New Meroterpenoids from a Penicillium sp. Fungus

Two meroterpenoids (1 and 2) along with twelve known compounds (3 – 14) were isolated from the culture broth of a Penicillium sp. fungus collected from Chuja-do, Korea. Based on the results of a combination of spectroscopic analyses, the new compounds, preaustinoids E (1) and F (2), were determined to be epimeric austin-type penta-cyclic lactones.

Vitamin D serum levels and risk of asthma in children

PURPOSE: The role of vitamin D in traditional atopic disorders (i.e., asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis) is still uncertain. We have analyzed the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)-D3) levels and asthma in children. METHODS: A total of 133 children were enrolled between April 2008 and December of 2008. Children were divided into 3 groups: the asthma group (n=80), bronchiolitis group (n=50), and normal group (n=35). Serum samples were collected and checked for 25(OH)-D3 levels. From the blood samples, we measured eosinophil counts, total IgE, specific IgE (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, milk, egg, cat, dog, cockroach) (Uni-CAP FEIA system). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 4.6 years. The mean 25(OH)-D3 levels of the asthma, bronchiolitis, and normal groups were 17.2+/-8.9, 22.5+/-9.3, and 27.8+/-10.2 ng/mL, respectively (P<0.01). There was no association between allergens and vitamin D levels. Mean 25(OH)-D3 levels were lower at acute state of asthma than at stable state. CONCLUSION: The mean level of 25(OH)-D3 was associated with asthma and acute state of asthma. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to establish a definite link between vitamin D levels and asthma.