Simultaneous use of oxalate-degrading bacteria and herbal extract to reduce the urinary oxalate in a rat model: A new strategy

ABSTRACT Objective: Urinary stones with oxalate composition can cause kidney failure. Recent findings evidenced that probiotics are effective in reducing oxalate absorption in these subjects based on their high colonic absorption levels at baseline. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the simultaneous use of oxalate-degrading bacteria, Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract in reducing urinary oxalate. Materials and Methods: Anti-urolithiatic activity of Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract and probiotic by using ethylene glycol induced rat model. In this study, 4 strains of Lactobacillus and 2 strains of Bifidobacterium and also 2 strains of L. paracasei (that showed high power in oxalate degrading in culture media) were used. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=6). The rats of group-I received normal diet (positive control group) and groups-II (negative control group), III, IV rats received diet containing ethylene glycol (3%) for 30 days. Groups III rats received Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract. Groups IV rats received extracts + probiotic for 30 days. Findings: The results show that the use of herbal extracts (Urtica dioica and T. terrestris) reduced the level of urinary oxalate and other parameters of urine and serum. Also, the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney tissue was significantly reduced. Conclusion: Considering that the formation of calcium oxalate crystals can cause inflammation and tissue damage in the kidney, the use of herbal extracts with oxalate degrading bacteria can be a new therapeutic approach to preventing the formation of kidney stones.

The application of combined detection of serum ECP,CRP and FeNO in the bronchial asthma / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To study the application of combined detection of serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) ,C reactive protein (CRP ) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO ) in the bronchial asthma . Methods 50 patients of bronchial asthma who received therapy from October 2014 to October 2016 in Tangs-han city union hospital were selected as research objects ,and selected 50 healthy people who received physical examination at the same time in the hospital as control group .The expression of serum ECP and CRP was de-tected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ,and the FeNO concentration was detected using FeNO detec-tor .The expressions of serum ECP ,CRP and FeNO between the bronchial asthma group and the control group were compared ,and the expressions of serum ECP ,CRP and FeNO in patients with different severity of bron-chial asthma were compared ;the bronchial asthma group received 3 months of symptomatic treatment ,The ex-pression of serum ECP ,CRP and FeNO in patients with different therapeutic effects were compared .Results The serum ECP ,CRP and FeNO in the bronchial asthma group [(15 .86 ± 1 .47)ng/L ,(4 .87 ± 0 .52)mg/L , (61 .23 ± 11 .52)ppb]were significantly higher than those in the control group [(6 .62 ± 0 .63)ng/L ,(1 .04 ± 0 .23)mg/L ,(23 .58 ± 3 .40)ppb] ,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0 .05) ;The serum ECP ,CRP and FeNO in the acute attack of bronchial asthma[(18 .56 ± 1 .85)ng/L ,(5 .74 ± 0 .70)mg/L ,(66 .93 ± 10 .62) ppb] were higher than those in the remission stage[(12 .34 ± 1 .47)ng/L ,(3 .69 ± 0 .37)mg/L ,(54 .54 ± 8 .02) ppb] ,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0 .05) ;The patients with bronchial asthma were treated 3 months later ,clinical control in 28 cases ,partial control in 18 cases ,uncontrolled in 4 cases ,the serum ECP , CRP and FeNO in the clinical control group were significantly lower than those in the partial control group and the uncontrolled group ,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0 .05) .Conclusion The combined detection of serum ECP ,CRP and FeNO expression in patients with bronchial asthma is helpful to understand the severity of the disease ,it′s of positive significance in the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases .

