Increased Gene expression of CCL2/CCR2 axis in bronchial smooth muscles of allergen-challenged mice.

PURPOSE: Augmented bronchial smooth muscle (BSM) contraction is a cause of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma. Increasing evidence suggest that C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2) modulates smooth muscle contractility by activating its binding partner C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2). In the present study, changes in the gene expression of CCL2/CCR2 axis were determined in the BSMs of a murine model of allergic asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized mice were repeatedly challenged with aerosolized OA to induce asthmatic reaction. Twenty-four hours after the last antigen challenge, total RNAs of the main BSM tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) were obtained. RESULTS: Our published microarray data (GEO accession No. GSE116504) detected changes in gene expression associated with the chemokine signaling pathway (KEGG Map ID: 04062) in BSMs of mice with AHR induced by antigen exposure. Among them, quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed significant increase in mRNA expression of Ccl2 and Ccr2. Analysis of BALFs also revealed a significant increase in Ccl2 protein in the airways of the diseased animals. CONCLUSION: It is thus possible that, in association with the AHR, the CCL2/CCR2 axis is enhanced in the airways of allergic bronchial asthma.

[Opinions of and conscious changes in pharmacists who participated in home medical care training workshop:].

We organized a home medical care training workshop to offer community pharmacists an opportunity to learn more about home medical care. The workshop consisted of lectures by the doctor, the nurse, and the pharmacist. A questionnaire was handed out to all the participants once the workshop had ended. On an average, the participants rated the overall quality of the workshop as 8.1 out of 10. Our results revealed that 62.7% of the participating pharmacists were experienced in home medical care, with the majority having between 1 and 5 years of experience. Most pharmacists with experience in home care had provided services such as delivering medicines to or instructing patients on the use of medicines at patient homes. Participants suggested that the qualities necessary for providing effective home medical care were knowledge of home-based care and a positive attitude, among others. Participants also made suggestions for lecture contents in future workshops, such as contract procedures or specific cases of home medical care. Furthermore, participants expressed many positive opinions such as the desire to hear the views of other professionals on home medical care. In conclusion, participation in the home medical care training workshop increased the participants' desire to learn and perform home medical care. This indicates that a subsequent workshop with the cooperation of other professionals is indispensable.