miR-410 Regulates Helper T Cell Differentiation in Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma through the PI3K-AKT-VEGF Signaling Pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma has been attributed to Th1/Th2 imbalance and inappropriate Th2 responses to environmental allergens. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), 21 to 23 RNA molecules, are first found in mammals and have been implicated in various biological activities. Our previous study found that miR-410 effectively ameliorates airway inflammation in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma murine model. However, the role of miR-410 in regulating helper T (Th) cell differentiation is not clear. In the present study, we aimed to explore the regulatory effects of miR-410 on the differentiation of Th cells through both in vivo and in vitro studies. METHODS: Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to find if miR-410 has any direct binding position with VEGF mRNAs. PBMC and CD4+ T cells were isolated and stimulated with OVA. The miR-410 mimics and inhibitors were transfected into CD4+ T cells. The differentiation of Th cells was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the concentration of IL-4, IFN-γ, and TGF-ß levels in supernatants. Western Blot was used to detect protein expression and phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. BALB/c mice were kept in a specific pathogen-free condition and received sterile OVA-free food and water. OVA-induced asthmatic mice model was established. ELISA was used to measure the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) concentrations of IL-4, IFN-γ, TGF-ß, and VEGF. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining were conducted to analyze inflammatory cell infiltration, pathological changes, and the expression of VEGF. RESULTS: Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-410 has no direct binding position with VEGF mRNAs. In the OVA-primed mononuclear cells compared to normal cells, IFN-γ and TGF-ß were decreased while IL-4 and VEGF were increased. This change was reversed while miRNA-410 mimics were transfected into CD4+ T cells. Besides, the OVA-primed CD4+ T cells treated with miR-410 decrease the proliferation of cytokine of Th2 cells as well as phosphorylation of PI3K, and AKT. In OVA-induced asthma mice, IFN-γ and TGF-ß were decreased in BALF while the IL-4 and VEGF were increased. OVA-induced mice with asthma treated with miR-410 mimics showed marked reductions in the infiltration of inflammatory cells as well as IL-4 and VEGF in BALF. The immunohistochemical staining of the expression of VEGF also decreased in OVA-induced asthma mice with the instillation of miR-410. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we revealed that miR-410 could regulate the differentiation of Th cells via the PI3K-AKT-VEGF signaling pathway in asthma.

Significant rise of the prevalence and clinical features of childhood asthma in Qingdao China: cluster sampling investigation of 10,082 children.

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations suggested that the trend of childhood asthma has been stabilizing or even reversing in some countries. The observation provides contrast to our experience. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical features of asthma in children aged 0-14 years in Qingdao China, determine the changes of childhood asthma in China, and discover evidence that can allow better diagnosis and treatment of childhood asthma. METHODS: A cluster sampling method was used. We randomly extracted the investigation clusters from schools, kindergartens, and communities in Qingdao. Subsequently, we interviewed the members of the clusters using a questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) to find children with asthmatic symptoms. After determination by the doctors, more details on the asthmatic children were obtained by asking questions from the National Epidemiology Study of Asthma and Allergies in China questionnaire to obtain more details. We intended to survey 10,800 children. However, the actual number of children was 10,082. RESULTS: The prevalence of asthma in Qingdao children aged 0-14 years was 3.69%. The prevalence among male children was higher than in female (χ2 = 24.53,P < 0.01). Among the asthmatic children, 68.0% had their first attack when they were less than three years old. Moreover, 71.2% once suffered respiratory tract infections. For 95.7% of asthmatic children, the asthma attack was first manifested as cough. Asthmatic children who used inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) only accounted for 46%. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma in children aged 0-14 years in Qingdao China increased significantly based on data obtained ten years ago (2000). Respiratory tract infections were the most important precursors of asthma attack. The attack was most commonly manifested as cough. The treatment, especially the use of ICS, was more rational. However, a certain difference was found, which has yet to be contrasted with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) project.