Correlation between expressions of myeloperoxidase and eosinophil cationic protein in sputum and clinical features of asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the role of myeloperoxidase(MPO)and eosinophilic cationic protein(ECP)in the airway inflammation and their correlation with clinical feature in asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty patients with COPD, 20 with asthma, 20 with ACO and 20 control subjects underwent pulmonary function test for measurement of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and maximum midexpiratory flow (MMF). COPD assessment test (CAT) was used to evaluate the clinical symptoms of the patients with COPD and ACO. The asthma control test (ACT) was used to evaluate the asthma control in the patients with asthma and ACO. Induced sputum samples were collected from the subjects for analysis of neutrophil and eosinophil ratios, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the expression levels of MPO and ECP in the sputum.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No significant difference was observed in the CAT scores between ACO group and COPD group (> 0.05). Compared with the asthma group, the patients with ACO had significantly lower ACT scores and lower FEV, PEF and MMF ( < 0.05). The patients with ACO had significantly higher FVC and sputum eosinophil ratio than those with COPD ( < 0.05), and a higher sputum neutrophil ratio than those with asthma ( < 0.01). In ACO group, the MPO level in sputum was significantly higher than that in the asthma group ( < 0.05), while sputum ECP level was significantly higher than that in both the asthma group and COPD group ( < 0.05 or 0.01). In ACO group, sputum MPO level was positively correlated with sputum neutrophil ratio (=0.8358, < 0.01) but was not correlated with CAT score or FEV (> 0.05); sputum ECP level was positively correlated with sputum eosinophil ratio (=0.4666, < 0.05) and was inversely correlated with ACT score (=-0.4966, < 0.05) and FEV (=-0.4610, < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammations occur in the airway of patients with ACO, and their sputum ECP level is negatively correlated with asthma control and obstructive airflow limitation.</p>

Clinical characteristics of allergic colitis and the expression of eosinophil cationic protein in intestinal mucosa in infants / 临床儿科杂志

Objectives To explore the clinical features of allergic colitis and the expression of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in intestinal mucosa in infant and young children. Methods The clinical data of 24 cases of allergic colitis treated from September 2011 to February 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect expressions of ECP in intestinal mucosa in 24 cases of allergic colitis, gastric and duodenal mucosa in 16 cases of helicobacter pylori infection and proximal normal intestinal mucosa in 18 cases of postoperative resection of congenital megacolon, and the results were compared. Results In the 24 subjects (15 males and 8 females) with allergic colitis,. they were infants except for 1 subject, and 20 subjects were <6 months old. All of them had bloody stool, in which there were 15 cases of diarrhea, 1 case of eczema and 3 cases of drug allergy. The endoscopic lesions were mainly showed in the sigmoid colon (12 cases) and the rectum (11 cases). The most common manifestations were mucosal erythema (21 cases), pox like nodules (18 cases), erosions (3 cases), and ulcers (3 cases). Histopathological findings were eosinophilic infiltration of the mucosa. The number of eosinophils in intestinal mucosa was 42(30~60)in patients with allergic colitis whose ECP was positive,18(15~23)in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection and 25.5 (14~35) in patients with congenital megacolon children, and the differences are statistically significant mong three groups (H=28.14,P<0.001). Conclusions Allergic colitis is more common in infants and young children. The main endoscopic findings are mucosal erythema and eruption like nodules. In addition, the increase of ECP positive eosinophils in intestinal mucosa is the characteristic manifestation of allergic colitis.

Clinical characteristics of allergic colitis and the expression of eosinophil cationic protein in intestinal mucosa in infants / 临床儿科杂志

Objectives To explore the clinical features of allergic colitis and the expression of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in intestinal mucosa in infant and young children. Methods The clinical data of 24 cases of allergic colitis treated from September 2011 to February 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect expressions of ECP in intestinal mucosa in 24 cases of allergic colitis, gastric and duodenal mucosa in 16 cases of helicobacter pylori infection and proximal normal intestinal mucosa in 18 cases of postoperative resection of congenital megacolon, and the results were compared. Results In the 24 subjects (15 males and 8 females) with allergic colitis,. they were infants except for 1 subject, and 20 subjects were <6 months old. All of them had bloody stool, in which there were 15 cases of diarrhea, 1 case of eczema and 3 cases of drug allergy. The endoscopic lesions were mainly showed in the sigmoid colon (12 cases) and the rectum (11 cases). The most common manifestations were mucosal erythema (21 cases), pox like nodules (18 cases), erosions (3 cases), and ulcers (3 cases). Histopathological findings were eosinophilic infiltration of the mucosa. The number of eosinophils in intestinal mucosa was 42(30~60)in patients with allergic colitis whose ECP was positive,18(15~23)in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection and 25.5 (14~35) in patients with congenital megacolon children, and the differences are statistically significant mong three groups (H=28.14,P<0.001). Conclusions Allergic colitis is more common in infants and young children. The main endoscopic findings are mucosal erythema and eruption like nodules. In addition, the increase of ECP positive eosinophils in intestinal mucosa is the characteristic manifestation of allergic colitis.

