ALT and IgM between the control and treatment groups (P>0.05). Mild adverse reactions occurred in 3 cases in the two groups, 2 cases of abdominal pain and 1 cases of constipation. CONCLUSIONS: OM-85 BV can improve serum levels of hBD-1, IgA and IgG, reduce the occurrence of acute respiratory tract infection and cause mild adverse reactions, suggesting its satisfactory therapeutic effect and safety in the treatment of asthma combined with recurrent respiratory tract infection in children.

[Analysis of chemical constituents of volatile components from Jia Ga Song Tang by GC-MS].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the chemical components of volatile components from Jia Ga Song Tang. METHODS: The volatile oils were extracted by water steam distillation. The chemical components of essential oil were analyzed by GC-MS and quantitatively determined by a normalization method. RESULTS: 103 components were separated and 87 components were identified in the volatile oil of Zingiberis Rhizoma. 58 components were separated and 38 components were identified in the volatile oil of Myristicae Semen. 49 components were separated and 38 components were identified in the volatile oil of Amomi Rotundus Fructus. 89 components were separated and 63 components were identified in the volatile oil of Jia Ga Song Tang. CONCLUSION: Eucalyptol, ß-phellandrene and other terpenes were the main compounds in the volatile oil of Jia Ga Song Tang. Changes in the kinds and content of volatile components can provide evidences for scientific and rational compatibility for Jia Ga Song Tang.

[Serum levels of human ß-defensins 1 and immunoglobulins A, G and M in infants with recurrent pneumonia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the possible role of human ß-defensins 1 (Hbd-1) and immunoglobulins A, G and M (IgA, IgG and IgM) in the development of recurrent pneumonia by measuring serum concentrations of the above indexes in infants with recurrent pneumonia and healthy infants. METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from 35 healthy children and 35 children aged from 2 to 24 months with recurrent pneumonia. Serum Hbd-1 concentration was measured using ELISA. Serum IgA, IgG and IgM concentrations were measured by immunonephelometry. The correlation of hBD-1 with IgA, IgG and IgM was evaluated. RESULTS: The serum concentration of hBD-1 in infants with recurrent pneumonia (14±11 µg/mL) was significantly lower than in controls (18±11 µg/mL) (P<0.05), as was the serum concentration of IgA in infants with recurrent pneumonia (1.3±0.6 g/L vs 1.5±0.8 g/L; P<0.05). The serum concentration of IgG in infants with recurrent pneumonia was also significantly lower than in controls (9±3 g/L vs 13±5 g/L; P<0.05). There were no linear relationships between serum Hbd-1 and IgA, IgG and IgM (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The serum levels of hBD-1, IgA and IgG decrease in infants with recurrent pneumonia, suggesting disorders in the immune defensive function of the respiratory tract, and this may be one of the immunity related reasons for recurrent pneumonia in infants. It is of great clinical value to measure serum levels of Hbd-1, IgA, IgG and IgM in infants with recurrent pneumonia.