Role played by Th2 type cytokines in IgE mediated allergy and asthma

Phytotherapeutic BS012 and Its Active Component Ameliorate Allergic Asthma via Inhibition of Th2-Mediated Immune Response and Apoptosis

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lungs that results in airway inflammation and narrowing. BS012 is an herbal remedy containing Asarum sieboldii, Platycodon grandiflorum, and Cinnamomum cassia extracts. To elucidate the anti-asthma effect of BS012, this study analyzed the immune response, respiratory protection, and changes in metabolic mechanisms in an ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma mouse model. Female BALB/c mice were exposed to ovalbumin to induce allergic asthma. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma were analyzed for interleukin and immunoglobulin E levels. Histological analyses of the lungs were performed to measure morphological changes. Apoptosis-related mediators were assayed by western blotting. Plasma and lung tissue metabolomic analyses were performed to investigate the metabolic changes. A T-helper-2-like differentiated cell model was used to identify the active components of BS012. BS012 treatment improved inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus production, and goblet cell hyperplasia in lung tissues. BS012 also significantly downregulated ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E in plasma and T-helper-2-specific cytokines, interleukin-4 and -5, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The lungs of ovalbumin-inhaled mice exhibited nerve growth factor-mediated apoptotic protein expression, which was significantly attenuated by BS012 treatment. Ovalbumin-induced abnormalities in amino acid and lipid metabolism were improved by BS012 in correlation with its anti-inflammatory properties and normalization of energy metabolism. Additionally, the differentiated cell model revealed that N-isobutyl-dodecatetraenamide is an active component that contributes to the anti-allergic properties of BS012. The current findings demonstrate the anti-allergic and respiratory protective functions of BS012 against allergic asthma, which can be considered a therapeutic candidate.

G12/13 signaling in asthma

Shortening of airway smooth muscle and bronchoconstriction are pathognomonic for asthma. Airway shortening occurs through calcium-dependent activation of myosin light chain kinase, and RhoA-dependent calcium sensitization, which inhibits myosin light chain phosphatase. The mechanism through which pro-contractile stimuli activate calcium sensitization is poorly understood. Our review of the literature suggests that pro-contractile G protein coupled receptors likely signal through G12/13 to activate RhoA and mediate calcium sensitization. This hypothesis is consistent with the effects of pro-contractile agonists on RhoA and Rho kinase activation, actin polymerization and myosin light chain phosphorylation. Recognizing the likely role of G12/13 signaling in the pathophysiology of asthma rationalizes the effects of pro-contractile stimuli on airway hyperresponsiveness, immune activation and airway remodeling, and suggests new approaches for asthma treatment.

Advances in noncoding RNA in children allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

A chronic condition that significantly reduces a child's quality of life is allergic rhinitis (AR). The environment and allergens that the body is regularly exposed to can cause inflammatory and immunological reactions, which can change the expression of certain genes Epigenetic changes are closely linked to the onset and severity of allergy disorders according to mounting amounts of data. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a group of RNA molecules that cannot be converted into polypeptides. The three main categories of ncRNAs include microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). NcRNAs play a crucial role in controlling gene expression and contribute to the development of numerous human diseases.

METHODS

Articles are selected based on Pubmed's literature review and the author's personal knowledge. The largest and highest quality studies were included. The search selection is not standardized.

RESULTS

Recent findings indicate that various categories of ncRNAs play distinct yet interconnected roles and actively contribute to intricate gene regulatory networks.

CONCLUSION

This article demonstrates the significance and progress of ncRNAs in children's AR. The database covers three key areas: miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs. Additionally, potential avenues for future research to facilitate the practical application of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers will be explore.

Cellular metabolism and hypoxia interfacing with allergic diseases

Allergic diseases display significant heterogeneity in their pathogenesis. Understanding the influencing factors, pathogenesis, and advancing new treatments for allergic diseases is becoming more and more vital as currently, prevalence continues to rise, and mechanisms of allergic diseases are not fully understood. The upregulation of the hypoxia response is linked to an elevated infiltration of activated inflammatory cells, accompanied by elevated metabolic requirements. An enhanced hypoxia response may potentially contribute to inflammation, remodeling, and the onset of allergic diseases. It has become increasingly clear that the process underlying immune and stromal cell activation during allergic sensitization requires well-tuned and dynamic changes in cellular metabolism. The purpose of this review is to examine current perspectives regarding metabolic dysfunction in allergic diseases. In the past decade, new technological platforms such as "omic" techniques have been applied, allowing for the identification of different biomarkers in multiple models ranging from altered lipid species content, increased nutrient transporters, and altered serum amino acids in various allergic diseases. Better understanding, recognition, and integration of these alterations would increase our knowledge of pathogenesis and potentially actuate a novel repertoire of targeted treatment approaches that regulate immune metabolic pathways.

Selonsertib, an ASK1 Inhibitor, Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma during Challenge and Sensitization Periods

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is an upstream signaling molecule in oxidative stress-induced responses. Because oxidative stress is involved in asthma pathogenesis, ASK1 gene deficiency was investigated in animal models of allergic asthma. However, there is no study to investigate whether ASK1 inhibitors could be applied for asthma to date. Selonsertib, a potent and selective ASK1 inhibitor, was applied to BALB/c mice of an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma model. Selonsertib suppressed antigen-induced degranulation of RBL-2H3 mast cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The administration of selonsertib both before OVA sensitization and OVA challenge significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, and suppressed eosinophil numbers and inflammatory cytokine levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histopathologic examination elucidated less inflammatory responses and reduced mucin-producing cells around the peribronchial regions of the lungs. Selonsertib also suppressed the IgE levels in serum and the protein levels of IL-13 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These results suggest that selonsertib may ameliorate allergic asthma by suppressing immune responses and be applicable to allergic asthma.

Clinical significance of T helper-1/T helper-2 cytokines in peripheral blood of children with otitis media with effusion and allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVE

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a prevalent and costly disease, especially in children. This article analyzed the expression patterns and clinical significance of T helper-1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokines in the peripheral blood of children with OME and allergic rhinitis (AR).

METHODS

Subjects were assigned to the OME + AR group and the Control group (children with OME), with their clinical baseline data documented. The correlations between Th1/Th2 cytokines and between the total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and Th1/Th2 cytokines were analyzed. The risk factors and the predictive value of Th1/Th2 cytokines for OME + AR were analyzed using logistics multivariate regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in tympanic pressure/speech frequency/air conduction valve/TNSS score/immunoglobulin E (IgE) level between both groups. The OME + AR children exhibited evidently elevated interleukin-2 (IL-2)/tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/IL-4/IL-10/IL-6 levels and no significant difference in interferon-γ (IFN-γ) level. Th1/Th2 cytokines were remarkably positively-correlated with the TNSS score. IL-2/TNF-α/IL-4/IL-6 were risk factors for OME with AR. The area under the curves (AUCs) of IL-6/IL-2/IL-4/TNF-α levels in predicting the occurrence of OME + AR were 0.805/0.806/0.775/0.781, with sensitivities of 75.76 %/89.39 %/72.21 %/72.73 % and specificities of 74.29 %/61.34 %/72.86 %/70.00 %, and the cut-off values were 239.600/20.300/29.880/34.800 (pg/mL). The AUC of their combination in predicting OME + AR was 0.955 (93.94 % sensitivity, 85.71 % specificity).

CONCLUSION

Th1/Th2 cytokine levels were imbalanced and obviously positively-correlated with the TNSS score in OME + AR children. IL-2, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6 levels had auxiliary predictive value in the occurrence of OME + AR.

Immune Dysregulation, Inflammation in Characterizing Women with Vulvodynia, Depression, and Both

Background: Depression and vulvodynia are often comorbid. The onset of depression and vulvodynia may be immune and/or stress/environmentally induced. We explored whether vulvodynia, depression, or both occur in response to a Th1-mediated versus Th2-mediated immune response. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from a case-control study of clinically confirmed vulvodynia and history of depression determined through structured clinical interviews. Immune dysregulation and inflammation were categorized based on the following self-reported conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes mellitus, uterine fibroids, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. Logistic regression analyses were adjusted for marital status, body mass index, age, and pack years. Results: Women with systemic immune dysregulation had higher odds of depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.61, confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.65-3.98), vulvodynia (aOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.00-5.96), and comorbid depression and vulvodynia (aOR = 4.93, 95% CI: 2.19-11.10) versus neither condition. Women reporting local immune dysregulation had similar odds of depression (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 0.99-3.59), vulvodynia (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.08-4.18), and comorbid depression and vulvodynia (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 0.98-3.90). Women with Th2 inflammation had similar odds of depression (aOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.05-4.77) and vulvodynia (aOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.20-5.49). Women with Th1 or Th2 inflammation had similar odds of comorbid depression and vulvodynia (aOR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.48-6.19; aOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.49-6.60, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest that an imbalance of cytokines, indicated by the presence of one or more immune-related health conditions, is associated with an increased risk of vulvodynia and/or depression.

