ABSTRACT
Objective:To construct "Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of chronic inducible urticaria in China (2023) " based on the Delphi method, and to provide a methodological basis for consensus construction.Methods:After systematic search and evaluation of the literature related to chronic inducible urticaria, the first draft of "Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of chronic inducible urticaria in China (2023) " was written, and a questionnaire was designed for expert consultation. A representative sample of 25 experts was selected to conduct two rounds of correspondence consultation via electronic questionnaire in strict accordance with the Delphi method, and the content of the consensus was revised and improved according to the consultation results.Results:The response rates in the two rounds of questionnaire consultation were both 100%, and the expert authority coefficient was 0.92 ± 0.09. In the first round of consultation, the coefficients of variation (CV values) of 9 items were greater than 20%, and the mean agreement degree of 3 items was less than 7 points; in the second round of consultation, the CV values of all items were less than 15%, the agreement degree of the above 3 items whose mean agreement degree was less than 7 points in the first round of consultation all rose to over 7 points, and the median agreement degree of all items was greater than or equal to 8 points. Reliability analysis of the two rounds of questionnaire results showed that the Cronbach α coefficient and standardized Cronbach α coefficient were both greater than 0.9; the P values in the agreement tests by using Kendall′s coefficient of concordance for the two rounds of questionnaire results were both less than 0.001, and the Kendall′s coefficients of concordance were 0.170 and 0.219 in the first and second rounds of questionnaire consultation, respectively. Conclusion:The Delphi method-based "Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of chronic inducible urticaria in China (2023) " is highly representative, authoritative and reliable; this study also provides a methodological reference for the formulation and research of consensus.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To analyze clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of 36 patients with pyoderma gangrenosum, and to compare and evaluate the applicability and consistency between the PARACELSUS score and Delphi criteria.Methods:From January 2000 to January 2022, clinical data were collected from 36 patients who were diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum in the Hospital of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The PARACELSUS score and Delphi criteria were applied to their diagnosis, and the kappa test was used to evaluate the consistency between the two diagnostic criteria.Results:Among the 36 patients, 6 (16.67%) had definite precipitating factors before the onset, and 31 (86.11%) exhibited lesions with different degrees of pain. Ulcerative lesions predominatd in 31 (86.11%) patients, which mostly involved the lower extremities, while 16 (44.44%) presented with multiple lesions all over the body. Four (11.11%) patients were complicated by inflammatory bowel disease, and 3 (8.33%) with inflammatory arthritis. Glucocorticoids, Tripterygium wilfordii, and cyclosporin were the main systemic treatment options, and tumor necrosis factor-α antagonist was used in 8 (22.22%) patients. Twenty-two (64.71%) and 17 (50.00%) patients were diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum using the PARACELSUS score and Delphi criteria, respectively. The kappa test showed moderate agreement between the two diagnostic criteria (kappa value = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.19 - 0.76, P = 0.004) . Conclusions:Classic ulcerative subtype was the major subtype in the patients with pyoderma gangrenosum, who were usually complicated by inflammatory bowel disease and inflammatory arthritis. Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants were the main therapeutic drugs. The PARACELSUS score and Delphi criteria focus on different aspects of pyoderma gangrenosum, and the PARACELSUS score is recommended in the context of absence of typical histopathological manifestations.
ABSTRACT
Quorum-sensing system is a way of communication between cells that depends on changes in population density of microorganisms, and is closely associated with variety and pathogenicity of skin microbiota. The synthesis of virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus) is regulated by the accessory gene regulator (Agr) quorum-sensing system. Various skin commensals such as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium can inhibit the Agr quorum-sensing system of S. aureus, thus decrease the synthesis of virulence factors and attenuate skin inflammation. This review summarizes the mechanism of action of microbial quorum-sensing system in skin inflammation and various quorum-sensing inhibitors.