The effect of telephone and short-message follow-ups on compliance and efficacy in asthmatic children treated with inhaled corticosteroid: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the effect of telephone and short-message follow-ups on compliance and efficacy in asthmatic children treated with inhaled corticosteroids. METHODS: A total of 120 children with moderate bronchial asthma who visited the Asthma Outpatient Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University were enrolled in the study. They were divided randomly into 3 groups based on the type of follow-up given: a combined telephone and short-message service (Tel + SMS) group, a SMS group, and a control group. After being followed up for 12 weeks, each child's asthma control level was assessed and their lung function was measured. RESULTS: The compliance rates of children in the Tel + SMS group and SMS group were 86.49% and 56.25%, respectively. The total effective rates of these 2 groups (94.59% and 75.0%, respectively) were significantly higher than the rate of the control group (P < .01). The lung function indicators of the children in all 3 groups were better than those before treatment, although only the Tel + SMS group and SMS group improved significantly (P < .05). The lung function indicators of the large and small airways in the Tel + SMS group and the SMS group were also significantly better than those of the control group (P < .01). The results of the study suggest that 1 of the causes of poor compliance in asthmatic children is fear of an adverse reaction to inhaled corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Telephone and short-message follow-ups can increase compliance with inhaled corticosteroid treatment and improve the asthma control levels and lung function of asthmatic children.

Astragaloside IV alleviates lung inflammation in Klebsiella pneumonia rats by suppressing TGF-ß1/Smad pathway.

Astragaloside IV is a biologically active substance derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus mambranaceus Bunge, and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of astragaloside IV on Klebsiella pneumonia rats and the underlying mechanisms. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) rats were treated with different dosages of astragaloside IV (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) by intragastric administration. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Pathological changes of lung tissue were inspected by HE staining. The expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 in lung tissue was determined with immunohistochemistry, and the expression levels of TGF-ß1, p-Smad2/Smad2, p-Smad3/Smad3, IκBα/p-IκBα, and p65/p-p65 in lung tissue were determined by western blot. The mechanism was further investigated with TGF-ß1 inhibitor SB-431542. Astragaloside IV reduced the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines caused by K. pneumoniae and improved lung tissue damage in a dose-dependent manner. Astragaloside IV also decreased the expression of TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins and decreased the protein levels of inflammation-related p-IκBα and p65 in lung tissues induced by K. pneumoniae. Additionally, it was found that the effects of 20 mg/kg astragaloside IV were similar to SB-431542, which could improve pulmonary fibrosis induced by K. pneumoniae, decrease the levels of TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins in lung, and reduce inflammation at the same time. Astragaloside IV could alleviate the inflammation of rat pneumonia induced by K. pneumoniae through suppressing the TGF-ß1/Smad pathway.

Status of asthma control in children and the effect of parents' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) in China: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease seriously endangering the health of children. But disease awareness and self-management skills are relatively poor in children; parents play an important role in the control of childhood asthma. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the status of asthma control and severity of asthma in children and to identify impact factors. METHODS: We studied 1 tertiary hospital in each of the 29 provinces. A total of 2,960 parents with children with asthma who visited those hospitals were selected for the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire survey, and separated into the controlled asthma group and uncontrolled asthma group according to children's asthma conditions in the past 12 months. Multivariate analysis was carried out based on the answers to 28 tested factors. RESULTS: In the past 12 months, 66.0% of children with asthma had asthma attacks, 26.8% visited an emergency room, and 16.2% were hospitalized. The total cost for asthma was significantly higher in the uncontrolled group than controlled group (χ(2) = 23.14, P < .01). Twelve protective factors of asthma control were founded, such as older age of children, long disease course, high KAP scores of parents, compliance with using nasal steroids, and knowledge of "3 or more times recurrent wheezing suggesting asthma." The risk factors were eczema and family history of asthma. CONCLUSION: Children's asthma is poorly controlled. The cost of asthma is significantly higher in uncontrolled asthma than in controlled. The age of children, course of asthma, personal history of allergy, family history of asthma, parents' education level, and parents' KAP are factors that affect asthma control.