The influence of asthma on neuroinflammation and neurodevelopment: From epidemiology to basic models

Asthma is a highly heterogeneous inflammatory disease that can have a significant effect on both the respiratory system and central nervous system. Population based studies and animal models have found asthma to be comorbid with a number of neurological conditions, including depression, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, maternal asthma during pregnancy has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring, such as autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In this article, we review the most current epidemiological studies of asthma that identify links to neurological conditions, both as it relates to individuals that suffer from asthma and the impacts asthma during pregnancy may have on offspring neurodevelopment. We also discuss the relevant animal models investigating these links, address the gaps in knowledge, and explore the potential future directions in this field.

Comparison of cow's milk allergy models highlighted higher humoral and Th2 immune responses in BALB/c than C3H/HeNCrl mice

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is common in early childhood and the incidence is increasing. However, its mechanisms of action are still not fully understood due to the range of different clinical symptoms. So far, the development of different mouse models has been the best choice to study the molecular mechanisms triggering allergy. However, the selection of suitable strains for the establishment of animal models truly representative of associated human pathologies is still a challenge. Hence, we focused on both C3H/HeNCrl and BALB/c mice to characterize their susceptibility to CMA. After intraperitoneal sensitization, BALB/c and C3H/HeNCrl strains were challenged with β-lactoglobulin (BLG), and compared in allergic symptoms and active immune response, which assessed by specific antibody production and cytokine release. At first, both groups exhibited anaphylaxis, showed specific BLG-related IgE, Th2 response and seemed both suitable for the development of CMA models. However, a detailed analysis revealed that BALB/c had both stronger humoral and Th2 immune responses, producing more antibodies (IgE and IgG/IgG1/IgG2a), and releasing higher levels of Th2-associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) compared to C3H/HeNCrl mice. Therefore, BALB/c strain would represent a preferential choice in the establishment of CMA models. This study highlights the subtle differences and major outcomes in the selection of mouse strains for the development of suitable food allergy models.

Targeting the translationally controlled tumor protein by a monoclonal antibody improves allergic airway inflammation in mice

Secretion of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) was found in body fluids during the late phase of allergic reactions, implicating TCTP in allergic diseases. Furthermore, blocking TCTP has been shown to be helpful in treating asthma and allergies in animal models. The objectives of this study were to produce anti-TCTP monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), test their ability to inhibit the cytokine-like function of dimeric TCTP (dTCTP) in vitro and to assess their therapeutic effects in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation. We first verified the inhibitory effects of 4 anti-TCTP mAbs on dTCTP-induced secretion of IL-8 in BEAS-2B cells. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of anti-TCTP mAbs on allergic airway inflammation, we treated OVA-sensitized mice with anti-TCTP mAbs before OVA challenge. The changes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in both BALF and lung homogenates, plasma levels of OVA-specific IgE, and lung tissues were analyzed. We found that JEW-M449 anti-TCTP mAb bound to the flexible loop of TCTP and significantly inhibited dTCTP-induced IL-8 release, making it the most effective inhibitor in our study. We also found that treatment with JEW-M449 significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and suppressed the OVA-induced upregulation of type 2 cytokines in both BALF and lung homogenates in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, JEW-M449 significantly attenuated the degree of goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus secretion. Our results demonstrate that specific targeting of the flexible loop of TCTP is a potent strategy for treating airway inflammatory diseases.

Serum Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Cats with Inflammatory Bronchial Disease

The etiology of feline inflammatory bronchial disease is poorly understood. This study compares the degree of allergen-specific serum IgE responses between cats with feline asthma, chronic bronchitis, mixed inflammation, and clinically healthy cats (HCs). The retrospective case-control study used serum from eighteen cats with eosinophilic inflammation (EI), ten with neutrophilic inflammation (NI), six with mixed inflammation (MI), and fourteen HCs. Affected cats were categorized into groups based on bronchoalveolar lavage cytology. The measurement of IgE for 34 different allergens including fungal organisms, weeds, grasses, trees, mites, and insects was performed using an indirect ELISA. Positive reactions to allergens were detected in the serum of 17/18 cats with EI, 8/10 with NI, 6/6 with MI, and 11/14 HCs (p = 0.364). When overall positive reactions were compared between groups, cats with MI (p = <0.01) had significantly more positive reactions against mite allergens than HCs. Blood eosinophils inversely correlated with the absolute amount of allergen-specific serum IgE expressed in ELISA absorbance units (EAs) (p = 0.014). Sensitization against dust mites seems to be more prevalent in cats with MI. However, positive IgE reactions can be observed in healthy and diseased cats, and, therefore, need to be interpreted in the light of clinical findings and environmental conditions of individual patients.

Alpha-linolenic acid improves nasal mucosa epithelial barrier function in allergic rhinitis by arresting CD4+ T cell differentiation via IL-4Rα-JAK2-STAT3 pathway

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) defined as inflammation and tissue remodeling of the nasal mucosa in atopic individuals after allergen exposure. Alpha-linolenic acid [cis-9, cis-12, cis-15-octadecatrienoic acid (18:3)] (ALA) as dietary supplementation can reduce inflammation and allergic symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential therapeutic effect and mechanism of ALA in AR mouse model.

METHODS

Ovalbumin sensitized AR mouse model were challenged with oral ALA administration. Nasal symptoms, tissue pathology, immune cell infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia were investigated. Levels of IgE, TNF-β, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-12, IL-13 and IL-25 were determined by ELISA in serum and nasal fluid. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence were performed for occludin and zonula occludens-1 expression. CD3⁺CD4⁺ T-cells from peripheral blood and splenic lymphocytes were isolated and Th1/Th2 ratio were determined. Mouse naive CD4⁺ T cell were isolated and Th1/Th2 ratio, IL-4Rα expression, and IL5/IL13 secretion were determined. IL-4Rα-JAK2-STAT3 pathway change in AR mice were performed by western blot.

RESULTS

Ovalbumin induced AR, nasal symptoms, pathological performance, IgE, and cytokine production. ALA treated mice showed reduced nasal symptoms, nasal inflammation, nasal septum thickening, goblet cell hyperplasia, and eosinophil infiltration. In serum and nasal fluid of ovalbumin challenged mice, ALA decreased IgE, IL-4 levels, and the increase of Th2-cells. ALA prevented the disruption of the epithelial cell barrier in ovalbumin-challenged AR mice. Simultaneously, ALA prevents IL-4 induced barrier disruption. ALA treatment of AR by affecting the differentiation stage of CD4⁺T cells and block IL-4Rα-JAK2-STAT3 pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that ALA has the potential therapeutic effect to ovalbumin-induced AR. ALA can affect the differentiation stage of CD4⁺T cells and improve epithelial barrier functions through IL-4Rα-JAK2-STAT3 pathways.

CLINICAL IMPLICATION

ALA might be considered as drug candidate for improving epithelial barrier function through Th1/Th2 ratio recovery in AR.

Anti-inflammatory effect and metabolic mechanism of BS012, a mixture of Asarum sieboldii, Platycodon grandiflorum, and Cinnamomum cassia extracts, on atopic dermatitis in vivo and in vitro

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing skin disease accompanied by itchy and dry skin. AD is caused by complex interactions between innate and adaptive immune response. AD treatment include glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. However, long-term treatment can have serious side effects. Thus, an effective AD treatment with fewer side effects is required. Natural materials, including herbal medicines, have potential applications.

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the in vivo and in vitro therapeutic effects of BS012, a mixture of Asarum sieboldii, Platycodon grandiflorum, and Cinnamomum cassia extracts, on AD and investigated the underlying metabolic mechanisms.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory effects of BS012 were assessed using a mouse model of AD induced by 1‑chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) and in tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interferon-gamma (TNF-α/IFN-γ) stimulated normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). In DNCB-induced mice, total dermatitis score, histopathological analysis, and immune cell factors were assessed to evaluate the anti-atopic activity. In TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated NHEKs, pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and related signaling pathways were investigated. Serum and intracellular metabolomics were performed to identify the metabolic mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of BS012 treatment.