Serum levels of periostin and their influencing factors in the beta-lactam antibiotic enterprise workers / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To observe serum levels of periostin, ECP, IgE in the antibiotic enterprise workers, and study the role of periostin, ECP, IgE in the development of allergic inflammation.@*Methods@#90 cases with asthma or rhinitis were enrolled as disease group, another 117 workers exposed to 7-ACA、6-APA dust without suffering from allergic illness, are chosen as group of dust exposed, and 192 healthy workers who didn’t contact dust were chosen as control group. Questionnaires were used to learn their basic information.Lung function was determined with a portable spirometer.The expression levels of periostin、ECP and IgE in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay.@*Results@#The exposure group and disease group had significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC) , forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEVl.0) , and FEVl.0/FVC ratio than the control group (P<0.05) . The disease group had significantly higher eosinophil than the control group (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the exposure group, the disease group, asthma subgroup, rhinitis subgroup of serum periostin and IgE increased, the differences are statistically significant (P<0.05) . Serum levels of ECP in the workers of asthma subgroup were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05) . Serum expression levels of periostin were positively correlated with IgE, ECP in workers (P<0.001) , serum levels of periostin were negatively correlated with FEV1.0 in workers (P<0.05) . Multiple logistics regression analysis found that exposure to 7-ACA or 6-APA (OR=3.09, 95%CI: 1.83-5.21) , age>47years (OR=2.53, 95%CI: 1.22-5.26) , higher ECP (OR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.06) were risk factors for increased serum periostin level.@*Conclusion@#Occupational exposure to 7-ACA or 6-APA can result in higher serum periostin level, exposure to 7-ACA or 6-APA, age>47 years, higher ECP are risk factors for increased serum periostin level.

Curative efifcacy of Desloratadine Citrate Disodium in combination with endoscopic sinus surgery and its effects on serum TIgE, ECP and inlfammatory factors in patients with chronic sinusitis / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To observe and analyze curative efficacy of Desloratadine Citrate Disodium in combination with endoscopic sinus surgery and its effects on serum TIgE, ECP and inlfammatory factors in patients with chronic sinusitis.Methods 90 patients with chronic sinusitis who received therapy in our hospital from January 2015 to June 2016 were collected as research objects to be randomly divided into the control group and the observation group equally. The control group was given endoscopic sinus surgery, and the observation group was given Desloratadine Citrate Disodium in combination with endoscopic sinus surgery. Then, visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied to assess the severity of subjective symptoms of the disease. Three months after the surgery, the curative efifcacy, scores of visual analogue scale (VAS) relfecting clinical symptoms, levels of serum TIgE, ECP and inlfammatory factors were compared between the two groups.Results All patients undergone successful surgery. The observation group had a total therapeutic efifciency ratio of 95.6%, which was signiifcantly higher than that of 82.2% in the control group (P < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, the observation group had lower VAS scores of nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, cheek pain, headache, hyposmia [(1.84 ± 0.89) vs (3.12 ± 1.03) points, (1.87 ± 0.81) vs (2.55 ± 1.14) points, (1.24 ± 0.86) vs (1.88 ± 0.79) points, (1.15 ± 0.54) vs (1.97 ± 0.83) points, (1.84 ± 0.73) vs (2.18 ± 0.84) points], lower levels of serum TIgE, ECP [(58.62 ± 7.36) vs (64.39 ± 7.18) kU/L, (4.25 ± 0.84) vs (5.01 ± 1.07) ng/L)] and inflammatory factors of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 [(1.27 ± 0.46) vs (2.62 ± 0.53) ng/ml, (5.13 ± 1.24) vs (9.54 ± 2.23) pg/ml, (282.63 ± 32.42) vs (315.84 ± 35.89) ng/L)] with statistical differences (allP < 0.05).Conclusion Desloratadine Citrate Disodium in combination with endoscopic sinus surgery is effective for chronic sinusitis, which can signiifcantly relieve clinical symptoms, reduce levels of serum TIgE, ECP and alleviate inlfammatory reaction.

