ABSTRACT
To determine whether ginkgo biloba extract(GBE)combined with dexamethasone(DEX)plays a role in the treatment of allergic rhinitis-related olfactory dysfunction using an animal model.Six week old BALB/C mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin.30 sensitized mice were divided into three groups:Group 1 was given high-dose GBE and DEX(n=10);Group 2 was given low dose GBE and DEX(n=10);Group 3 was given DEX alone(n=10).We assessed the histology of the olfactory mucosa and serum IL-4,IFN-γ,and caspase 1.A significant higher fraction of mice in group 1 could find the food pellet within300 scompared to group 3(<0.05).Caspase-1 levels improved during the second week compared with the first week in each group.IFN-γlevels were significantly lower during the second week compared with the first week(<0.05,all).IL-4 levels also were significantly lower during the second week compared with the first week in all groups except those receiving DEX alone.IFN-γ/IL-4 levels in each group were significantly lower during the second week compared with the first week(<0.05,all).In this animal model of allergic rhinitis-related olfactory dysfunction,the addition of ginkgo biloba extract to dexamethasone have a better anti-inflammatory effect,which can partly improve the therapeutic effect on olfactory dysfunction caused by allergic rhinitis.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Cytokines , Metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Glucocorticoids , Pharmacology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Plant Extracts , Pharmacology , Rhinitis, Allergic , Drug Therapy , Allergy and ImmunologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the feasibility of directionally inducing human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs) towards inner ear hair cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mesenchymal stem cells from human adipose tissue were isolated, purified and cultured in vitro. hAD-MSCs were induced to neural stem/progenitor-like cell, and then co-cultured with embryonic chick otic vesicle cells. Processed hAD-MSCs were tested by immunostaining to ascertain whether they expressed characteristic hair cell markers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Morphologically, hAD-MSCs were induced to differentiate into neural stem/progenitor cells and expressed specific neural markers. After being co-cultured with embryonic chick otic vesicle cells, hAD-MSCs expressed specific surface markers of inner ear hair cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>hAD-MSCs can be directionally induced to differentiate towards hair cell-like cells in vitro.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Chick Embryo , Humans , Adipose Tissue , Cell Biology , Cell Culture Techniques , Methods , Cell Differentiation , Cells, Cultured , Coculture Techniques , Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner , Cell Biology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Cell BiologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the health-related quality of life (QOL) status of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty four patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled, and their QOL scores were assessed by using SF-36 questionnaire (Chinese version) and SNOT-22 questionnaire translated into Chinese.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The feasibility, reliability, validity, and responsibility of Chinese version of SNOT-22 questionnaire all passed the test. It showed that by Chinese version of SNOT-22 questionnaire the most five important items affecting health status were nasal obstruction, runny nose, loss of smell or taste, dizziness and post-nasal discharge respectively. The coefficient of correlation was 0. 233 between the SNOT-22 questionnaire and the Lund-MacKay CT score of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Chinese version of SNOT-22 questionnaire can effectively assess the QOL status of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. It showed less correlation between the SNOT-22 questionnaire and the Lund-MacKay CT score of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.</p>