RESULTS

In DNCB-induced mice, BS012 showed potent anti-atopic activity, including reducing AD-like skin lesions and inhibiting the expression of Th2 cytokines and thymic stromal lymphopoietin. In TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated keratinocytes, BS012 dose-dependently inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by blocking nuclear factor-kappa B and signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways. Serum metabolic profiles of mice revealed significant changes in lipid metabolism related to inflammation in AD. Intracellular metabolome analysis revealed that BS012 treatment affected the metabolism associated with inflammation, skin barrier function, and lipid organization of the stratum corneum.

CONCLUSION

BS012 exerts anti-atopic activity by reducing the Th2-specific inflammatory response and improving skin barrier function in AD in vivo and in vitro. These effects are mainly related to the inhibition of inflammation and recovery of metabolic imbalance in lipid organization. BS012, a novel combination with strong activity in suppressing the Th2-immune response, could be a potential alternative for AD treatment. Furthermore, the metabolic mechanism in vivo and in vitro using a metabolomics approach will provide crucial information for the development of natural products for AD treatment.

Topical Administration of Gardenia jasminoides Extract Regulates Th2 Immunity in OVA-Induced Mice

A key feature of an allergic immune response is a T helper type 2 (Th2)-mediated response with production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies. Gardenia jasminoides extract with the crocin removed (GJExCR) has been shown to inhibit IgE-mediated allergic disease. To evaluate the efficacy and mechanism-of-action of this inhibition, GJExCR was used in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy model in BALB/C mice. Sensitization of BALB/C mice with OVA and aluminum hydroxide was performed on days 1 and 14 by intraperitoneal injection, followed by OVA challenge to the dorsal skin for 2 weeks before removal. Seven days post-challenge, mice were treated with GJExCR topically every day for 11 days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry analysis, real-time PCR, and western blot were performed to determine IgE and Th2 cytokine levels. Following OVA challenge, Th2 cytokine expression and both total and OVA-specific serum IgE levels increased, of which OVA-specific IgE and Th2 cytokine levels decreased after GJExCR treatment. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that GJExCR treatment decreased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations in the spleen and lymph nodes. In addition, treatment with GJExCR downregulated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activation and Th2 cytokine levels as compared to control. GJExCR containing geniposide downregulated STAT1 activation in HaCaT cells. These findings demonstrate that GJExCR exerts its anti-allergy effect via inhibition of STAT1 activation, thus regulating the immune response via modulation of Th2 cytokine release and IgE levels. Therefore, we propose GJExCR as a potential treatment for allergic hypersensitivity reactions.

Bilirubin level is decreased in patients with allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

There are limitations in detecting methods for early diagnosis and screening of allergic rhinitis. Considering the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of bilirubin, this study aims to explore the relationship between bilirubin and allergic rhinitis and to identify bilirubin-related candidate urinary protein biomarkers associated with allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

63 allergic rhinitis patients (AR group) and 86 healthy controls (NC group) were enrolled. Venous blood was obtained to measure serum total IgE levels and bilirubin parameters. Patients in the AR group were then classified into the AR1 group (IgE > 125 IU/mL) and the AR2 group (IgE ≤ 125 IU/mL). After randomly selecting ten urine samples from the AR1 group, ten samples were chosen from the AR2 and the NC groups, respectively, according to age and gender matching. We employed a Tandem Mass Tag-Based liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomics approach and targeted parallel-reaction monitoring(PRM) to identify and validate urinary biomarkers for allergic rhinitis.

RESULTS

Compared with the NC group, the bilirubin levels of the AR group, AR1 group, and AR2 group were significantly lower. Although the bilirubin level of the AR1 group was lower than that of the AR2 group, the difference was not significant. Further urinary proteomics analysis found that the expression levels of proteins related to bilirubin metabolism and transportation in the AR1 and AR2 groups, including ABCC1, GSTA1, GSTO1, GSTM3, GSTM5, and BLVRB, were significantly higher than those in the NC group. By PRM-based quantification, GSTA1 and GSTO1 showed significant differences in different degrees of Allergic Rhinitis groups and healthy controls. The AUC of the combined diagnosis of GSTA1 and GSTO1 was 0.79 (95% CI 0.583-0.997, P = 0.007), and the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 60.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilirubin levels are associated with allergic rhinitis. Our study revealed that urine proteomics has a specific value for exploring the pathophysiological mechanism of bilirubin changes in AR patients and screening possible biomarkers.

Expression and diagnostic value of miR-142-5p and miR-155-5p in the serum of children with allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in the regulation of allergic rhinitis (AR), but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This case-control study aimed to measure the expression levels of serum miRNAs in children with AR, to evaluate their potential as diagnostic markers, and investigate the association between miRNAs and IL-4, total nasal symptom score (TNSS), and specific IgE (Artemisia).

METHODS

Twenty allergic rhinitis patients and 20 healthy controls were included. The expression levels of serum miR-18a-5p, miR-142-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-3687 were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum cytokine levels were measured using IL-4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Nasal symptoms were assessed using the TNSS. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to test the diagnostic ability of the study parameters.

RESULTS

The AR case group had a higher serum expression of miR-142-5p, miR-155-5p, and IL-4 than did the control group. However, there were no significant differences in the serum miR-18a-5p and miR-3687 expression levels between the two groups. We found that serum miR-142-5p and miR-155-5p levels were positively correlated with the expression of specific IgE (Artemisia). TNSS did not correlate with miR-142-5p or miR-155-5p levels. In addition, no significant correlation was identified between miR-142-5p and IL-4 expression, whereas miR-155-5p was positively correlated with IL-4 expression. The receiver operating characteristic curve did not look promising. The AUC was around 0.7 and it was not high enough for diagnostic tool.

CONCLUSION

The expression levels of serum miR-142-5p and miR-155-5p were upregulated in children with AR; however, they were insufficient as diagnostic tools for AR. MiR-155-5p may be involved in T helper type 2 cell-mediated immune response.

[Correction of serum prooncogenic cytokines and metastases by 5-hydroxypyrimidine derivatives and doxorubicin after removal of a primary tumor node in mice with the Lewis lung epidermoid carcinoma]

The effect of a single injection of doxorubicin, 8-day administration of two 5-hydroxypyrimidine derivatives, SNK-411 (2-Isobutyl-4,6-dimethyl-5-hydroxypyrimidine) and SNK-578 (hydrochloride of 2-isobutyl-4,6-dimethyl-5-hydroxypyrimidine), on metastases, lifespan and serum cytokines has been investigated in С57ВL/6 mice after removal of a primary tumor node of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). LLC cells (1×106) were injected in the footpad of right hind feet of mice in control and experimental groups; after 14 days of tumor development the hind feet with the tumor were amputated at the ankle level. One hour before the amputation mice received a single injection of doxorubicin (4 mg/kg) and 8-day therapy with the 5-hydroxypyrimidine derivatives started. SNK-578 monotherapy was performed at a dose of 10 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally (i.p.). SNK-411 was administered per os at a dose of 25 mg/kg. In the case of combined therapy mice also received a single injection of doxorubicin (4 mg/kg; i.p.). The metastasis inhibition index in mice-treated with SNK-411 and SNK-578 were 53.3% as compared with control mice (with removed tumor). The mice-treated with SNK-411, doxorubicin, and the combination SNK-578 + doxorubicin had lifespan increased by 60.2%, 53.9%, and 42.9%, respectively. A single injection of doxorubicin, the course administration of the 5-hydroxypyrimidine derivative alone and in combination with single injection of doxorubicin completely decreased serum levels of the prooncogenic Th2-cytokines IL-4, and IL-6 and significantly decreased the level of the Th2-cytokine IL-5. Administration of doxorubicin, SNK-411 and SNK-578 did not influence serum concentration of Th1-cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-γ). These data confirm our previous findings that administration of the compounds studied decreased concentrations of prooncogenic IL-4 and IL-6 in tumor-bearing mice with LLC and had no effect on concentrations of the Th1-cytokine IFN-γ.