Potential Roles of the Renin-Angiotensin System in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of COVID-19.

The spread of pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a global health emergency. Based on the symptomatic treatment and supporting therapy, prevention of complications is the major treatment option. Therefore, it is necessary to illustrate the potential mechanisms for the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the major receptor of SARS-CoV-2, is one of the major members of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In this review, we aimed to summarize the crucial roles of ACE2 in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, followed by illustrating potential treatment options relating to ACE2 and the RAS.

[Effect of okam on inflammation and remodeling of airway of mice with ovalbumin induced asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of okam on inflammation and remodeling of airway in mice with ovalbumin (OVA) induced asthma. METHODS: Thirty-two mice of Kunming strain were divided into four groups randomly: model group, glucocorticoid inhalation group, okam group and control group, with 8 mice in each group. The asthmatic mice model was reproduced by combined injection and aerosol inhalation of OVA. The mice in model group received normal saline (0.3 ml) gavage daily. The mice in glucocorticoid inhalation group received budesonide (0.4 ml, 200 mug) and normal saline (3.6 ml) inhalation. The mice in okam group were gavaged with okam daily (50 mg/kg). The controls were given normal saline instead of OVA sensitization. All mice were sacrificed 42 days later, followed by lavage of tracheo-bronchial tree of the right lung, and the right lung was saved for pathological examination. The total cell number and differentiation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted under microscope. The expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4) in BALF were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The histological changes in the bronchi and alveoli were evaluated after hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as well as the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, the total cell count and IL-4 level in BALF, and the score of pathological changes in the broncho-alveolar tissue in okam group or glucocorticoid inhalation group were lower significantly, and the IFN-gamma level elevated markedly (all P<0.01). The MMP-9, TIMP-1 expression in glucocorticoid inhalation group and the TIMP-1 expression in okam group were decreased greatly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). All of above indexes showed marked differences between control group and okam group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There were significant changes in the total cell count, IFN-gamma, pathological changes, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 between the glucocorticoid inhalation group and the okam group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Okam may alleviate inflammation of the bronchial and degrade the development of airway remodeling to some degree.

Intranasal instillation of miR­410 targeting IL­4/IL­13 attenuates airway inflammation in OVA­induced asthmatic mice.

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory respiratory disease characterised by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. The present study was designed to clarify the effect of intranasal miR­410 administration in an ovalbumin (OVA)­induced murine model of asthma. It was found that miR­410 expression was significantly decreased in the lungs of OVA­induced asthmatic mice (P<0.05) and miR­410 was overexpressed via intranasal instillation. Bioinformatics indicated that the 3'­untranslated regions of interleukin (IL)­4 and IL­13 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) contain miR­410 binding sites. The IL­4 and IL­13 genes were confirmed to be miR­410­regulated using the dual­luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, intranasal administration of miR­410 markedly attenuated airway inflammation and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P<0.05) as determined by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis. Moreover, miR­410 significantly decreased the lung expression of IL­4 and IL­13 (P<0.05), although the levels of mRNAs encoding IL­4 and IL­13 in lungs did not change significantly as determined by real­time PCR analysis. In conclusion, we found that intranasal administration of miR­410 effectively inhibited airway inflammation in OVA­induced asthmatic mice by targeting IL­4 and IL­13 at the post­transcriptional level. miR­410 is thus a promising treatment for allergic asthma.