Clinical efficacy of emedastine difumarate combined with pranoprofen eye drops in allergic conjunctivitis and its influence on related indicators / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of emedastine difumarate eye drops combined with pranoprofen eye drops on histamine (HA), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), leukotrienes B4(LTB4) and, IgE levels of allergic conjunctival and provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods 76 cases of patients with allergic conjunctivitis were randomly divided into control group and experimental group , control group were treated with fumaric acid emedastine eye drops, experimental group were treated with fumarate emedastine combined with pranoprofen eye drops, and then compare the efficacy and serum ECP, HA, LTB4 and IgE levels between two groups before and after treatment of the symptoms and signs score . Results The total efficacy of experimental group was significantly higher than that in control group (94.70%vs.81.60%)(P<0.05).The serum ECP, HA, LTB4 and IgE levels of experimental group were significantly lower than those in control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The emedastine difumarate combined with pranoprofen eye drops in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis is better than single medication, and ECP, HA, LTB4, IgE significantly decrease.

Efficacy of Seratrodast, a Thromboxane A2 Receptor Inhibitor in a Double Blind Comparative Clinical Trial with Monteluklast.

Aims: To assess the comparative efficacy, safety and tolerability of seratrodast versus montelukast in controlling mild to moderate asthma in adult patients. Study Design: Randomized, comparative, double blind, double dummy, multi-center, parallel group, non inferiority study. Methods: Patients (n=205) with mild to moderate asthma continuing on the lowest dose of inhaled corticosteroid were recruited from 3 different centers across India. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either seratrodast 80 mg (n=103) or montelukast 10 mg (n=102) once daily for 28 days. The treatments were compared for improvement from the baseline values, as per the changes in asthma symptom score (wheezing, shortness of breath, expectoration, cough and chest tightness), lung function parameters (PEF, FVC and FEV1), sputum and mucociliary parameters [fucose, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and albumin]. Results: Seratrodast and montelukast showed improvement in the clinical parameters of asthma as well as in the lung function tests and sputum parameters from baseline. Both the treatments significantly increased mean values of PEF, FVC and FEV1 from the baseline after a 4 week treatment but seratrodast produced significantly greater improvement in PEF (0.416 L/s, P=.01). Moreover, there was significantly more reduction in expectoration score (P=.01), sputum concentrations of ECP (P<.001) and albumin (P<.001) in seratrodast group, signifying improvement in asthma condition. The two treatment groups had similar tolerability profiles. Mild increase in hepatic enzymes was seen in both the groups with no clinical significance. No serious adverse events were observed during the study. Conclusions: Seratrodast, a Thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, was found to be better in the improvement of PEF, reduction in expectoration, ECP and albumin levels as compared to montelukast. Seratrodast can be recommended as a controller medication in mild to moderate asthma.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Application in Canicular Days for Allergic Rhinitis / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the effect of application in canicular days on the quality of life and immune substances in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), and its therapeutic efficacy for AR. Method Sixty-four AR patients were divided into a treatment group of 34 cases and a control group of 30 cases by using the random number table. The treatment group was intervened by acupoint application in canicular days, while the control group was by placebo adhered to the same points. The Short-Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) and Self-rating Rhinitis Scale (RS) were evaluated before and after the intervention; the serum total immunoglobulin E (T-IgE) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were detected before and after each treatment session, and the changes of the parameters were compared. Result The global scores of SF-36 and RS, and the level of serum ECP were significantly changed after intervention (P0.05). Conclusion Application in canicular days can promote the quality of life, improve rhinitis symptoms, and down-regulate the level of serum ECP, indicating that application in canicular days can produce a satisfactory efficacy in treating allergic rhinitis.