Exogenous Lipoxin A4 attenuates IL4-induced Mucin Expression in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Introduction: The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) induces mucus hypersecretion by human airway epithelial cells and the MAP kinase signalling pathway may be important in terms of IL-4-induced MUC5AC gene expression. Lipoxin A₄ (LXA₄) is an arachidonic acid-derived mediator that promotes inflammation by binding to the anti-inflammatory receptors (ALXs) or the formyl-peptide receptor like-1 (FPRL1) protein expressed by airway epithelial cells. Here, we explore the effects of LXA4 on IL-4-induced mucin gene expression in, and secretion from, human airway epithelial cells. Methods: We co-treated cells with IL-4 (20 ng/mL) and LXA₄ (1 nM) and measured the expression levels of mRNAs encoding MUC5AC and 5B via real-time polymerase chain reaction; protein expression levels were determined by Western blotting and immunocytofluorescence. The ability of IL-4 and LXA₄ to suppress protein expression was determined by Western blotting. Results: IL-4 increased MUC5AC and 5B gene and protein expression. LXA₄ suppressed IL-4-induced MUC5AC and 5B gene and protein expression by interacting with the IL4 receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, including both phospho-p38 MAPK and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (phospho-ERK). IL-4 and LXA₄ increased and decreased, respectively, the number of cells that stained with anti-MUC5AC and 5B antibodies. Conclusions: LXA₄ may regulate mucus hypersecretion induced by IL4 in human airway epithelial cells.

The Role of Staphylococcus aureus and Its Toxins in the Pathogenesis of Allergic Asthma

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide and affects more than 300 million patients. Allergic asthma affects the majority of asthmatic children as well as approximately 50% of adult asthmatics. It is characterized by a Th2-mediated immune response against aeroallergens. Many aspects of the overall pathophysiology are known, while the underlying mechanisms and predisposing factors remain largely elusive today. Over the last decade, respiratory colonization with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a Gram-positive facultative bacterial pathogen, came into focus as a risk factor for the development of atopic respiratory diseases. More than 30% of the world’s population is constantly colonized with S. aureus in their nasopharynx. This colonization is mostly asymptomatic, but in immunocompromised patients, it can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, sepsis, or even death. S. aureus is known for its ability to produce a wide range of proteins including toxins, serine-protease-like proteins, and protein A. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the pathophysiology of allergic asthma and to what extent it can be affected by different toxins produced by S. aureus. Intensifying this knowledge might lead to new preventive strategies for atopic respiratory diseases.

Rhinovirus Infection and Virus-Induced Asthma

While the aetiology of asthma is unclear, the onset and/or exacerbation of asthma may be associated with respiratory infections. Virus-induced asthma is also known as virus-associated/triggered asthma, and the reported main causative agent is rhinovirus (RV). Understanding the relationship between viral infections and asthma may overcome the gaps in deferential immunity between viral infections and allergies. Moreover, understanding the complicated cytokine networks involved in RV infection may be necessary. Therefore, the complexity of RV-induced asthma is not only owing to the response of airway and immune cells against viral infection, but also to allergic immune responses caused by the wide variety of cytokines produced by these cells. To better understand RV-induced asthma, it is necessary to elucidate the nature RV infections and the corresponding host defence mechanisms. In this review, we attempt to organise the complexity of RV-induced asthma to make it easily understandable for readers.

The Interaction of Food Allergy and Diabetes: Food Allergy Effects on Diabetic Mice by Intestinal Barrier Destruction and Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Reduction in Jejunum

The increase in food allergies and diabetes leads to the assumption that they are related. This study aimed to (1) verify the interaction between food allergy and diabetes and (2) explore the potential mechanisms by which food allergy promotes diabetes. Female BALB/c mice were grouped into a control group (CK), an ovalbumin-sensitized group (OVA), a diabetes group (STZ), and a diabetic allergic group (STZ + OVA) (Mice were modeled diabetes with STZ first, then were given OVA to model food allergies), and an allergic diabetic group (OVA + STZ) (Mice were modeled food allergies with OVA first, then were given STZ to model diabetes). The results showed that OVA + STZ mice exhibited a more serious Th2 humoral response, and they were more susceptible to diabetes. Furthermore, when the OVA + STZ mice were in the sensitized state, the intestinal barrier function was severely impaired, and mast cell activation was promoted. Moreover, we found that the effect of food allergy on diabetes is related to the inhibition of GLP-1 secretion and the up-regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/NF-κB P65 signaling pathway in the jejunum. Overall, our results suggest that food allergies have interactions with diabetes, which sheds new light on the importance of food allergies in diabetes.

Altered Expression of Interleukin-18 System mRNA at the Level of Endometrial Myometrial Interface in Women with Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a uterine pathology characterized by a deep invasion of endometrial glands and stroma, disrupting the endometrial−myometrial interface (EMI). Interleukin-18 (IL-18) system is a dominant cytokine involved in the menstrual cycle of human endometrium. IL-18 may play a defensive role against maternal immune response in the uterine cavity. The present study was designed to determine IL-18-mediated immune response at the level of EMI. We uncovered that mRNA of IL-18 system, including IL-18, IL-18 receptor (IL-18R), and its antagonist, IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), expressed in eutopic, ectopic endometrium, and corresponding myometrium in patients with adenomyosis. IL-18 system was demonstrated in paired tissue samples by immunochemistry and immunofluorescence study. According to RT-PCR with CT value quantification and 2−∆∆Ct method, a significant down-regulation of IL-18BP in corresponding myometrium in comparison to eutopic endometrium (p < 0.05) indicates that the IL-18 system acts as a local immune modulator at the level of EMI and regulating cytokine networks in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Furthermore, an increased IL-18 antagonist to agonist ratio was noted in ectopic endometrium compared with corresponding myometrium. We suggest that altered IL-18 system expression contributes to immunological dysfunction and junctional zone disturbance in women with adenomyosis.

Multi-Omic Profiles in Infants at Risk for Food Reactions

Food reactions (FR) are multifactorial and impacted by medical, demographic, environmental, and immunologic factors. We hypothesized that multi-omic analyses of host-microbial factors in saliva would enhance our understanding of FR development. This longitudinal cohort study included 164 infants followed from birth through two years. The infants were identified as FR (n = 34) or non-FR (n = 130) using the Infant Feeding Practice II survey and medical record confirmation. Saliva was collected at six months for the multi-omic assessment of cytokines, mRNAs, microRNAs, and the microbiome/virome. The levels of one miRNA (miR-203b-3p, adj. p = 0.043, V = 2913) and one viral phage (Proteus virus PM135, adj. p = 0.027, V = 2955) were lower among infants that developed FRs. The levels of one bacterial phylum (Cyanobacteria, adj. p = 0.048, V = 1515) were higher among infants that developed FR. Logistical regression models revealed that the addition of multi-omic features (miR-203b-3p, Cyanobacteria, and Proteus virus PM135) improved predictiveness for future FRs in infants (p = 0.005, X2 = 12.9), predicting FRs with 72% accuracy (AUC = 0.81, sensitivity = 72%, specificity = 72%). The multi-omic analysis of saliva may enhance the accurate identification of infants at risk of FRs and provide insights into the host/microbiome interactions that predispose certain infants to FRs.

Ameliorative Effects of Daphnopsis costaricensis Extract against Oxazolone-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-like Lesions in BALB/c Mice

The genus Daphnopsis has been traditionally used as a purgative, diuretic, stimulant, and psoriasis treatment. In this study, the anti-AD (atopic dermatitis) activities of the Daphnopsis costaricensis EtOH extract (DCE) were investigated in an oxazolone (OX)-induced mouse model of AD, and the anti-inflammatory effects of its active compounds were confirmed in PI-sensitized or IgE/DNP-BSA-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. DCE improved the symptoms of OX-induced inflammatory dermatitis (swelling, erythema, and increased ear thickening) in OX-induced BALB/c mice ears and reduced epidermal thickness and mast cell infiltration. Eleven flavonoid compounds were isolated from DCE, and two compounds (7,8-dimethoxyflavone and 7,2'-dimethoxyflavone) significantly inhibited IL-4 overexpression in PI-induced RBL-2H3 cells and mast cell degranulation in IgE + DNP-BSA-induced RBL-2H3 cells. Our study indicates that DCE and two compounds (7,8-dimethoxyflavone and 7,2'-dimethoxyflavone) might effectively improve inflammatory and atopic skin symptoms.

