Objective To observe the eotaxin expression of rat airway smooth muscle cells ( ASMCs) induced by serum from asthmatic rats, and explore the possible mechanism. Methods ASMCs isolated fromrat tracheas were cultured in vivo. Then they were treated with serum from asthmatic rats, or treated with serum and dexamethasone simultaneously. The level of eotaxin protein in supernatant and eotaxin mRNA in ASMCs were measured by ELISA and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression of cAMP in ASMCs was examined by radioimmunoassay. Results After the treatment with sensitized serum, the eotaxin level in supernatant and mRNA expression in ASMCs were significantly higher [ ( 107. 09 ±7. 12) ng/L vs. ( 0. 63 ±0. 56) ng/L, P lt; 0. 05; 1. 39 ±0. 04 vs. 0. 05 ±0. 01, P lt;0. 05] , and the level of cAMP in ASMCs was significantly lower compared with the control group [ ( 17. 58 ±3. 62) ng/L vs. ( 32. 39 ±3. 36) ng/L, P lt; 0. 05] . After intervened by the sensitized serum and dexamethasone simultaneously, the protein and mRNA expressions of eotaxin were lower compared with those intervened by sensitized serumalone [ ( 64. 18 ±4. 04) ng/L and 0. 77 ±0. 19] . The level of eotaxin in supernatant was negatively correlated with cAMP level in ASMCs ( r = - 0. 788, P lt; 0. 01) . Conclusions There is anautocrine function in ASMCs as inflammatory cells after stimulation with sensitized serum. Eotaxin may play an important roll in the pathogenesis of asthma via a cAMP-dependent pathway.
Objective To analyze the risk factors of hospitalized children with acute asthma exacerbation in Chongqing region. Methods A total of 193 cases were randomly selected from the hospitalized children with acute asthma exacerbation in Chongqing Children’s hospital and Jiangjin District People’s Hospital from January 2009 to December 2009. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data. A control group of children were randomly selected from the out-patients who received regular maintain therapy without asthma attacks for more than 3 months. Results The first independent risk factor of asthma hospitalization was respiratory infection ( 85. 5%, 165 /193) . Irregular use of control medications was the second important factor for the acute exacerbation. There were 75% ( 138 /193) patients didn’t take controlmedications regularly, includes 102 undiagnosed and 36 pre-diagnosed cases which was more common than that in regular maintain therapy group ( 21/110, 19. 1% ) . A variety of allergen-induced acute exacerbation of asthma was also common, which accountted for 9. 3 % ( 18/193) . There were more boys than girls ( M/F:124 /69) and no significant difference in the family history of allergic diseases ( P gt; 0. 05) . Conclusion Respiratory infection, under-diagnosis of asthma, and irregular use of the control medications are risk factors of acute exacerbation in children with asthma in Chongqing region. Meanwhile allergen exposure warrantsmore attention.
ObjectiveIn order to improve the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma, the prevalence and risk factors of asthma in Chengdu among residents over 14 years old were investigated.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in Chengdu. The inhabitants (age > 14 years) recruited in this household questionnaire survey were through multi-stage cluster random sampling. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of asthma.ResultsA total of 3 477 subjects were finally recruited in this study. Of them, 131 were asthmatic patients; and the prevalence rate was 3.8%. There were significant differences observed in the prevalence of asthma among people of different ages, residences, occupations and educational levels (χ2=191.084, P<0.05; χ2=9.114, P<0.05; χ2=114.268, P<0.05; χ2=62.123, P<0.05). Univariate regression analysis showed that the risk factors of asthma included five factors (measles, chickenpox, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis and intestinal parasitic diseases) related to childhood illness, and two factors (asthma and chronic bronchitis) related to the first-degree relatives (P<0.05). In addition, active smoking history was a risk factor for asthma in men (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that measles, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, intestinal parasitic diseases in childhood and first-degree relatives suffering from asthma were independent risk factors for asthma.ConclusionsThis study describes the epidemiological characteristics of asthma in Chengdu among adolescents (age>14 years) and adults. The history of measles, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, and intestinal parasitic diseases in childhood, and first-degree relatives suffering from asthma are the independent risk factors for asthma. In addition, active smoking history is a risk factor for asthma in men.