ABSTRACT
Pruritus in atopic dermatitis (AD) is typical non-histaminergic itch involving complex nerve pathways. A variety of cytokines and neuropeptides, skin barrier dysfunction and skin microbiome imbalance are also involved in the generation and transmission of itching-relatd signals. This review focuses on main research progress in the pathogenesis and treatment of pruritus in AD in recent years.
ABSTRACT
Tracking changes in the number and function of T cells is of great value to clinical diagnosis and evaluation of the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy. This review summarizes research progress in detection methods for allergen-specific T cells and their application, such as carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester dilution assay, enzyme-linked immunospot assay, intracellular cytokine staining assay and microarray immunosensors, providing references for selecting and developing appropriate detection methods in clinical practice.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of omalizumab in the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) .Methods:Clinical data were collected from 60 patients, who were diagnosed with CSU and received subcutaneous injections of omalizumab at a dose of 300 mg once every 4 weeks for 3 sessions in Hospital of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from March 2020 to September 2020, and retrospectively analyzed. At weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, urticaria activity score over 7 days (UAS7) and chronic urticaria quality of life (CU-Q2oL) score were used to evaluate clinical symptoms and quality of life of patients. Changes in the use of other drugs were evaluated before and after the treatment with omalizumab. Paired t test was used to compare UAS7 or CU-Q2oL score before and after treatment. Results:All the 60 CSU patients received 12 weeks of omalizumab treatment. The baseline UAS7 score was 22.37 ± 8.88 points; after one session of the treatment, the UAS7 score dropped to 2.01 ± 5.13 points, reaching the treatment plateau; at week 12, it dropped to 0.6 ± 2.63 points, and 0 point (complete control) in 93.3% of the patients, 1-6 points (favorable control) in 3.3%; the time required for UAS7 score to decrease to 0 point was 22.4 ± 3.2 days. The baseline CU-Q2oL score was 34.10 ± 15.01 points; after one session of the treatment, the CU-Q2oL score dropped to 2.41 ± 7.18 points, reaching the treatment plateau; at week 12, it was 0.56 ± 2.90 points; the time required for CU-Q2oL score to drop to 0 point was 21.15 ± 16.02 days. After the combination treatment with omalizumab, a gradual decrease in dosage or withdrawal of previous therapeutic drugs was realized. At week 12, 39 patients (65%) achieved complete control, and withdrew all therapeutic drugs except omalizumab. During the treatment and follow-up, omalizumab showed good safety, and no adverse reactions were observed.Conclusion:Omalizumab at a dose of 300 mg once every 4 weeks is markedly effective and safe for the treatment of CSU, providing a new treatment option for CSU patients with poor response to traditional therapy.
ABSTRACT
Both Chinese and international guidelines for atopic dermatitis recommend step therapy based on the severity of the disease, so assessing the disease severity is of great significance for rational treatment. There are many methods to evaluate the severity of atopic dermatitis. This article introduces the commonly used evaluation methods and explores their value for clinical application.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with pemphigus treated with systemic glucocorticoids, and to analyze the current status of prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.Methods:Clinical data were collected from 101 inpatients with pemphigus treated in Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from January 2014 to January 2019, and these patients were divided into osteoporosis group ( n= 21) and non-osteoporosis group ( n= 80) according to their bone mineral density (BMD) values. Correlations of osteoporosis with patients′ general information, treatment duration and cumulative dose of glucocorticoids, application of immunosuppressive agents, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, outdoor activity and other factors were analyzed, and the application status of calcium supplements, vitamin D and bisphosphonates was also analyzed. Enumeration data were compared by using chi-square test, measurement data were compared by using t test, and multiple factors influencing osteoporosis were analyzed by using non-conditional Logistic regression analysis. Results:Logistic regression analysis showed that age ( P= 0.001, OR= 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03- 1.14) and cumulative dose of glucocorticoids ( P<0.001, OR= 1.72, 95% CI: 1.18- 2.52) were risk factors for the occurrence of osteoporosis, while outdoor activity ( P<0.001, OR= 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01- 0.21) was a protective factor. Moreover, 13 (61.9%) patients in the osteoporosis group and 16 (21.6%) patients in the non-osteoporosis group received combination treatment with calcium supplements, vitamin D and bisphosphonates. Conclusions:Pemphigus patients treated with systemic glucocorticoids are prone to develop osteoporosis. Older age, cumulative dose of glucocorticoids may be risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with pemphigus, while outdoor activity may be a protective factor. The prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in pemphigus patients are still not standardized.