Allergic Inflammation: Effect of Propolis and Its Flavonoids

The incidence of allergic diseases and their complications are increasing worldwide. Today, people increasingly use natural products, which has been termed a "return to nature". Natural products with healing properties, especially those obtained from plants and bees, have been used in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic diseases, including allergy and/or inflammation. Propolis is a multi-component resin rich in flavonoids, collected and transformed by honeybees from buds and plant wounds for the construction and adaptation of their nests. This article describes the current views regarding the possible mechanisms and multiple benefits of flavonoids in combating allergy and allergy-related complications. These benefits arise from flavonoid anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and wound healing activities and their effects on microbe-immune system interactions in developing host responses to different allergens. Finally, this article presents various aspects of allergy pathobiology and possible molecular approaches in their treatment. Possible mechanisms regarding the antiallergic action of propolis on the microbiota of the digestive and respiratory tracts and skin diseases as a method to selectively remove allergenic molecules by the process of bacterial biotransformation are also reported.

Arsenic exposure and respiratory outcomes during childhood in the INMA study

Ingested inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a human carcinogen that is also linked to other adverse health effects, such as respiratory outcomes. Yet, among populations consuming low-arsenic drinking water, the impact of iAs exposure on childhood respiratory health is still uncertain. For a Spanish child study cohort (INfancia y Medio Ambiente—INMA), low-arsenic drinking water is usually available and ingestion of iAs from food is considered the major source of exposure. Here, we explored the association between iAs exposure and children’s respiratory outcomes assessed at 4 and 7 years of age (n = 400). The summation of 4-year-old children’s urinary iAs, monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) was used as a biomarker of iAs exposure (∑As) (median of 4.92 μg/L). Children’s occurrence of asthma, eczema, sneeze, wheeze, and medication for asthma and wheeze at each assessment time point (i.e., 4- and 7-year) was assessed with maternal interviewer-led questionnaires. Crude and adjusted Poisson regression models using Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) were performed to account for the association between natural logarithm transformed (ln) urinary ∑As in μg/L at 4 years and repeated assessments of respiratory symptoms at 4 and 7 years of age. The covariates included in the models were child sex, maternal smoking status, maternal level of education, sub-cohort, and children’s consumption of vegetables, fruits, and fish/seafood. The GEE—splines function using Poisson regression showed an increased trend of the overall expected counts of respiratory symptoms with high urinary ∑As. The adjusted expected counts (95% confidence intervals) at ln-transformed urinary ∑As 1.57 (average concentration) and 4.00 (99^th percentile concentration) were 0.63 (0.36, 1.10) and 1.33 (0.61, 2.89), respectively. These exploratory findings suggest that even relatively low-iAs exposure levels, relevant to the Spanish and other populations, may relate to an increased number of respiratory symptoms during childhood.

Antiallergic Effects of N,N-dicoumaroylspermidine Isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon on Mast Cells and Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis

In East Asia, the dried root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon has been utilized as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory agent. Recently, we reported that L. erythrorhizon protects against allergic rhinitis; however, the component within L. erythrorhizon that exerts antiallergic activity remains unknown. The purpose of the current study was to isolate and characterize the antiallergic active components in an ethanolic extract of L. erythrorhizon roots. We examined the antiallergic effects of L. erythrorhizon reflux ethanol extracts in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis mouse model, and compared the chemical compounds extracted using the hot reflux and cold extraction methods. Chromatographic separation identified two novel anthraquinones, erythrin A and B, one newly discovered compound from the Lithospermum genus, N1″,N3″-dicoumaroylspermidine, and nineteen other recognized compounds. Their chemical structures were elucidated by single (1D) and 2D analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data, as well as high resolution mass spectrometry. Among the identified compounds, N,N′-dicoumaroylspermidine strongly inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase, as well as the production of IL-3, IL-4, and IL-13 by IgE-sensitized and BSA-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Using the OVA-induced allergic rhinitis mouse model, we showed that N,N′-dicoumaroylspermidine reduced the production of serum OVA-specific IgE and the number of inflammatory cells in nasal lavage fluid. N,N′-dicoumaroylspermidine isolated from L. erythrorhizon exhibits antiallergic properties, making it potentially effective for allergic rhinitis.

Glycosylation reduces the allergenicity of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) parvalbumin by regulating digestibility, cellular mediators release and Th1/Th2 immunobalance

With turbot being increasingly consumed, turbot parvalbumin (TPV) allergy has become a pressing problem requiring immediate resolution. Glycosylation treatment not only resulted in cross-link formation but also caused changes in the simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid digestion stability of TPV. In addition, KU812 experimentation revealed lower levels of β-hexosaminidase, histamine, tryptase, interleukin 4 (IL-4)/IL-13 in glycated protein-treated mice compared with native PV-treated ones. Glycated TPV exhibited a weaker allergic reaction compared with native TPV. Systemic anaphylaxis resulted in mild anaphylactic responses and reduced temperature, along with significantly increased levels of immunoglobulin E and histamine. Furthermore, glycosylation treatment reduced the release of cellular mediators and cytokines (IL-4/IL-13). Glycation to T-PV decreased allergic responses by downregulating Th2 cytokines, regulated the Th1/Th2 balance and effectively reduce the allergenicity and sensitisation ability of T-PV.

Are Phthalate Exposure Related to Oxidative Stress in Children and Adolescents with Asthma? A Cumulative Risk Assessment Approach

Childhood asthma has become one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. However, few case–control studies investigating the relationship between phthalate exposure and asthma in children and adolescents have been conducted, especially in Asia. Therefore, we assessed the potential associations between phthalate exposure and asthma among children and adolescents in Taiwan. Because various demographic and environmental variables may influence the incidence and prognosis of asthma, we performed a case–control study with propensity score matching. Out of 615 Childhood Environment and Allergic Diseases Study participants, we conditionally matched 41 children with clinically diagnosed asthma with 111 controls. We then analyzed 11 phthalate metabolites by using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Compared with the control group, the median urinary phthalate levels for most phthalate metabolites in the case group were slightly increased, including monomethyl phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate, monobenzyl phthalate, monoethylhexyl phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, and mono-(2-carboxymethylhexyl) phthalate. Hence, our results suggest that phthalate exposure may be associated with the development of asthma. In addition, prenatal environmental factors, such as active or passive smoking during pregnancy, may increase the risk of asthma.

Roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Alleviated Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis and IgE-triggered Degranulation of RBL-2H3 Cells

Lithospermum erythrorhizon (L. erythrorhizon) root is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. However, no studies have examined its impact on allergic rhinitis (AR). Here, we explored the protective effects of L. erythrorhizon in immunoglobulin E (IgE)-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells and in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model. In the latter, we examined nasal mucosal inflammation, allergen-specific cytokine production, and histological changes to the nasal mucosa. In the mouse model, oral administration of an ethanol extract of L. erythrorhizon (LE) led to a marked reduction in rubbing and sneeze frequency, a significant decrease in serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 levels, and a significant increase in the IgG2a/IgG1 ratio. LE also reduced expression of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in nasal lavage fluid (NALF), and suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and epithelial degradation in nasal tissues. In IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, LE suppressed release of degranulation markers such as β-hexosaminidase and histamine. Based on these findings, we suggest that LE may ameliorate OVA-induced AR by regulating mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses.

Relationship of the Difficulty of Helicobacter pylori Eradication with Drinking Habits and Allergic Disease

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is crucial to reduce the risk of developing gastric ulcers and gastric cancer. Although immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and alcohol consumption have been shown to influence the failure of H. pylori eradication, the relationship between these factors and the mechanism of failure has not been clarified. Because high IgE levels are associated with eradication failure, the purpose of this study was to clarify the factors leading to high IgE levels. Completed questionnaires and blood test data were collected from patients who visited a university hospital for H. pylori eradication. Logistic regression analysis was per-formed to examine the relationship between high IgE levels and allergic diseases. We also examined the relationship between alcohol intake and high IgE levels. Linear regression analysis was performed on the relationship between the amount of alcohol consumed and IgE measurements. The results showed that patients with allergic diseases and those with high alcohol intake had significantly higher IgE levels. High IgE levels are a risk factor for failure of H. pylori eradication that is associated with drinking habits and alcohol consumption, and our results suggest that daily alcohol consumption should be avoided even in non-allergic patients.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Aerva lanata in ovalbumin induced allergic asthmatic mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aerva lanata Linn. (A. lanata) is traditionally used for cough, sore throat and asthma.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potentials of A. lanata in allergic asthmatic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BALB/c mice were administered with three different (methanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate) extracts of A. lanata two weeks after immunization with ovalbumin and continued for 7 days. Inflammatory cells count was estimated in blood and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). RT-PCR was used to find out mRNA expression levels of inflammatory mediators. GC-MS analysis was also carried out.