ObjectiveTo explore the predictive value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the treatment response of adult asthmatic patients. Methods64 adult outpatients with asthma from Peking Union Hospital between March and September 2013 were recruited in the study. All patients completed asthma control test (ACT) together with exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and pulmonary function test. Then the patients were classified into a higher FeNO group (n=33) and a normal FeNO group (n=31) according to FeNO level. All patients accepted regular inhaled ICS/LABA treatment (salmeterol and fluticasone 50/250). Three months later all patients reaccepted ACT,FeNO and pulmonary function test. ResultsThe ACT score increased in all patients,and was significantly higher in the higher FeNO group than that in the normal FeNO group[22.07±5.49 vs. 19.23±5.48,t=2.893,P<0.05]. The complete control rate of the higher FeNO group was higher than that in the normal FeNO group (42.42% vs. 19.35%,χ2=3.960,P<0.05). The FEV1 and FEV1%pred of two groups both increased significantly (P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). Correlation analysis showed that FeNO and the declined rate of FeNO was negatively correlated with the ACT score(r=-0.302,P<0.05;r=0.674,P<0.01) and positively correlated with the improvement of ACT score (r=0.514,P<0.01;r=0.674,P<0.01). No significant correlation was found between FeNO and FEV1 or FEV1%pred. ConclusionThe effect of ICS/LABA therapy is better for asthma patients with higher FeNO. FeNO can be used for predicting the response to ICS/LABA therapy in patients with asthma and guiding the treatment.
ObjectiveTo study and compare the effects of inhaled preparations with open airway and conventional inhaled preparation on asthma patients.MethodsThe patients diagnosed with asthma and treated with the same inhaled preparation only who visited the outpatient department of West China Hospital of Sichuan University, were selected as the study subjects from April to September, 2019. The subjects were divided into the test group and the control group according to random ratio 1∶1. The conventional inhaled preparations were used in the control group. The inhaled preparations with open airway were used in the test group. Asthma control, life quality and treatment satisfaction rate were compared between the two groups after 3 months.ResultsA total of 150 subjects were included and one case dropped-off, then 149 effective subjects were obtained in which 75 cases in the test group and 74 cases in the control group. After 3 months’ treatment of inhaled preparations, the proportion of effective asthma control patients in the test group was higher than that in the control group, and the number of patients satisfied with the treatment of inhaled preparations was higher than that in the control group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The life quality of patients in both groups was improved compared with baseline, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). However, the increase of scores in the test group was more than that in the control group, and the difference was also statistically significant (P<0.05). ConclusionInhaed preparations with open airway is superior to conventional inhaled preparation on asthma patients in asthma control, life quality and treatment satisfaction rate.
Objective To explore the effects of prolonged inhalation of Aspergillus fumigatus ( Af)spores on epithelial cell injury and expression of epidermal growth factor receptor( EGFR) in airways of asthmatic rats. Methods 64 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups, ie. chronic asthma group ( group A) , chronic asthma plus Af spores inhalation for 1 week ( group B) , 3 weeks ( group C) and 5 weeks ( group D) , chronic asthma plus saline inhalation for 5 weeks ( group E) , OVA-sensitized and salinechallenged group ( group F) , and OVA-sensitized and saline-challenged plus Af spores inhalation for 5 weeks ( group G) ( each n =8) . The airway resistance ( Raw) and change of Raw after acetylcholine provocation were detected using a computerized system. The concentrations of epidermal growth factor ( EGF) andtransforming growth factor alpha( TGF-α) in BALF were measured by ELISA. The extents of epithelial cell injury and goblet cell hyperplasia were evaluated on hematoxylin and eosin-stained( HE) and periodic acidschiff ( PAS) stained lung sections. The expression of EGFR in airway epithelia was demonstrated byimmunohistochemistry, and the level of EGFR protein in the rat lung tissues was measured by western blot.Results The concentration of EGF( pg/mL) ( 51. 72 ±8. 54, 68. 12 ±7. 85, 86. 24 ±9. 12, respectively)and TGF-α( pg/mL) ( 55. 26 ±9. 30, 75. 58 ±11. 56, 96. 75 ±14. 66, respectively) , detached/ inner perimeter of epithelium( % ) ( 11. 25 ±3. 12, 26. 45 ±5. 56, 28. 50 ±7. 50, respectively) , the ratio of goblet cell area to epithelial cell area ( % ) ( 16. 42 ±5. 24, 22. 64 ±6. 82, 36. 38 ±9. 21, respectively) , the integrated optical density ( IOD) of EGFR positive stain in airway epithelial cells ( 82 ±15,120 ±19, 165 ±21, respectively) , and the EGFR protein levels in lung tissues ( 0. 91 ±0. 26, 1. 61 ±0. 52, 2. 52 ±0. 78,respectively) in group B, C, and D were higher than those in group A, E, F and G( P lt; 0. 05 or P lt;0. 01) .The change rates of Raw( % ) ( 61. 91 ±5. 26, 84. 69 ±6. 38) in group C and D were higher than those in group A, E, F and G ( P lt; 0. 05 or P lt;0. 01) . The IOD of EGFR was positively correlated with detached/inner perimeter of epithelium( % ) and the ratio of goblet cell area to epithelial cell area( % ) ( r = 0. 692,P lt;0. 01; r = 0. 657, P lt; 0. 01, respectively) . Conclusion Prolonged inhalation of Aspergillus fumigatus spores can aggravate airway epithelial cell injury, up-regulate the expression of EGFR in airway epithelial cell and induce goblet cell hyperplasia, thus increase the airway responsiveness in rats with chronic asthma.