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND@#Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, affecting about 0.6% of the Chinese population. Many patients are not well controlled by conventional treatments, thus there is need for new treatment regimens. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of secukinumab in Chinese patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.@*METHODS@#This study was a 52-week, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, Phase 3 trial. A sub-population of study participants (≥18 years) of Chinese ethnicity were randomized to receive subcutaneous injections of 300 or 150 mg secukinumab, or placebo. The co-primary endpoints were psoriasis area severity index (PASI) 75 and Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) 0/1 at Week 12.@*RESULTS@#A total of 441 Chinese patients were enrolled in this study. Co-primary outcomes were achieved; 300 and 150 mg secukinumab were superior to placebo as shown in the proportion of patients that achieved PASI 75 (97.7% and 87.2% vs. 3.7%, respectively; P < 0.001), and IGA 0/1 (82.3% and 69.7% vs. 2.7%; P < 0.001) at Week 12. Treatment efficacy was maintained until Week 52. There was no increase in overall adverse events with secukinumab relative to placebo throughout the 52-week period.@*CONCLUSION@#Secukinumab is highly effective and well tolerated in Chinese patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03066609; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT03066609.
Subject(s)
Humans , Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , China , Double-Blind Method , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. Lung metastases are associated with poor prognosis. OBJECTIVE: The aim here was to explore the prevalence of and risk and prognostic factors for lung metastases in high-grade osteosarcoma patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort study based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database in the United States. METHODS: Data on 1,408 high-grade osteosarcoma patients registered in the SEER database between 2010 and 2015 were extracted. From these, all patients with high-grade osteosarcoma and initial lung metastasis were selected for analysis on risk and prognostic factors for lung metastases. Overall survival was estimated. RESULTS: There were 238 patients (16.90%) with lung metastases at diagnosis. Axial location, tumor size > 10 cm (odds ratio, OR 3.19; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.58-6.45), higher N stage (OR 4.84; 95% CI: 1.94-12.13) and presence of bone metastases (OR 8.73; 95% CI: 4.37-17.48) or brain metastases (OR 25.63; 95% CI: 1.55-422.86) were significantly associated with lung metastases. Younger age and surgical treatment (hazard ratio, HR 0.46; 95% CI: 0.30-0.71) favored survival. Median survival was prolonged through primary tumor surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The factors revealed here may guide lung metastasis screening and prophylactic treatment for osteosarcoma patients. A primary tumor in an axial location, greater primary tumor size, higher lymph node stage and presence of bone or brain metastases were significantly correlated with lung metastases. The elderly group (≥ 60 years) showed significant correlation with poor overall survival. For improved survival among high-grade osteosarcoma patients with lung metastases, aggressive surgery on the primary tumor site should be encouraged.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Osteosarcoma/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/secondary , Prognosis , Osteosarcoma/surgery , Osteosarcoma/diagnosis , Osteosarcoma/mortality , Survival Analysis , China/epidemiology , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Cohort Studies , Lung Neoplasms/surgery , Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis , Lung Neoplasms/mortalityABSTRACT