Detection of serum IL-17,ECP and IgE concentrations in patients with bronchial asthma and the correlation study / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To study the relationship between serum interleukin‐17(IL‐17) ,acidophil cationic protein(ECP) ,immuno‐globulin E(IgE) and the severity of asthma .Methods A total of 84 patients with asthma were enrolled as asthma group ,who were divided into remission group and acute episode group .In addition to that 84 healthy persons were recruited as control group .The concentrations of serum IL‐17 ,ECP and IgE in different groups were compared .Results The concentrations of serum IL‐17 ,ECP and IgE in asthma group were statistically significantly higher than those in control group(P< 0 .05) .Among the patients with bronchial asthma ,serum levels of ECP and IgE in acute episode group were statistically significantly higher than those in remission group(P<0 .05) .There was positive correlation between serum ECP level and serum IgE level in asthma group(r=0 .432 ,P<0 .05) ,there was no significant correlation between serum IL‐17 level and serum levels of ECP and IgE ,but in acute episode group , serum IL‐17 level positively correlated with serum levels of ECP and IgE(r= 0 .327 ,0 .349 ,P< 0 .05) .Conclusion IL‐17 is in‐volved in mediating eosinophilic inflammation of asthma ,ECP and IgE levels have important clinical significances for predicting and treating asthma patients .

Effect of Asarone Injections on Expression of IL-25, Eosinophils Cationic Protein(ECP) and IL-27 in Ser-um of Asthma Patients / 中国药师

Objective:To monitor the effects of asarone injections on the expression of IL-25, IL-27 and eosinophils cationic pro-tein ( ECP) in the serum of asthma patients. Methods:Totally 100 patients with bronchial asthma were randomly divided into the ob-servation group ( 55 cases ) and the control group ( 45 cases ) . The control group was treated with the conventional symptomatic treat-ment ( oxygen inhalation, spasmolysis and anti-asthma, and anti-infection, etc) . The observation group was given asarone injections 24 mg in 250 ml 0. 9% sodium chloride infusions, once a day for 14 days on the basis of the conventional therapy. The changes in symp-toms, and pulmonary function in the patients were observed with simultaneous detection of IL-25, ECP and IL-27 levels. Results:To-tal effective rate of the observation group was 92. 7%,which was higher than that of the control group (P<0. 05). Asarone injections could decrease IL-25, ECP and IL-27 levels in the observation group compared with those in the control group with statistically signifi-cant difference (P<0. 05 or 0. 01). Conclusion:Asarone injections can decrease the levels of IL-25, IL-27and ECP in the serum of asthma patients and inhibit the formation of inflammatory cells to alleviate the symptoms of airway inflammation.

Mediators of inflammation in children with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis / 临床儿科杂志

Objectives To investigate the clinical significance of the airway inflammation mediators,eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4),in children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. Methods A total of 120 inpatients with RSV bronchiolitis were classified into atopic and non-atopic groups. And 30 healthy subjects were se-lected as normal controls. Urinary LTE4 was determined by ELISA and ECP concentration in nasopharyngeal secretions (NPS) was tested by UniCAP100 allergen detector. The differences among groups were compared. Results The urinary LTE4 level in atopic group (172.21 ± 67.29 pg/ml) was elevated significantly (P<0.01) than that of non-atopic group (78.21 ± 28.78 pg/ml) and control group (44.22±16.14pg/ml). Significance was also found between non-atopic and control groups (P<0.01). Statistical anal-ysis indicated that urinary LTE4 positively correlated to serum IgE and ECP in children with RSV bronchiolitis (r=0.57,0.49;P<0.01). Conclusions The level of urinary LTE4 and ECP in NPS can provide the reference for treatment and prognosis of children with RSV bronchiolitis.