【Abstract】 Objective To investigate the effect of allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells ( BMSCs) transplantation on the airway inflammation and airway remodeling in chronic asthmatic mice. Methods Forty female BALB/c mice were equally randomized into four groups, ie. a normal control group, a BMSCs control group, an asthma model group, and a BMSCs transplantation group. BMSCs were generated from male donor mice, then the mice in the asthma model group and the BMSCs transplantation group were sensitized and challenged with OVA to establish chronic asthmatic mice model. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff staining were used to analyze the effects on airway inflammation and airway remodeling after BMSC engraftment. The number of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells in spleen was detected by flow cytometry. Results In lungs of the asthmamodel group, there were intensive inflammatory cells infiltration around airway and blood vessels, goblet cell proliferation, epithelial desquamation, patchy airway occlusion by hyperviscous mucus, and hypertrophy of airway smooth muscle.Airway inflammation and airway remodeling were significantly relieved in the BMSCs transplantation group.There was no obvious inflammatory cells infiltration in the airway and airway remodeling both in the normal control group and the BMSCs control group. The number of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells in spleensignificantly decreased in the asthma model group compared with the two control groups ( P lt; 0. 05) , and significantly increased in the BMSCs transplantation group compared with the asthma model group ( P lt;0. 05) . There was no significant difference in the number of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells in spleen betweenthe control groups and the BMSCs transplantation group. Conclusion BMSCs engraftment can up-regulate CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells and relieve airway inflammation and airway remodeling in asthmatic mice.
The number of clinical guidelines developed and published in different countries is increasing worldwide. Too many guidelines do not remain in regular use, even though the aim is to implement them in clinical practice. The scientific validity and reliability of the guidelines need to be reviewed. Here is a case presented to show how to optimally use the evidence-based guideline to improve clinical decision making.
Objective To investigate the modulating roles of Clara cell secretory 16 kD protein ( CC-16) , transcription factor T-bet, and GATA-3 in airway inflammation of patients with asthma. Methods 25 patients with acute exacerbation of asthma were enrolled as an asthma group and 33 healthy volunteers were enrolled as control. The plasma levels of CC16, IFN-γ, and IL-4 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) . The mRNA expressions of T-bet and GATA-3 in the peripheral bloodmononuclear cells ( PBMCs) were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR) .Results The levels of CC16 and IFN-γin the asthma group were lower than those in the control group [ ( 21. 96 ±7. 31 ) ng/mL vs. ( 64. 88 ±25. 27) ng/mL, ( 118. 73 ±22. 59) pg/mL vs. ( 145. 53 ±29. 50) pg/mL, both P lt;0. 01] . The IL-4 level in the asthma group was significantly higher than that in the control group [ ( 425. 22 ±4. 37) pg/mL vs. ( 69. 72 ±10. 15 ) pg/mL, P lt; 0. 01] . The T-bet mRNA expression and T-bet /GATA-3 ratio of PBMCs in the asthma group were significantly lower than those in the control group( both P lt; 0. 01) . The expression GATA-3 mRNA was significantly higher than that in the control group( P lt;0. 01) . The level of CC16 was positively correlated with T-bet mRNA expression and the ratio of T-bet /GATA-3 ( r =0. 792, 0. 761, respectively, P lt; 0. 01) . There was no correlation between CC16 and the GATA-3 mRNA expression ( P gt;0. 05) . Conclusions These results suggest that CC16 and T-bet play important protection roles in the pathogenesis of asthma. GATA-3, IFN-γ, and IL-4 also participate in the airway inflammation of asthma.
Objective To investigate the role of urotensin Ⅱ(UⅡ) in the pathogenesis of asthma.Methods Lung function，differential cell count and level of UⅡin induced sputum were studied in 26 asthmatic patients in acute exacerbation and in clinical remission.Results Induced sputum UⅡ level from acute asthma was higher than that of remissed asthma [(58.88±47.38)pg/mL vs (12.69±12.78)pg/mL，Plt;0.01].Induced sputum UⅡ levels of asthma patients in acute exacerbation had a tendency to increase as disease deteriorated，which negatively correlated with FEV1% predicted (r=-0.326，Plt;0.05)，but did not with sputum total cell and neutrophil counts(Pgt;0.05).No significant difference of induced sputum UⅡ levels was found between male and female，smokers and non-smokers.Conclusion UⅡ may play a role in acute exacerbation of asthma