Astragaloside IV alleviates lung inflammation in Klebsiella pneumonia rats by suppressing TGF-β1/Smad pathway

Astragaloside IV is a biologically active substance derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus mambranaceus Bunge, and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of astragaloside IV on Klebsiella pneumonia rats and the underlying mechanisms. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) rats were treated with different dosages of astragaloside IV (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) by intragastric administration. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Pathological changes of lung tissue were inspected by HE staining. The expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in lung tissue was determined with immunohistochemistry, and the expression levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/Smad2, p-Smad3/Smad3, IκBα/p-IκBα, and p65/p-p65 in lung tissue were determined by western blot. The mechanism was further investigated with TGF-β1 inhibitor SB-431542. Astragaloside IV reduced the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines caused by K. pneumoniae and improved lung tissue damage in a dose-dependent manner. Astragaloside IV also decreased the expression of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins and decreased the protein levels of inflammation-related p-IκBα and p65 in lung tissues induced by K. pneumoniae. Additionally, it was found that the effects of 20 mg/kg astragaloside IV were similar to SB-431542, which could improve pulmonary fibrosis induced by K. pneumoniae, decrease the levels of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins in lung, and reduce inflammation at the same time. Astragaloside IV could alleviate the inflammation of rat pneumonia induced by K. pneumoniae through suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.

[Values of impulse oscillometry for pulmonary function and adhesion molecules in childhood asthma].

OBJECTIVE: Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a novel technique for the evaluation of pulmonary function. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) are definitive indicators for the severity of asthma. This study aimed to explore the relationship of IOS pulmonary function with sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, and their values in childhood asthma. METHODS: IOS via Master Screen System for pulmonary function was performed in 40 children with acute asthma and 25 healthy children. Twenty-three of 40 children with acute asthma were re-tested for IOS pulmonary function at remission. sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were measured in 23 children with acute asthma, 20 asthmatic children at remission and 16 healthy children. RESULTS: The parameters of IOS pulmonary function, R5, R20, R5-R20, X5, Fres and Zrs in children with acute asthma were significantly higher than in asthmatic children at remission and in normal controls (q= 2.91-15.61, P < 0.01 or 0.05). There were significant differences in R5, R5-R20, Fres and Zrs between the asthmatic children at remission and normal controls (q= 3.08- 9.19, P < 0.01 or 0.05). sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels in children with acute asthma were significantly higher than in asthmatic children at remission and in normal controls (q= 6.23-26.15, P < 0.01). The asthmatic children at remission had higher levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 than the normal controls (q=16.86, 12.46, P < 0.01). R5-R20 positively correlated with sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in children with acute asthma (r=0.45, 0.57, P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IOS for pulmonary function and sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 may be used to evaluate the severity and therapeutic effects of childhood asthma. A correlation exists between IOS pulmonary function and sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1.

[Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy with dermatophagoides farina drops on children with allergic rhinitis. METHOD: This was retrospective study analyzing the efficacy of dermatophaguides farinae drops SLIT in 110 patients (aged 4-14 years old) with house dust mites induced allergic rhinitis (without asthma). All the patients were divided into the SLIT group (n = 60) and drug group (n = 50). Patients in SLIT group received sublingual immunotherapy combined with symptomatic medication, and patients in drug group only received symptomatic medication. We recorded and evaluated the total nasal symptom scores (TNSS), total medication scores (TMS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) of the 2 groups at three time points, before the treatment, and the treatment for 1-year and 2-year. RESULT: After 1-year and 2-year treatment, compared with drug group, TMS, TNSS and VAS in SLIT group decreased significantly (P < 0.01). When compared with baseline, we got the similar result as compared with drug group. Besides, the TMS of drug group increased significantly after treatment (P < 0.01). And no significant difference was observed in TNSS and VAS. In addition, there was significant difference in the Proportion of patients withdrawing symptomatic medication in SLIT group and drug group (68.33%,16.00%, respectively; P < 0.01). There were 4 local adverse reactions occurred during the treatment and no serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Sublingual immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides farinae drops showed significant clinical efficacy in children with allergic rhinitis comparing with pharmacotherapy.

Correlation between oxidative stress and the NF-κB signaling pathway in the pulmonary tissues of obese asthmatic mice.