RESULTS

Among three extracts of A. lanata, ethyl acetate extract ameliorated (p < 0.001) count of inflammatory cells both blood and BALF remarkably. This study indicated that ethyl acetate extract of A. lanata lowered (p < 0.001) the level of inflammatory modulator TNF-α and IgE antibodies. A. lanata reduced (p < 0.001) interleukin 4, 5, 13 and enhanced (p < 0.001) expression levels of AQP1 and AQP5 in asthmatic mice. GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate fraction indicated the presence of various anti-oxidant phyto-constituents. The groups treated with A. lanata improved inflammatory, goblet cells hyperplasia scoring and alveolar thickening.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-asthmatic effect of A. lanata might be contributed by the suppression of edema, pro-inflammatory cytokines and IgE antibodies, and elevation of aquaporin expression levels, suggesting future study and clinical trials to propose it as a candidate to treat allergic asthma. The anti-oxidant phytochemicals present in A. lanata might be responsible for such potential.

Clinical and laboratory features for various criteria of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: To evaluate the differences in clinical and laboratory features between eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) and non-ECRS and to compare the diagnostic criteria for ECRS.Methods: We compared clinical features and/or laboratory findings classified as ECRS and non-ECRS according to various diagnostic criteria (histological and clinical criteria). In addition, we analyzed studies to compare endoscopic findings, symptom scores, laboratory findings, and computed tomography (CT) findings between ECRS and non-ECRS. Results: Our search included 55 studies with 6,143 patients. As a result of comparing clinical features and/or laboratory criteria with histological criteria, there were no significant differences regarding nasal symptom scores and CT scores according to criteria. Serum eosinophil levels showed differences according to criteria, however, ECRS were higher serum eosinophil levels than non-ECRS in all criteria. In the case of olfactory dysfunction, JESREC and tissue eosinophilia (

Infant infections, respiratory symptoms, and allergy in relation to timing of rice cereal introduction in a United States cohort

Rice products marketed in the USA, including baby rice cereal, contain inorganic arsenic, a putative immunotoxin. We sought to determine whether the timing of introduction of rice cereal in the first year of life influences occurrence of infections, respiratory symptoms, and allergy. Among 572 infants from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study, we used generalized estimating equation, adjusted for maternal smoking during pregnancy, marital status, education attainment, pre-pregnancy body mass index, maternal age at enrollment, infant birth weight, and breastfeeding history. Among 572 infants, each month earlier of introduction to rice cereal was associated with increased risks of subsequent upper respiratory tract infections (relative risk, RR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.00-1.09); lower respiratory tract infections (RR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.02-1.39); acute respiratory symptoms including wheeze, difficulty breathing, and cough (RR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.00-1.22); fever requiring a prescription medicine (RR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02-1.45) and allergy diagnosed by a physician (RR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.06-1.36). No clear associations were observed with gastrointestinal symptoms. Our findings suggest that introduction of rice cereal earlier may influence infants' susceptibility to respiratory infections and allergy.

Multiple nutritional and gut microbial factors associated with allergic rhinitis: the Hitachi Health Study

Several studies suggest the involvement of dietary habits and gut microbiome in allergic diseases. However, little is known about the nutritional and gut microbial factors associated with the risk of allergic rhinitis (AR). We recruited 186 participants with symptoms of AR and 106 control subjects without symptoms of AR at the Hitachi Health Care Center, Japan. The habitual consumption of 42 selected nutrients were examined using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Faecal samples were collected and subjected to amplicon sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene hypervariable regions. Association analysis revealed that four nutrients (retinol, vitamin A, cryptoxanthin, and copper) were negatively associated with AR. Among 40 genera examined, relative abundance of Prevotella and Escherichia were associated with AR. Furthermore, significant statistical interactions were observed between retinol and Prevotella. The age- and sex-adjusted odds of AR were 25-fold lower in subjects with high retinol intake and high Prevotella abundance compared to subjects with low retinol intake and low Prevotella abundance. Our data provide insights into complex interplay between dietary nutrients, gut microbiome, and the development of AR.

Lidocaine relieves murine allergic rhinitis by regulating the NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and its main feature is nasal mucositis. It has been recently revealed that lidocaine demonstrates optimal effects in the treatment of various diseases. However, a limited number of studies have examined the association between lidocaine and AR. In the present study, the AR mouse model was established to explore the effects of lidocaine in AR and to further analyze its molecular mechanism. Subsequently, different concentrations of lidocaine were provided to the animals by intranasal administration and a series of indices were assessed. The data indicated that the frequencies of mouse sneezing and nose rubbing were suppressed following an increase in lidocaine concentration. Subsequently, the number of inflammatory cells was measured. Wright's-Giemsa staining results indicated that lidocaine significantly decreased the numbers of leukocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in the nasal lavage fluid (NLF) of AR mice. In addition, the expression levels of ovalbumin (OVA)-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and certain inflammatory factors were assessed by ELISA. Lidocaine reduced OVA-specific IgE and LTC4 expression in NLF and plasma derived from AR mice. It also decreased the expression levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17 and TNF-α. Lidocaine caused upregulation of IFN-γ and IL-2 expression levels. Subsequently, western blot analysis indicated that lidocaine suppressed phosphorylated (p)-p38 and p-p65 expression levels in AR mice. Collectively, the results indicated that the NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways were involved in the lidocaine-mediated relief of AR in mice. In order to further verify the association between the NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways and AR in mice, the effects of the NF-κB inhibitor IMD-0354 and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 203580 were assessed on AR mice. The results indicated that these two compounds exhibited similar inhibitory effects on AR mice as those noted with the use of lidocaine. These findings suggested that lidocaine represented a novel therapeutic agent for AR.

Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid aggravates calcipotriol-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice by increasing the expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin

Background

Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] is a synthetic viral double-stranded RNA analog that can activate Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and induce the release of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). TSLP has been shown to contribute to atopic dermatitis (AD). This study explored the effects of poly (I:C) in a calcipotriol-induced model of murine AD.

Methods

Calcipotriol (MC903) was used to establish AD-like mice model. Mice in the MC903 + poly (I:C) group were then treated with poly (I:C) in a concentration of 5 µg/g bodyweight. The impact of poly (I:C) treatment on these animals was assessed based upon changes in lesions, bodyweight, ear thickness, and histopathological findings. In addition, serum interleukin 4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin E (IgE), IL-13, and TSLP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while tissue IL-13 and TSLP levels were assessed using ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining, and mast cell infiltration was assessed through toluidine blue (TBO) staining.

Results

Relative to vehicle control treatment, poly (I:C) administration was associated with a significant exacerbation of calcipotriol-induced AD-like murine skin lesions. In animals treated with poly (I:C), the levels of serum IL-4, IL-13 and TSLP increased significantly, while the level of IFN-γ did not change. It also increased IL-13 and TSLP levels in skin lesions relative to the control-group mice and increased dermal mast cell infiltration and IgE production.

Conclusions

These data indicate that poly (I:C) treatment and exogenous activation of TLR3 exacerbate murine calcipotriol-induced AD-like skin lesions in part by increasing the production of TSLP and other T-helper 2 (Th2)-related cytokines.

Keywords

Atopic dermatitis (AD); polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)]; thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP); Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)

Supplementation with heat-inactivated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K47 ameliorates allergic asthma in mice by regulating the Th1/Th2 balance

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease related to the immune response of type 2 T helper cells (Th2), which affects all age groups. The incidence of asthma is increasing worldwide, and it has become a significant public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Lacticaseibacillus (formerly Lactobacillus) paracasei K47 on mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy. The consequences of orally administered heat-inactivated K47 in OVA-sensitised/challenged BALB/c mice were evaluated by assessing the serum levels of immunoglobulins (Igs), airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytokine. In addition, the effect of K47 on type 1 T helper cells (Th1)/Th2 cytokine production in splenocytes from OVA-sensitised mice was evaluated. The results revealed that supplementation with K47 remarkably reduced serum levels of total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, and OVA-specific IgG1 in OVA-sensitised/challenged mice. In addition, K47 intervention ameliorated AHR and suppressed the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the BALF of OVA-sensitised/challenged mice. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory ability of K47 was mediated by regulation of the cytokine profile toward the Th1 response in the BALF, and splenocytes of OVA-sensitised mice. Taken together, these results suggested that K47 can modulate the host immune response to ameliorate AHR and inflammation in allergic asthma.

