Markers of systemic and lung inflammation in childhood asthma

AIM

To compare different biomarkers of inflammation in children with controlled and uncontrolled asthma and to investigate their relationship with other clinical indices of asthma control (symptoms, lung function, serum IgE, and prn beta-agonist use).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 62 consecutive asthmatic children (age 11 +/- 3.3 years, 32 girls) with controlled ([C], n = 19) and uncontrolled asthma ([NC], n = 43) were studied. Measured lung function and inflammatory biomarkers included: spirometry, exhaled NO (F(E)NO), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), peripheral blood white blood cells (WBC) counts, and differentials.

RESULTS

Hs-CRP was significantly higher in uncontrolled than in controlled asthma (hs-CRP, median [IQR], mg/L; 0.56 [0.60] vs 0.25 [0.34], p = 0.008). Discriminant analysis (backward stepwise) depicted hs-CRP and lymphocytes (as Z-score for absolute count) as significant discriminative factors for asthma control (F = 8.319, p = 0.0007) with 82.3% diagnostic accuracy. Divided into quartiles hs-CRP showed the significant inverse association with F(E)NO (F = 7.359, p = 0.003, ANOVA) with no significant difference for asthma control (F = 1.032, p = 0.386). Post-hoc analysis revealed that F(E)NO values were significantly lower in the third and the fourth quartile of hs-CRP in comparison to the first and the second one (p < 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION

In asthmatic children with uncontrolled asthma serum hs-CRP was increased compared to children with controlled asthma. Although F(E)NO values were also increased (insignificantly) and inversely correlated with hs-CRP they were probably reflecting different etiology underlying the loss of control. The role of peripheral blood biomarkers in asthmatics is still poorly investigated so new studies are required.

Elimination of mercury from amalgam in rats

The aim of this study was to measure the urinary mercury excretion in rats exposed to amalgam over a two months period. Animals were either exposed to mercury from 4 dental amalgams or fed the diet containing powdered amalgams. The results showed significantly higher mercury amount in urine of both exposed groups than in control. Even two months after the amalgam had been placed in rats teeth, the amount of mercury in the urine remained 4-5 times higher than in control, and 4 times higher than in rats exposed to diet containing powdered amalgam. The elevated urinary Hg amount was accompanied by an increased level of total protein in urine. In the same exposure period the excretion of total protein in urine of rats with amalgam fillings was 2 times higher than in control and 1.5 times higher than in rats exposed to amalgam through diet. Concentrations of mercury in the sera of all groups were below the detection limit of the method. The results show that amount of mercury and protein in the urine of rats were related to the mercury release from dental malgam.

Some aspects of the effects of PL-10.1.AK-15 on the gastrointestinal tract

PL-10.1.AK-15 is an active fragment of a naturally occurring protein first isolated from human gastric juice. Among its other protective effects, PL-10.1.AK-15 has demonstrated a protective effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of PL-10.1.AK-15 on two functional parameters of gastrointestinal function: gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility. Gastric acid secretion was assessed in male Wistar rats using a modified method of Shay, while gastrointestinal motility was assessed in male NMRI mice by charcoal propulsion. PL-10.1.AK-15 was given in three different doses (3, 10 and 100 micrograms/kg body weight) in accordance with the experimental protocol. The results of these experiments indicate that PL-10.1.AK-15 in the investigated doses had no influence on gastric acid secretion or gastrointestinal motility.

Pentagastrin cytoprotection in ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats

To establish pentagastrin cytoprotection, the effectiveness of various doses of pentagastrin on ethanol induced gastric mucosal lesions was investigated in Wistar rats. Significant protection was obtained only after parenteral pretreatment with the exception of the lowest dose (1 microgram/kg b.w.). Pentagastrin cytoprotection is not mediated either by a dopamine, muscarinic or gastrin/CCK receptor or by prostaglandin synthesis. However, the protective effect of pentagastrin is abolished by prior vagotomy, although this procedure alone or sham operation is ineffective to influencing control-ethanol lesions. In secretory studies pentagastrin increased both the volume of gastric juice and total acid output. Unlike cytoprotection, these were reversed by vagotomy, but also with atropine and problumide, whereas domperidone and indomethacin were ineffective.

Micro-organisms as fertilizers and pest control agents in agricultural crops

Micro-organisms can potentially supplement or replace the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in many agricultural cropping systems. Their increased use may reduce the need for nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, particularly in legume and cereal crops, and provide a more ecologically sound method of controlling pests and phytopathogens. Recombinant DNA technology offers the potential to extend and improve these applications. However, genetically modified micro-organisms may occasionally themselves pose environmental risks. Model ecosystems such as intact soil-core microcosms may be useful for both testing efficacy and evaluating environmental risk prior to proceeding with field trials.