Objective@#To evaluate the effect of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on the expression of skin barrier-associated proteins and proinflammatory cytokines in human keratinocytes.@*Methods@#Atmospheric PM2.5 samples were given by Professor Yufeng Zhou in Children′s Hospital of Fudan University. Human primary keratinocytes were isolated from circumcised foreskins of 5 males, and subjected to culture. These human primary keratinocytes were divided into several groups to be stimulated with PM2.5 at different concentrations of 0 (control group) , 10, 50, 100, 200 mg/L for 24 hours, and cell counting kit (CCK) -8 assay was performed to determine the survival rates of keratinocytes. Fluorescence-based quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein expression of filaggrin, keratin-14 and claudin-1 in these keratinocytes respectively, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect levels of interleukin (IL) -1α, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL-33 in the culture supernatant of these keratinocytes. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS13.0 software by using one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference (LSD) -t test and Pearson correlation analysis.@*Results@#After 24-hour treatment with different concentrations of PM2.5, there was no significant difference in the survival rate of keratinocytes between the 10-mg/L PM2.5 group and control group (P > 0.05) , while the survival rates of keratinocytes were significantly lower in the 50-, 100-, 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups than in the control group (all P < 0.05) . After the treatment with 50 mg/L PM2.5, the cell survival rate gradually decreased and then remained stable along with the increase of PM2.5 treatment duration, and the cell survival rate at 24 hours was 72.37% ± 3.12%. After 24-hour treatment with PM2.5, the mRNA expression of filaggrin and keratin-14 was significantly higher in both the 10- and 50-mg/L PM2.5 groups (filaggrin: 1.27 ± 0.15, 1.32 ± 0.09 respectively; keratin-14: 1.15 ± 0.13, 1.08 ± 0.16 respectively) than in the control group (all P < 0.05) , but lower in both the 100- and 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups (filaggrin: 0.84 ± 0.11, 0.42 ± 0.12 respectively; keratin-14: 0.67 ± 0.09, 0.74 ± 0.11 respectively) than in the control group (all P < 0.05) . The 10-, 50-, 100- and 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups showed significantly decreased mRNA expression of claudin-1 compared with the control group (all P < 0.05) . Western blot analysis showed that filaggrin expression was significantly higher in the 50- and 100-mg/L PM2.5 groups than in the control group (both P < 0.05) , while no significant difference was observed between the 10-, 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups and the control group (both P > 0.05) . The 10-, 50-, 100- and 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups showed significantly increased keratin-14 expression compared with the control group (all P < 0.05) . The claudin-1 expression did not differ between the 10-mg/L PM2.5 group and control group (P = 0.87) , but significantly higher in the 50-, 100- and 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups than in the control group (all P < 0.05) . The stimulation with PM2.5 at 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L could induce an increase in the supernatant levels of TSLP, IL-1α and IL-33 (all P < 0.01) . Pearson correlation analysis showed that the supernatant levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TSLP, IL-1α and IL-33 were positively correlated with the concentration of PM2.5 (r = 0.57, 0.67, 0.91 respectively, all P < 0.05) .@*Conclusion@#The exposure to PM2.5 can induce decreased survival rate of keratinocytes, aberrant expression of filaggrin, keratin-14 and claudin-1, and elevated secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines TSLP, IL-1α and IL-33, which may lead to impaired skin barrier function.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of atmospheric fine particulate matter(PM2.5)on the expression of skin barrier-associated proteins and proinflammatory cytokines in human keratinocytes. Methods Atmospheric PM2.5 samples were given by Professor Yufeng Zhou in Children' s Hospital of Fudan University. Human primary keratinocytes were isolated from circumcised foreskins of 5 males, and subjected to culture. These human primary keratinocytes were divided into several groups to be stimulated with PM2.5 at different concentrations of 0(control group), 10, 50, 100, 200 mg/L for 24 hours, and cell counting kit(CCK)-8 assay was performed to determine the survival rates of keratinocytes. Fluorescence-based quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein expression of filaggrin, keratin-14 and claudin-1 in these keratinocytes respectively, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, thymic stromal lymphopoietin(TSLP)and IL-33 in the culture supernatant of these keratinocytes. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS13.0 software by using one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference (LSD)- t test and Pearson correlation analysis. Results After 24 - hour treatment with different concentrations of PM2.5, there was no significant difference in the survival rate of keratinocytes between the 10-mg/L PM2.5 group and control group (P > 0.05), while the survival rates of keratinocytes were significantly lower in the 50-, 100-, 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups than in the control group(all P<0.05). After the treatment with 50 mg/L PM2.5, the cell survival rate gradually decreased and then remained stable along with the increase of PM2.5 treatment duration, and the cell survival rate at 24 hours was 72.37％ ± 3.12％. After 24-hour treatment with PM2.5, the mRNA expression of filaggrin and keratin-14 was significantly higher in both the 10- and 50-mg/L PM2.5 groups (filaggrin: 1.27 ± 0.15, 1.32 ± 0.09 respectively;keratin-14:1.15 ± 0.13, 1.08 ± 0.16 respectively)than in the control group(all P<0.05), but lower in both the 100- and 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups (filaggrin: 0.84 ± 0.11, 0.42 ± 0.12 respectively;keratin-14:0.67 ± 0.09, 0.74 ± 0.11 respectively)than in the control group(all P<0.05). The 10-, 50-, 100-and 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups showed significantly decreased mRNA expression of claudin-1 compared with the control group(all P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that filaggrin expression was significantly higher in the 50- and 100-mg/L PM2.5 groups than in the control group (both P < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed between the 10-, 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups and the control group(both P > 0.05). The 10-, 50-, 100- and 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups showed significantly increased keratin-14 expression compared with the control group(all P<0.05). The claudin-1 expression did not differ between the 10-mg/L PM2.5 group and control group (P = 0.87), but significantly higher in the 50-, 100- and 200-mg/L PM2.5 groups than in the control group(all P<0.05). The stimulation with PM2.5 at 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L could induce an increase in the supernatant levels of TSLP, IL-1αand IL-33(all P<0.01). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the supernatant levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TSLP, IL-1αand IL-33 were positively correlated with the concentration of PM2.5(r=0.57, 0.67, 0.91 respectively, all P < 0.05). Conclusion The exposure to PM2.5 can induce decreased survival rate of keratinocytes, aberrant expression of filaggrin, keratin-14 and claudin-1, and elevated secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines TSLP, IL-1αand IL-33, which may lead to impaired skin barrier function.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore a method for rapidly establishing a mouse model of atopic dermatitis (AD).Methods C57BL/6 mice served as model animals,and were randomly divided into 3 groups:calcipotriol + ovalbumin (OVA) group (n =6) topically treated with calcipotriol and OVA on the mouse ears,calcipotriol group (n =6) topically treated with calcipotriol on the ears,and control group (n =3) topically treated with 75％ alcohol on the ears.The treatment lasted 12 days.Before the model establishment and on day 14,the photos of the mouse ears were taken,and ear thickness was measured;moreover,blood samples were obtained from the mouse caudal vein,and serum levels of total IgE and OVAspecific IgE were detected.On day 14,the skin tissues of mouse auricles were resected and subjected to histopathological examination.Results On day 14,erythematous swelling,dryness and desquamation occurred on the mouse ear skin in the calcipotriol + OVA group and calcipotriol group,and both the two groups showed significantly increased ear thickness compared with those before the model establishment (both P ＜ 0.001).However,there was no significant difference in the ear thickness between the calcipotriol + OVA group (0.355 ± 0.03 mm) and calcipotriol group (0.370 ± 0.05 mm,q =0.674,P =0.231).Histopathological examination of the ear skin showed more obvious epidermal hyperplasia and infiltration of dermal inflammatory cells including eosinophils and mastocytes in the calcipotriol + OVA group compared with the calcipotriol group and control group.Immunohistochemical study revealed that there was no significant difference in the expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and interferon (IFN)-γ among the 3 groups (both P ＞ 0.05),while the expression of interleukin (IL)-13 significantly differed among the 3 groups (F =5.159,P =0.032),and was significantly higher in the calcipotriol + OVA group (77.12 ± 5.46) than in the control group (55.49 ± 9.92,q =3.170,P =0.021).On day 14,the calcipotriol + OVA group and calcipotriol group both showed markedly increased total serum IgE levels compared with those before the treatment,and the calcipotriol + OVA group showed a more significant increase (8 278.56 ± 3 297.68 vs.892.64 ± 82.83 μ g/L,t =4.132,P =0.026).Meanwhile,the serum level of OVA-specific IgE was significandy higher in the calcipotriol + OVA group (192.846 ± 15.391 μg/L) than in the calcipotriol group (8.492 ±:3.879 μg/L,q =22.476,P ＜ 0.001) on day 14.Conclusion The mouse model of allergeninduced AD can be rapidly established by topical application of calcipotriol and OVA for 12 consecutive days,which lays a foundation for further study on allergen-related pathogenesis of AD.