Prenatal and Postnatal Cigarette Smoke Exposure Is Associated With Increased Risk of Exacerbated Allergic Airway Immune Responses: A Preclinical Mouse Model

Increased exposure to household air pollution and ambient air pollution has become one of the world’s major environmental health threats. In developing and developed countries, environmental cigarette smoke (CS) exposure is one of the main sources of household air pollution (HAP). Moreover, results from different epidemiological and experimental studies indicate that there is a strong association between HAP, specifically CS exposure, and the development of allergic diseases that often persists into later life. Here, we investigated the impact of prenatal and postnatal CS exposure on offspring susceptibility to the development of allergic airway responses by using a preclinical mouse model. Pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed to either CS or air during pregnancy and lactation and in order to induce allergic asthma the offspring were sensitized and challenged with house dust mite (HDM). Decreased lung function parameters, like dynamic compliance and pleural pressure, were observed in PBS-treated offspring born to CS-exposed mothers compared to offspring from air-exposed mothers. Maternal CS exposure significantly increased the HDM-induced airway eosinophilia and neutrophilia in the offspring. Prenatal and postnatal CS exposure increased the frequency of Th2 cells in the lungs of HDM-treated offspring compared to offspring born to air-exposed mothers. Offspring born to CS-exposed mothers showed increased levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared to offspring from air-exposed mothers. Ex-vivo restimulation of lung cells isolated from HDM-treated offspring born to CS-exposed mothers also resulted in increased IL-4 production. Finally, serum immunoglobulins levels of HDM-specific IgE and HDM-specific IgG1 were significantly increased upon a HDM challenge in offspring born to CS-exposed mothers compared to offspring from air-exposed mothers. In summary, our results reveal a biological plausibility for the epidemiological studies indicating that prenatal and postnatal CS exposure increases the susceptibility of offspring to allergic immune responses.

Effects of a polyherbal formulation on inflammation and histopathological alterations in mice with ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma

OBJECTIVE

Allergic asthma is a complex inflammatory disorder that affects the airways. As an ancient medical system, Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) recommends a polyherbal formula called "Monzej-e-balgham" for the treatment of asthma. In the present investigation, the antiasthmatic effects of "Monzej-e-balgham" were examined in a murine model of allergic asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight Balb/c mice weighing 15-20 g were allocated into 4 groups. As negative and positive controls, groups I and II received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and ovalbumin (OVA) solutions, respectively. Groups III and IV were first sensitized with OVA and then respectively treated with "Monzej-e-balgham" (63 mg/kg) and budesonide. Finally, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues of the animals were collected and used for eosinophil counting, Th2 type interleukins (IL-5, IL-13, and IL-33) measurement, and histological examinations.

RESULTS

"Monzej-e-balgham" significantly reduced the number of eosinophils and the levels of IL-5, IL-13, and IL-33 in BALF specimens compared to OVA-sensitized group (p<0.05). It also ameliorated histopathological changes of the lung tissues such as goblet cells hyperplasia and mucus overproduction in comparison to group II. Interestingly, the results of the "Monzej-e-balgham"-treated group were comparable with those obtained for budesonide-inhaled mice.

CONCLUSION

The present data indicated a mechanism that involves Th2 inflammatory responses in allergic asthma and suggested a polyherbal mixture for the treatment of this disease.

Ginger-derived compounds exert in vivo and in vitro anti-asthmatic effects by inhibiting the T-helper 2 cell-mediated allergic response

6-Shogaol (SHO) and 6-gingerol (GIN), naturally derived compounds of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), have been found to have anti-allergic effects on dermatitis-like skin lesions and rhinitis. Although SHO and GIN have demonstrated a potential in various inflammatory diseases, their efficacy and mechanism in asthma have not been largely examined. Therefore, the present study demonstrated the anti-asthmatic effects of SHO and GIN on the T-helper (Th) 2 cell-mediated allergic response pathway in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model. The asthma mouse model was established with an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 50 µg OVA and 1 mg aluminum hydroxide with or without an i.p. injection of SHO and GIN (10 mg/kg) before treatment with OVA. In addition, the current study assessed mast cell degranulation in antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells under different treatment conditions (SHO or GIN at 0, 10, 25, 50 and 100 nM) and determined the mRNA and protein levels of anti-oxidative enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, SOD2, glutathione peroxidase-1/2, catalase] in lung tissues. SHO and GIN inhibited eosinophilia in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and H&E-stained lung tissues. Both factors also decreased mucus production in periodic acid-Schiff-stained lung tissues and the levels of Th2 cytokines in these tissues. GIN attenuated oxidative stress by upregulating the expression levels of anti-oxidative proteins. In an in vitro experiment, the degranulation of RBL-2H3 rat mast cells was significantly decreased. It was found that SHO and GIN effectively suppressed the allergic response in the mouse model by inhibiting eosinophilia and Th2 cytokine production. Collectively, it was suggested that SHO can inhibit lung inflammation by attenuating the Th2 cell-mediated allergic response signals, and that GIN can inhibit lung inflammation and epithelial cell remodeling by repressing oxidative stress. Therefore, SHO and GIN could be used therapeutically for allergic and eosinophilic asthma.

The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Infants' Microbiota and the Probability of Development of Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases

The human microbiota plays a significant role in various mechanisms of the body. The formation of a healthy microbiota, especially in early childhood, has a significant effect on maintaining human health. Since the onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease has caused many changes in human life. According to the available information, many of these factors affect the composition and diversity of the body's microbiota, so this pandemic may alter and disrupt the microbiota and consequently increase the incidence of other diseases such as allergic and autoimmune disorders, especially in children and infants born in this era. In this review, the probable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body's microbiota and its relationship with the emergence of future diseases is discussed.

Parasite-Induced Th2 Polarization—An Unusual Cause of Paediatric Hepatic Abscess

Liver abscess (LA) is a serious infectious disease, but is relatively rare in the paediatric population, especially in developed countries. Mostly, hepatic abscesses are pyogenic, caused by Staphylococcus aureus, while in extremely rare cases can be caused by parasites, such as Ascaris lumbricoides. Antimicrobial therapy and percutaneous drainage are the treatments of choice, lowering the mortality caused by this infection. We report a case of a 3-year-old girl admitted to the hospital for abdominal pain and a low-grade fever, with abdominal ultrasonography revealing a hepatic lesion. Initial laboratory tests showed moderate anaemia, thrombocytosis, eosinophilia, high inflammatory markers, and normal liver function. A computed tomography scan revealed two liver abscesses located subdiaphragmatically, and a high immunoglobulin E (IgE) value (22,300 U/mL). After excluding other possible etiologies, the patient was tested for parasitic infections. IgE for Ascaris lumbricoides came slightly higher. In addition to empirical antibiotic treatment, the patient received albendazole and made an uneventful recovery, with the full remission of the abscesses and without the need for drainage. In certain cases, parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides are capable of inducing a T helper 2 (Th2) dominated immune response, predisposing the host to eosinophilia, hyperIgE, and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. Early diagnosis and treatment in these cases may lead to less invasive therapy options in order to obtain a full recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only reported case in the literature of a paediatric patient with parasite-induced liver abscesses, with extremely high IgE values, minimal symptomatology, that made a fast, full recovery without the need of drainage.

