Mitochondrial dynamics modulate the allergic inflammation in a murine model of allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic disorder, afflicting thousands of human beings. Aberrant mitochondrial dynamics are important pathological elements for various immune cell dysfunctions and allergic diseases. However, the connection between mitochondrial dynamics and AR remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine whether mitochondrial dynamics influence the inflammatory response in AR. METHODS: In the present study, we established a murine model of AR by sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA). Then, we investigated the mitochondrial morphology in mice with AR by transmission electron microscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy, and evaluated the role of Mdivi-1 (an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission) on allergic symptoms, inflammatory responses, allergic-related signals, and reactive oxygen species formation. RESULTS: There was a notable enhancement in mitochondrial fragmentation in the nasal mucosa of mice following OVA stimulation, whereas Mdivi-1 prevented aberrant mitochondrial morphology. Indeed, Mdivi-1 alleviated the rubbing and sneezing responses in OVA-sensitized mice. Compared with vehicle-treated ones, mice treated with Mdivi-1 exhibited a reduction in interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and specific IgE levels in both serum and nasal lavage fluid, and shown an amelioration in inflammatory response of nasal mucosa. Meanwhile, Mdivi-1 treatment was associated with a suppression in JAK2 and STAT6 activation and reactive oxygen species generation, which act as important signaling for allergic response. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal mitochondrial dynamics modulate the allergic responses in AR. Mitochondrial dynamics may represent a promising target for the treatment of AR.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards allergic rhinitis in patients with allergic rhinitis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of Chinese patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) on AR is poorly known. This study investigated the KAP towards AR in patients with this disease and explored the factors associated with KAP. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled patients with AR in Zhangjiagang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between October 2022 and March 2023. RESULTS: This study included 656 valid questionnaires. Most participants were 26-35 years old (36.13%) and were female (55.18%). The knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 5.70 ± 2.88 (possible range: 0-12), 29.51 ± 3.52 (possible range: 9-45), and 34.13 ± 7.55 (possible range: 9-45), indicating poor knowledge, unfavorable attitudes, and proactive practice. AR history of 3-5 years (adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) = 1.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-2.54, P = 0.037), AR history of > 6 years (adjOR = 1.64, 95%CI: 1.06-2.54, P = 0.027), and know their own allergens (adjOR = 2.34, 95%CI: 1.28-4.25, P = 0.005) were independently associated with the sufficient knowledge. AR history of ≥ 6 years (adjOR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.37-0.96, P = 0.035), and liking sports (adjOR = 1.58, 95%CI = 1.07-2.33, P = 0.020) were independently associated with the positive attitude. The knowledge scores (adjOR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.05-1.22, P = 0.001), attitude scores (adjOR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.17-1.32, P < 0.001), age 36-45 (adjOR = 2.13, 95%CI: 1.19-3.82, P = 0.011), employed (adjOR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.37-0.94, P = 0.026), and liking sports (adjOR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.43-3.14, P < 0.001) were independently associated with the proactive practice. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AR have poor knowledge and unfavorable attitudes but good practice toward AR. Continuous quality teaching interventions and education on patients for AR were recommended.

Study on the inhibition of inflammation by the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway and the promotion of wound healing of oral ulcer of Yangyin Shengji powder after chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the treatment effect and mechanism of Yangyin Shengji powder in oral ulcer after chemotherapy. METHODS: The experiments were externally administered. The threshold of pain reflex (Tr) was measured 30, 60, and 120 min after the last relative substances administration to the plantar and abdomen of mice by intelligent hot plate instrument. The toe swelling degree of mice was calculated 1, 3, and 5 h after inflammation. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the relative expression levels of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Two hours after the last spraying treatment, the ulcer area of mice was measured. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were detected by ELISA. The degree of oral mucosal injury was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. RESULTS: Compared with positive control group, the Tr value of Yangyin Shengji powder group was lower at 30 and 60 min, and the Tr value was higher at 120 min. Yangyin Shengji powder decreased the swelling degree of toes 1, 3, and 5 h after inflammation, and the SOD and GSH-Px levels in the swelling tissue of toes were significantly increased. The MDA, PGE2, COX-1 and COX-2 levels were significantly decreased. The oral mucosa structure of mice in the Yangyin Shengji powder group was relatively intact and a few inflammatory cells were infiltrated. Compared with normal group, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the model group were increased, while the levels of EGF and EGFR were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ulcer area, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were decreased in the Yangyin Shengji powder group, while EGF and EGFR levels were increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Yangyin Shengji powder has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, is anti-oxidative stress, inhibits inflammatory response, and inhibits the COX-2/PGE2 signaling pathway, so as to alleviate local inflammation of oral ulcer in mice after chemotherapy and promote wound healing.

Yiqi Wenyang Fang ameliorates allergic rhinitis through inhibiting inflammatory response and promoting the expression of Foxp3.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disease with a hypersensitivity response to environmental stimulus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Yiqi Wenyang Fang (YWF) on AR and investigate the underlying mechanism. A total of 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (normal control, model control, YWF at low dose, YWF at median dose, YWF at high dose, and loratadine). Rats were injected with antigen for sensitization. Then, rats in the YWF groups were treated with different dose of YWF for 28 days. Loratadine was used as a positive control. Number of sneezes, degree of runny nose, nasal rubbing movements, and tissue damage were scored. The protein and mRNA expression of Foxp3 were determined by western blot and real time-PCR analysis, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells. The content of interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1), IL-13, and IL-4 in the serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Scores of symptoms were significantly reduced and nasal mucosa damage was alleviated after YWF administration. YWF increased the expression of Foxp3, IL-10, TGF-ß1, and number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells which were reduced by antigen injection. The expression levels of IL-13 and IL-4 were increased after antigen administration while decreased after YWF treatment. YWF may ameliorate AR through inhibiting inflammatory response and promoting Foxp3 expression.

[Research of bimingan granule on dendritic cell in allergic rhinitis mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism. METHOD: We isolate the mouse bone marrow cells and cultured with rGM-CSF and rIL-4 to stimulate bone marrow cells to transfer to immature dendritic cells. And then the immature dendritic cells were costimulated with ILPS and different concentrations of Bimingan Granule. RESULT: MHC II, CD80, CD86 were detected by flow cytometer and TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-10 were quantified by ELISA. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that Bimingan Granule may significantly inhibit the differentiation of immature dendritic cells to mature dendritic cells.

[Effects on function rehabilitation of vocal cord after vocal cord polyps surgery treated with acupuncture at Sheng's four points of throat].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects on function rehabilitation of vocal cord after vocal cord polyps surgery treated with acupuncture at Sheng's Four Points of Throat. METHODS: Sixty cases were randomly divided into a combined therapy group of Four Points of Throat and medication (group 1, 30 cases) and a medication group (group 2, 30 cases). In group 1 Four Points of Throat were punctured and routine medication was applied; in group 2, only routine medication was applied. The scores of symptom-sign and status of voice were observed and analyzed before and after treatment in two groups. RESULTS: At 4th day after the surgery, the improvement of the symptom-sign scores in group 1 was more significant than that in group 2 (P < 0.05); and the voice analysis status in group 1 was superior to that in group 2 (all P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 83.3% (25/30) in group 1, which was superior to that of 60.0% (18/30) in group 2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The effect on function rehabilitation of vocal cord after vocal cord polyps surgery treated with the combined therapy group of Four Points of Throat and routine medication is favorable, superior to that with routine medication therapy.