ABSTRACT
Abstract This paper provides a simplified life cycle based assessment for a local branded pure milk product, to measure its related carbon footprint, including production of raw milk, dairy processing, transportation of milk product and disposal of packaging waste. The results show that the total carbon footprint of the pure milk is 1120g CO2/L. The production of raw milk is identified as the major contributor to the carbon footprint. This contribution has amounted to 843 g of CO2 per liter of pure milk, accounted for 75.27% of the total carbon footprint. The carbon footprint of product transportation is 38 g of CO2 per liter, which accounts for 3.39% of the total. The carbon footprint related to the dairy processing and disposal of waste packaging is 173 g of CO2 per liter and 66 g of CO2 per liter, accounting for 15.45% and 5.89% of the total, respectively. The carbon footprint assessment intends to help dairy enterprises identify the intensive sectors of carbon emissions, and provides insight into improvement of product environmental performances.
ABSTRACT
Firstly discovered in 1980s,human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to affect more and more people.However,there is no effective drug available for the therapy of HIV infection.Betulinic acid existing in various medicinal herbs and fruits exhibits multiple biological effects,especially its outstanding anti-HIV activity,which has drawn the attentions of many pharmacists.Among the derivatives of betulinic acid,some compounds exhibited inhibitory activities at the nanomolar concentration,and have entered phase Ⅱ clinical trials.This paper summarizes the current investigations on the anti-HIV activity of betulinic acid analogues,and provides valuable data for subsequent researches.
ABSTRACT
Firstly discovered in 1980s,human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to affect more and more people.However,there is no effective drug available for the therapy of HIV infection.Betulinic acid existing in various medicinal herbs and fruits exhibits multiple biological effects,especially its outstanding anti-HIV activity,which has drawn the attentions of many pharmacists.Among the derivatives of betulinic acid,some compounds exhibited inhibitory activities at the nanomolar concentration,and have entered phase Ⅱ clinical trials.This paper summarizes the current investigations on the anti-HIV activity of betulinic acid analogues,and provides valuable data for subsequent researches.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE To identify potential mutations in two Chinese families affected with primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis. METHODS Peripheral blood samples of the family were collected with informed consent. Genomic DNA was extracted with a phenol chloroform method. All of the 17 exons and their flanking splicing sites of the OSMR gene were amplified with PCR and subjected to Sanger sequencing. Suspected mutations were verified with PCR - restriction fragment length polymorphism and high-resolution melting assays. RESULTS A missense mutation (c.1538G>A) was found in exon 10 of the OSMR gene in all of the six patients from family 1. A missense mutation (c.2081C>T) was found in exon 14 of the OSMR gene in all of the four patients from family 2. The same mutations were not found among the healthy controls. CONCLUSION Two missense mutations (c.1538G>A and c.2081C>T) were detected in the OSMR gene in two Chinese families affected with primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Our findings have further confirmed the pathogenicity of such mutations.