Tear Eosinophil Cationic Protein Levels in Allergic Keratoconjunctivitis

PURPOSE: To evaluate tear eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) as a severity marker for atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and seasonal/perennial allergic conjunctivitis (SAC/PAC). METHODS: Tear ECP levels were measured by chemiluminescent immunometric assay in 7 eyes of 7 patients with AKC, 13 eyes of 13 patients with SAC/PAC, and 10 eyes of 10 healthy control subjects. All AKC and SAC/PAC patients underwent conjunctival injection and papillary formation grading. Tear ECP levels were investigated with reference to the clinical parameters of allergic conjunctivitis (papillary formation and conjunctival injection scoring). RESULTS: Tear ECP levels in patients with AKC were significantly higher than those in patients with SAC/PAC and in control subjects (p = 0.012 and p = 0.003, respectively). The number of patients with papillary formation scores of 2-3 was significantly higher in the AKC group than in the SAC/PAC group (p = 0.016). The number of patients with conjunctival injection scores of 2-3 did not significantly differ between the AKC and SAC/PAC groups (p = 0.128). All AKC patients obtained papillary formation scores of 2-3, and tear ECP levels in patients with conjunctival injection scores of 2-3 were significantly higher than in patients with scores of 0-1 in the AKC group (p < 0.001). In the SAC/PAC group, tear ECP levels in patients with papillary formation scores of 2-3 were significantly higher than in patients with scores of 0-1 (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that tear ECP was a useful marker to diagnose and assess the severity of disease in patients with AKC as well as SAC/PAC. It would be useful to monitor therapeutic outcome in allergic conjunctivitis.

Increased inflammatory mediator in exhaled breath condensate from asthmatic children

PURPOSE: There has recently been increasing interest in the use of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) as a simple noninvasive means for understanding the physiology of asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in the EBC of asthmatic children. METHODS: We measured LTB4 and ECP levels in EBC from children aged 6-14 years, including healthy children (n=25) and asthmatic children (n=25). We also measured serum LTB4 and serum ECP. Pulmonary function tests and methacholine challenge tests were performed on all subjects. RESULTS: Exhaled LTB4 levels were increased significantly in patients with asthma compared to normal subjects (7.1+/-3.7 pg/mL vs. 2.2+/-1.7 pg/mL, P<0.05). Serum LTB4 levels were not significantly different in patients with asthma compared to normal subjects (674.7+/-484.1 pg/mL vs. 487.1+/-272.0 pg/mL, P=0.156,) and no significant correlations were found between exhaled and serum LTB4 concentrations in children with asthma (r=0.052, P=0.758). Exhaled ECP levels were not significantly different in patients with asthma compared to normal subjects (P=0.419). Serum ECP levels were significantly increased in patients with asthma compared to normal subjects (44.37+/-32.14 microg/L vs. 16.40+/-13.23 microg/L, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: We found significantly elevated LTB4 levels in the EBC of asthmatic children. Our results suggest that EBC may be one of the supportive tools to measure airway inflammation in children with asthma.

Serial Changes in Serum Eosinophil-associated Mediators between Atopic and Non-atopic Children after Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

PURPOSE: Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MP) is associated with the exacerbation, timing, and onset of asthma. The goal of this study was to elucidate the impact of MP on eosinophil-related hyper-reactive amplification in atopic children. METHODS: We studied 48 patients with MP (26 atopic, 22 non-atopic), between 3 and 12 years of age. Serial changes in blood eosinophil counts, serum interleukin-5 (IL-5), and serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels were measured in atopic and non-atopic children with MP upon admission, recovery, and at 2 months post-recovery. Serum IL-5 and ECP levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; eosinophil counts were measured using an autoanalyzer. RESULTS: Serial changes in serum IL-5, ECP, and total eosinophil counts were significantly higher in atopic patients, relative to non-atopic controls (P< or =0.001). Serum IL-5 and ECP levels were significantly higher in atopic patients at all three time points tested, while eosinophil counts were higher in the clinical recovery and follow-up phases, but not in the acute phase. Furthermore, among atopic patients, serum ECP levels were significantly higher in the recovery and follow-up phases than in the acute phase. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated significant differences in eosinophil counts, serum IL-5, and serum ECP levels between atopic and non-atopic children with MP at admission, recovery, and 2 months after clinical recovery. These outcomes are suggestive of eosinophil-related hyperreactivity in atopic children, with this status maintained for at least 2 months after MP.