The obesity-asthma phenotype is characterized by increased asthma severity and decreased glucocorticoid responsiveness. To date, the mechanism underlying the association between obesity and asthma remain to be fully elucidated. The present study investigated the correlation between oxidative stress and the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway in obese asthmatic mice. The animals were divided into the following groups: Control (n=8), comprising C57BL/6J mice without exposure to a high-fat diet; non-obese asthma group (n=8), comprising mice of a normal weight subjected to the induction of asthma; obese control group (n=8), comprising C57BL/6J mice subjected to a high-fat diet; and obese asthmatic group (n=8), comprising obese mice subject to the induction of asthma. The levels of the malondialdehyde (MDA) oxidant and glutathione (GSH) antioxidant in the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured using ELISA. The expression levels of inhibitory κB kinase-ß (IKK-ß) and the inhibitor of κBα (IκB-α) in the pulmonary tissues was determined using western blot analysis. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay was performed to determine the transcription activity of NF-κB. The levels of MDA in the BALF and lung tissues increased significantly in the two asthmatic groups, compared with the control groups (P<0.01). The asthmatic mice showed significantly lower concentrations of GSH in the BALF and lung tissues, compared with the control groups (P<0.01). In the asthmatic animals, the expression of IκB kinase (IKK)-ß and activation of NF-κB were upregulated in the pulmonary tissues, compared with those in the control groups (P<0.01). The expression of IKK-ß and transcriptional activity of NF-κB were significantly higher the in obese asthmatic mice, compared with the non-obese asthmatic mice (P<0.01). On examining the expression levels of IκB-α in the pulmonary tissues, a significant reduction was found in the asthmatic animals, compared with the controls (P<0.01). In addition, the level of IκB-α was significantly lower in the obese asthmatics, compared with the non-obese asthmatics (P<0.01). MDA was positively correlated with NF-κB in the obese asthmatic group (R=0.83; P<0.05) and non-obese asthmatic group (R=0.82; P<0.05). Oxidative stress was upregulated in the pulmonary tissues of the asthmatic mice. This upregulation was more marked in the obese asthmatic mice, and was positively correlated with activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the pulmonary tissues. The results in the present study indicated that higher oxidative stress and activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway were observed in the lung tissues of the obese asthmatics. Furthermore, a positive correlation was identified between oxidative stress and NF-κB.

Sensitization Rates for Various Allergens in Children with Allergic Rhinitis in Qingdao, China.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sensitization to common allergens in children with allergic rhinitis (AR) living in Qingdao, China. We conducted a retrospective analysis for AR cases, who underwent skin prick tests (SPT) in Qingdao. A total of 2841 children with AR qualified for the inclusion criteria (Age 3-5 years: 1500 children; Age 6-12 years: 1341 children). The most common inhaled allergens to which the AR children were sensitive were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (69.3%), Dermatophagoides farinae (66.2%) and mould 1 (Penicillium notatum 38.9%); while the corresponding ingested allergens were mussel (39.2%), shrimp (36.3%) and carp (36.5%). The prevalence of sensitization to inhaled allergens and food allergens was higher in children >6 years of age as compared to that in children 3-5 years of age (all p < 0.05). Children >6 years old were more sensitive to dust mite as compared to children 3-5 years old (p < 0.05). Sensitization to dust mite was more common in males than in females (p = 0.05). In this study, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae were the most common allergens causing AR in children in Qingdao, China. Older children with AR, particularly males, were found to be more sensitive to dust mite.