ABSTRACT
Abstract To explore the effect of fruit and vegetable (FV) juice on biomarkers of oxidative damage and antioxidant gene expression in rats, 36 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, low FV juice dosage or high FV juice dosage treatment groups. The rats were given freshly extracted FV juice or the same volume of saline water daily for five weeks. After intervention, serum and tissues specimens were collected for biomarker and gene expression measurement. FV juice intervention increased total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, vitamin C, β-carotene, total polyphenols, flavonoids levels andglutathione peroxidaseenzyme activity in rat serum or tissues (p < 0.05). FV juice intervention caused reduction of malondialdehyde levels in rat liver (p < 0.05) and significantly modulated transcript levels of glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase l (NQO1)in rat liver and brain (p < 0.05). The results underline the potential of FV juice to improve the antioxidant capacity and to prevent the oxidative damage in liver, brain and colon.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of flunarizine combined with salvianolate in the treatment of acute migraine. METHODS:A total of 72 patients with acute migraine were randomly divided into control group(36 cases)and observation group (36 cases). Based on routine treatment,control group was given Flunarizine hydrochloride capsules orally,10 mg for 65 year-old and below once a day,5 mg for more than 65 year-old once a day. Observation group was additionally given Flunarizine hydrochloride for injection 200 mg intravenously,once a day,on the basis of control group. Both groups were treated contineously till cured or for 2 weeks. Clinical efficacy,onset time,recovery time,VAS score,frequency and duration of head-ache attack,ADR were observed in 2 groups. RESULTS:In the course of treatment,the two groups did not terminate and fall off, and all of them completed the treatment. The total response rate(97.22%)of observation group was significantly higher than that (86.11%)of control group;onset time and recovery time of observation group were both shorter than those of control group,with statistical significance (P0.05). After treatment,VAS score,frequency and duration of headache attack in 2 groups were all significantly lower than before,and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group,with statistical significance (P0.05). CONCLU-SIONS:Based on routine treatment,flunarizine hydrochloride capsules combined with Salvianolate injection show significant effica-cy for acute migraine with good safety.
ABSTRACT
Objective To detect the serum level of transglutaminase 2 (TG2)-specific IgE (slgE) in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD),and to analyze its correlation with the disease condition.Methods A total of 77 patients with AD were enrolled into this study,including 44 patients aged ≥ 12 years and 33 patients aged ＜ 12 years.Of the 77 patients,20 were diagnosed with intrinsic AD,which was characterized by the absence of sIgE and total serum IgE values ＜ 150 kU/L,and 49 with extrinsic AD characterized by positive (++) or even strongly positive slgE for more than 1 kind of exogenous allergens,or total serum lgE values ≥ 150 kU/L.[mmunocapture-biotinylated detector enzyme immunoassay was performed to detect the serum level of TG2-sIgE in 77 patients with AD,40 adult patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and 30 healthy adult controls.Clinical data on the AD patients were recorded,including age,disease duration,SCORAD score,blood eosinophil count,levels of total IgE and TG2-sIgE.Results The serum levels of TG2-sIgE in AD patients aged ≥ 12 years,AD patients aged ＜ 12 years,PV patients and healthy controls were 1.02 ± 0.2,1.04 ± 0.044,0.93 ± 0.25 and 0.71 ± 0.13,respectively.Additionally,the serum level of TG2-sIgE significantly differed among AD patients aged ≥ 12 years,PV patients and healthy controls (x2 =37.407,P ＜ 0.001),and was significantly higher in both AD patients aged ≥ 12 years and PV patients than in the healthy controls (t =7.38,4.83,respectively,both P ＜ 0.001).Moreover,the intrinsic AD group showed significantly higher TG2-sIgE levels compared with the extrinsic AD group (1.16 ± 0.03 vs.1.02 ± 0.20,t =2.27,P =0.02).The TG2-sIgE level was uncorrelated with the patients' age,disease duration,SCORAD score,blood eosinophil count or serum total IgE levels in AD patients (r =0.03,0.14,-0.04,-0.08,0.06,respectively,all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The serum level of TG2-sIgE obviously increases in AD patients,so TG2 may be one kind of autoantigen in AD patients,but there is no significant correlation between the TG2-sIgE level and AD severity.