A study of hypersensitivity in early life revealed by cord blood immunological indices / 临床儿科杂志

10.3969/j.issn.1000-3606.2013.06.012

Significance of Serum Eosinophil Cationic Protein and High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Allergic and Non-Allergic Inflammatory Diseases

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the significance of serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in children with allergic diseases and non-allergic inflammatory diseases, and to assess the relationships between serum ECP levels and inflammatory parameters. METHODS: In this study, we included 146 children with allergic diseases, 76 children with non-allergic inflammatory diseases, and 25 control subjects. Serum concentrations of ECP, hs-CRP, total IgE, and allergen-specific IgE were measured. RESULTS: Serum ECP levels (77.5+/-88.2 microg/L) of patients with allergic diseases were significantly higher than those of the patients with non-allergic inflammatory diseases (42.2+/-58.8 microg/L) and control subjects (12.7+/-4.2 microg/L) (P0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of serum ECP and hs-CRP concentrations can be helpful in the clinical evaluation and monitoring of patients with allergic diseases. No significant correlation was observed between serum ECP and hs-CRP levels in allergic patients, thereby suggesting that elevated levels of ECP do not necessarily reflect the degree of systemic inflammation in allergic diseases.

Effect of processed foods on serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein among children with atopic dermatitis

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in school-age children has increased in industrialized countries. As diet is one of the main factors provoking AD, some studies have suggested that food additives in processed foods could function as pseudoallergens, which comprise the non-immunoglobulin E-mediated reaction. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is an eosinophil granule protein released during allergic reactions to food allergens in patients with AD. Thus, serum ECP levels may be a useful indicator of ongoing inflammatory processes in patients with AD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of consuming MSG in processed foods on serum ECP levels among children with AD. This study was performed with 13 patients with AD (age, 7-11 years) who had a normal range of total IgE levels (< 300 IU/ml). All participants ate normal diets during the first week. Then, six patients were allocated to a processed food-restricted group (PRDG) and seven patients were in a general diet group (GDG). During the second week, children in the PRDG and their parents were asked to avoid eating all processed foods. On the third week, children in the PRDG were allowed all foods, as were the children in the GDG throughout the 3-week period. The subjects were asked to complete a dietary record during the trial period. Children with AD who received the dietary restriction showed decreased consumption of MSG and decreased serum ECP levels and an improved SCORing score on the atopic dermatitis index (P < 0.05). No differences in serum ECP levels or MSG consumption were observed in the GDG. Serum total IgE levels were not changed in either group. In conclusion, a reduction in MSG intake by restricting processed food consumption may lead to a decrease in serum ECP levels in children with AD and improve AD symptoms.

Effect of leukotriene receptor antagonist on the airway inflammation in bronchiolitis after respiratory syncytial virus infection / 中国基层医药

Objective To explore the effect of leukotriene receptor antagonist on the airway inflammation in bronchiolitis after respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)infection and the prevention of post-bronchiolitis asthma by studying the changes of serum concentration of inflammatory cellular factors including ECP,IL-12,IL-13 and LTE4.Methods 156 children with mild and moderate RSV bronchiolitis were recruited in the study and they were randomly divided into three groups after alleviation of asthmatic symptoms:the intervention group with montelukast sodium tablets oral;hormone intervention group with Budesonide suspension spray;control group.Blood samples were collected on the first day on admission,before treatment,3 months after medication.Serum concentrations of ECP,IL-12,IL-13 and LTE4 were measured by ELISA.Clinical and telephone follow up was done for one year.Results Compared to control group,the ECP,IL-13 and LTE4 levels of 156 RSV bronchiolitis in acute phase and recovery phase were signifieantly increased,while the IL-12 level was significantly decreased.The ECP,IL-13levels of singulair intervention group and the hormone intervention group were decreased after intervention,and the IL-12 level rise to normal;the LTE4 level of singulair intervention group and the hormone intervention group decreased significantly than before intervention,singulair intervention group recovered to normal levels(t=1.0866,P＞0.05),but hormone treatment group did not recover to normal levels(t=3.4355,P＜0.01).Singulair intervention group had lower recurrence of asthma(χ2=7.8156,P＜0.01).Conclusion The leukotriene receptorantagonists could regulate the imbalance of Th1/Th2,reduce the release of LTE4 and the activation of eosinophils,alleviate airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity,reduce wheezing,and it play a role in the prevention of asthma.