Effects of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides on airway inflammation of lungs in an asthma mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a serious chronic inflammatory disease affecting 300 million people worldwide. This aim of this study to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of Laminaria japonica extract in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model. METHODS: A mouse asthma model was established in SPF Kunming mice by OVA-sensitization followed by inhalation of aerosol allergen for two weeks. Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJPS) were given by gavage feeding at 50 mg/kg/day during OVA inhalation challenge period, and their effect on asthma was compared with the standard treatment of Budesonide inhalation. The total inflammatory cells and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Histopathological changes in lung tissue were studied and scored to determine the degree of inflammation. Levels of IL-12, IL-13, and TGF-ß1 in BALF as well as serum levels of IgE were measured. Expressions of IL-12, IL-13, and TGF-ß1 in lung tissues were assessed. RESULTS: Highly inflammatory lungs infiltrated with significant increased eosinophils were observed in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. The OVA treated mice presented with a lower level of IL-12 and higher levels of IL-13 and TGF-ß1 in BALF and lung tissues, as well as an increased level of the serum IgE. Treatment with LJPS (Group B) significantly decreased the numbers of eosinophils in the BALF (P < 0.05) and alleviated lung inflammation compared to the untreated asthma mice (Group A). It also reduced the serum IgE levels, increased expression of IL-12, and decreased the expression of IL-13 and TGF-ß1 in BALF and lung (Both P < 0.05) compared with the group A. CONCLUSIONS: LJPS can significantly inhibit airway inflammation of asthmatic mice, adjust the balance of cytokines, and improve the pulmonary histopathological condition. Our data suggested that LJPS might be a potential therapeutic reagent for allergic asthma.

Protective effect of probiotics in the treatment of infantile eczema.

The aim of the present study was to provide evidence for the application of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of infantile eczema by exploring changes in the intestinal Bifidobacteria levels and the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index prior and subsequent to treatment with probiotics in infants with eczema. A total of 40 infants with eczema were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. Prior and subsequent to the treatment, the SCORAD index was evaluated and the content of Bifidobacterium bifidum in the stool of each infant in the two groups was quantified using 16S rRNA/DNA quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. After four weeks of treatment with B. bifidum triple viable capsules, the levels of B. bifidum increased sharply (P<0.05) and the SCORAD index was notably reduced (P<0.05) as compared with the values prior to treatment. By contrast, neither the content of B. bifidum nor the SCORAD index changed significantly in the control group after four weeks (P>0.05). Following treatment, the levels of B. bifidum in the stools of the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the stools of the control group (P<0.05), and the SCORAD index was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, probiotic supplementation has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of infantile eczema.

[Influence of inhaled corticosteroids on distribution of throat flora in children with bronchial asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on the distribution of throat flora in children with bronchial asthma. METHODS: Sixty healthy children were included in the study as the control group and 160 children with asthma in acute period before ICS therapy were chosen as the experimental group. The experimental group were treated with ICS therapy. In this group, 89 children were followed up for 3 months, 68 for 6 months and 60 for 12 months. The ICS in the study was budesonide with the trade name as Pulmicort. Swab from the pharynx was used, then inoculated in agar plate. The bacteria were isolated, the distribution and variation of the microbial population in pharyngeal portion were evaluated. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS12.0 software. RESULTS: Bacteria could be detected in all samples collected from children with asthma in acute, untreated period, which were mainly non-ß-hemolytic streptococcus and gram negative cocci bacteria. Gram negative bacilli, streptococcus pneumoniae and mycetes were less. There were no significant differences (χ(2) value were 4.7441, 7.8582 and 1.5583 respectively, Fisher exact value were 0.0699, 0.6398, 0.2433, 0.8580, 0.6616, 0.6339, and 0.8479 respectively, P > 0.05) among children with asthma in acute period, children with asthma treated with ICS after 3, 6 and 12 months and control group. Three strains of mycetes were detected in the experimental group, and one strain in children with asthma treated with ICS for 6 months group. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant changes in the distribution of throat flora between the control group and the experimental group. The throat microbiology did not show significant change. Inhaled corticosteroids had no obvious effect in throat flora in children with asthma after being used for a short term and for 12 months, which suggested that inhaled corticosteroids was safe in bronchial asthma treatment. Dynamic monitoring of throat flora while the inhaled corticosteroids are used is of clinical significance.