Follistatin-Like 1 Induces the Activation of Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells to Promote Airway Inflammation in Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease closely related to airway inflammation. It has been proven that type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play an essential role in airway inflammation in asthma. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) can participate in various inflammatory reactions mediated by the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, among others. Therefore, we put forward a new hypothesis: FSTL1 promotes asthmatic airway inflammation by activating ILC2. This study generated an ovalbumin-sensitized asthma model in C57BL/6 and Fstl1^+/- mice. The results showed that the absolute number and the proportion of ILC2 in the ovalbumin-challenged Fstl1^+/- group were lower than in the ovalbumin-challenged wild-type group. We also measured the levels of Th2-type cytokines in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice and found that the corresponding cytokines in the Fstl1^+/- were lower than in the wild-type groups. Finally, we tested whether MEK-JAK-STAT-GATA3 is the specific pathway for FSTL1 to activate ILC2, and further tested our working hypothesis by adding various inhibitors of proteins from this pathway. Overall, these findings reveal that FSTL1 can activate ILC2 through MEK-JAK-STAT-GATA3 to promote airway inflammation and participate in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Peptide-based immunotherapy against oxidized elastin ameliorates pathology in mouse model of smoke-induced ocular injury

PURPOSE

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in western populations, is associated with an overactive complement system, and an increase in circulating antibodies against certain epitopes, including elastin. As loss of the elastin layer of Bruch's membrane (BrM) has been reported in aging and AMD, we previously showed that immunization with elastin peptide oxidatively modified by cigarette smoke (ox-elastin), exacerbated ocular pathology in the smoke-induced ocular pathology (SIOP) model. Here we asked whether ox-elastin peptide-based immunotherapy (PIT) ameliorates damage.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were injected with ox-elastin peptide at two doses via weekly subcutaneous administration, while exposed to cigarette smoke for 6 months. FcγR-/- and uninjected C57BL/6J mice served as controls. Retinal morphology was assessed by electron microscopy, and complement activation, antibody deposition and mechanisms of immunological tolerance were assessed by Western blotting and ELISA.

RESULTS

Elimination of Fcγ receptors, preventing antigen/antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, protected against SIOP. Mice receiving PIT with low dose ox-elastin (LD-PIT) exhibited reduced humoral immunity, reduced complement activation and IgG/IgM deposition in the RPE/choroid, and largely a preserved BrM. While there is no direct evidence of ox-elastin pathogenicity, LD-PIT reduced IFNγ and increased IL-4 within RPE/choroid. High dose PIT was not protective.

CONCLUSIONS

These data further support ox-elastin role in ocular damage in part via elastin-specific antibodies, and support the corollary that PIT with ox-elastin attenuates ocular pathology. Overall, damage is associated with complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and altered cytokine signature.

Rosa davurica Pall. improves DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in mice and regulated TNF-Alpa/IFN-gamma-induced skin inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells

PURPOSE

Rosa davurica Pall., is mainly distributed in Korea, Japan, northeastern China, southeastern Siberia, and eastern Asia. It has been extensively used to treat various kinds of diseases by reason of the significant antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the pharmacological mechanism of Rosa davurica Pall. in atopic dermatitis (AD) is still ill defined and poorly understood. This study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects and its mechanism on AD of Rosa davurica Pall. leaves (RDL).

METHODS

To evaluate the therapeutic potential of RDL against AD, we have investigated the effects of RDL on the inflammatory reactions and the productions of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines that were induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in HaCaT cells. Futhermore, we examined the effects of RDL on the signaling pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). For the in-vivo studies, RDL extract was topically applied to the dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mice, then its therapeutic effect was evaluated physiologically and morphologically.

RESULTS

After the stimulation of HaCaT cells with TNF-α/IFN-γ, RDL considerably reduced the release of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), PEG₂ and other cytokines. RDL also reduced the phosphorylations of MAPK and NF-κB in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. In vivo topical application of RDL to DNCB-induced AD mice significantly reduced the dorsal skin and ear thickness, clinical dermatitis severity, and mast cells. Treatment with RDL also markedly decreased the levels of serum IgE, IL-6 and the number of WBCs in the blood.

CONCLUSION

Our studies indicate that RDL inhibits the AD-like skin lesions by modulating skin inflammation. Consequently, these results suggest that RDL may be served as a possible alternative therapeutic treatment for skin disorder such as AD.

Lycopus lucidus Turcz ameliorates DNCB‑induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory allergic skin disease, characterized by pruritic and eczematous skin lesions. Lycopus lucidus Turcz (LLT) is a perennial herb that has been reported to have various biological properties, including effects on blood circulation, as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-vascular inflammation and wound-healing effects. However, whether LLT improves dermatitis and the underlying mechanisms has yet to be determined. The aim of the present study was to determine whether LLT can improve 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced dermatitis and to verify the inhibitory effect of LLT on the expression of chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the HaCaT immortalized keratinocyte cell line. In addition, the anti-inflammatory function of LLT in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages was investigated. In the DNCB-induced AD mouse model, LLT inhibited infiltration by mast cells, eosinophils and CD8⁺ cells in the dorsal skin tissue of AD mice, and suppressed the expression of IgE and IL-6 in serum. In addition, LLT inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK, as well as NF-κB in skin tissue. In the HaCaT cell model induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ, LLT inhibited the expression of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, TNF-α and IL-1β, whilst inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-κB. In addition, in the lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cell inflammation model, LLT inhibited the expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ, the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. These results suggested that LLT may be a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory dermatitis.

An Update on the Role of Nrf2 in Respiratory Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is a transcriptional activator of the cell protection gene that binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE). Therefore, Nrf2 protects cells and tissues from oxidative stress. Normally, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) inhibits the activation of Nrf2 by binding to Nrf2 and contributes to Nrf2 break down by ubiquitin proteasomes. In moderate oxidative stress, Keap1 is inhibited, allowing Nrf2 to be translocated to the nucleus, which acts as an antioxidant. However, under unusually severe oxidative stress, the Keap1-Nrf2 mechanism becomes disrupted and results in cell and tissue damage. Oxide-containing atmospheric environment generally contributes to the development of respiratory diseases, possibly leading to the failure of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. Until now, several studies have identified changes in Keap1-Nrf2 signaling in models of respiratory diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)/acute lung injury (ALI), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and asthma. These studies have confirmed that several Nrf2 activators can alleviate symptoms of respiratory diseases. Thus, this review describes how the expression of Keap1-Nrf2 functions in different respiratory diseases and explains the protective effects of reversing this expression.

Recombinant Bet v 1-BanLec chimera modulates functional characteristics of peritoneal murine macrophages by promoting IL-10 secretion

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is a desensitizing treatment for allergic diseases that corrects the underlined pathological immune response to innocuous protein antigens, called allergens. Recombinant allergens employed in the AIT allowed the production of well-defined formulations that possessed consistent quality but were often less efficient than natural allergen extracts. Combining recombinant allergens with an adjuvant or immunomodulatory agent could improve AIT efficacy. This study aimed to perform structural and functional characterization of newly designed recombinant chimera composed of the Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen, and Banana Lectin (BanLec), TLR2, and CD14 binding protein, for the application in AIT. rBet v 1-BanLec chimera was designed in silico and expressed as a soluble fraction in Escherichia coli. Purified rBet v 1-BanLec (33.4 kDa) retained BanLec-associated biological activity of carbohydrate-binding and preserved IgE reactive epitopes of Bet v 1. The chimera revealed secondary structures with predominant β sheets. The immunomodulatory capacity of rBet v 1-BanLec tested on macrophages showed changes in myeloperoxidase activity, reduced NO production, and significant alterations in the production of cytokines when compared to both rBanLec and rBet v 1. Comparing to rBet v 1, rBet v 1-BanLec was demonstrated to be more efficient promoter of IL-10 production as well as weaker inducer of NO production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, and IL-6. The ability of rBet v 1-BanLec to promote IL-10 in together with the preserved 3D structure of Bet v 1 part implies that the construct might exert a beneficial effect in the allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Autophagy Modulators From Chinese Herbal Medicines: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials for Asthma

Asthma has become a global health issue, suffering more than 300 million people in the world, which is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity. Combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long acting β-agonists (LABA) can relieve asthma symptoms and reduce the frequency of exacerbations, especially for patients with refractory asthma, but there are limited treatment options for people who do not gain control on combination ICS/LABA. The increase in ICS dose generally provides little additional benefit, and there is an increased risk of side effects. Therefore, therapeutic interventions integrating the use of different agents that focus on different targets are needed to overcome this set of diseases. Some findings suggest autophagy is closely correlated with the severity of asthma through eosinophilic inflammation, and its modulation may provide novel therapeutic approaches for severe allergic asthma. The chinese herbal medicine (CHM) have been demonstrated clinically as potent therapeutic interventions for asthma. Moreover some reports have found that the bioactive components isolated from CHM could modulate autophagy, and exhibit potent Anti-inflammatory activity. These findings have implied the potential for CHMs in asthma or allergic inflammation therapy via the modulation of autophagy. In this review, we discuss the basic pathomechanisms underpinning asthma, and the potential role of CHMs in treating asthma with modulating autophagy.