NEDD1 overexpression increases cell proliferation, tumor immune escape, and drug resistance in LUAD

Background: Neural Precursor Cell Expressed Developmentally Down-Regulated Protein 1 (NEDD1) serves as a crucial factor in promoting cellular mitosis by directly facilitating wheel assembly and daughter centriole biogenesis at the lateral site of parent centrioles, ultimately driving centrosome replication. The amplification of centrosomes and the abnormal expression of centrosome-associated proteins contribute to the invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer cells. However, the specific mechanism by which NEDD1 contributes to the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unexplored. Therefore, the objective of this study is to uncover the role played by NEDD1 in LUAD. Methods: To verify the expression of NEDD1 in pan-carcinoma. The feasibility of NEDD1 as a prognostic marker for LUAD in TCGA and GEO databases was verified. Subsequently, Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to screen the prognostic factors of LUAD, so as to analyze the correlation between prognostic factors and NEDD1 expression. For another, NEDD1-related genes were screened for pathway enrichment analysis to verify their possible functions. In addition, the expression of NEDD1 in LUAD was verified by qPCR and IHC, then siRNA was used to construct NEDD1-knocked lung cancer cells for subsequent cytobehavioral experiments. Finally, the distribution of NEDD1 in single-cell samples was revealed, and then the correlation between its overexpression and LUAD immune escape and drug resistance was analyzed. Results: LUAD exhibits upregulation of NEDD1, which in turn promotes the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lung cancer cells, thereby contributing to a poor prognosis. Furthermore, the overexpression of NEDD1 is closely associated with immune escape and drug resistance in LUAD. Conclusion: NEDD1 serves as a reliable prognostic marker for LUAD, and its upregulation is associated with increased immune escape and drug resistance. Given these findings, NEDD1 holds potential as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of LUAD.

Effects of glucocorticoid use on survival of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority of cases. Patients with NSCLC have achieved great survival benefits from immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoints. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are frequently used for palliation of cancer-associated symptoms, as supportive care for non-cancer-associated symptoms, and for management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The aim of this study was to clarify the safety and prognostic significance of glucocorticoid use in advanced patients with NSCLC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

METHODS

The study searched publications from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Biology Medicine disc, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database up to March 1st, 2022, and conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effects of glucocorticoid use on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs through the available data. The study calculated the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

This study included data from 25 literatures that were mainly retrospective, with 8713 patients included. Patients taking GCs had a higher risk for tumor progression and death compared with those not taking GCs (PFS: HR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.33-1.86, P <0.001; OS: HR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.41-1.88, P <0.001). GCs used for cancer-associated symptoms caused an obviously negative effect on both PFS and OS (PFS: HR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.32-2.29, P <0.001; OS: HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.52-2.04, P <0.001). However, GCs used for irAEs management did not negatively affect prognosis (PFS: HR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.46-1.00, P = 0.050; OS: HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34-0.83, P = 0.005), and GCs used for non-cancer-associated indications had no effect on prognosis (PFS: HR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.63-1.32, P = 0.640; OS: HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.59-1.41, P = 0.680).

CONCLUSIONS

In advanced NSCLC patients treated with ICIs, the use of GCs for palliation of cancer-associated symptoms may result in a worse PFS and OS, indicating that they increase the risk of tumor progression and death. But, in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs, the use of GCs for the management of irAEs may be safe, and the use of GCs for the treatment of non-cancer-associated symptoms may not affect the ICIs' survival benefits. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful and evaluate indications rationally before administering GCs in individualized clinical management.

Coexistence of a secondary STRN-ALK, EML4-ALK double-fusion variant in a lung adenocarcinoma patient with EGFR mutation: a case report

ALK-positive disease is characterized by the presence of ALK gene rearrangements that encode driver fusion oncoproteins. EML4-ALK fusion is regarded as the most common type in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancers. STRN-ALK is a novel ALK fusion partner in NSCLC and is considered sensitive to targeted therapy. However, there was no study regarding effective therapy for EML4-ALK and STRN-ALK double fusion variants in EGFR-resistant mutant lung cancer. TP53, RB1, and EGFR exon 21 L858R were found in tumor tissues and plasma from patients with capture-based NGS. After 3 months of gefitinib treatment, an NGS of plasma circulating tumor DNA showed that all variants disappeared significantly, and the tumor mass regressed on CT. However, after 10 months, the patient developed drug resistance and the disease progressed with the appearance of new metastatic lesions in the liver and bones. A repeated NGS test revealed EGFR exon20 T790M and the appearance of a novel double-fusion EML4-ALK and STRN-ALK. A combined therapeutic regimen of crizotinib plus osimertinib showed a promising prognosis confirmed with lung CT scans showing stable lesions without any new metastasis. Moreover, a subsequent genotype by NGS also showed the disappearance of STRN-ALK and EGFR exon20 T790M. The therapeutic efficacy of crizotinib plus osimertinib on EML4-ALK and STRN-ALK double-fusion variant in patients with EGFR-resistant mutant lung cancer may provide a supportive reference for the patients with such genetic alteration.

Different microbiomes are found in healthy breeder ducks and those with foot pad dermatitis

Foot pad dermatitis (FPD) is a serious problem of the modern poultry industry, negatively affecting birds' welfare and health status, walking and feeding activity, growth performance, carcass quality, and economic performance of meat production. The gut microbiome in poultry with FPD has not been previously investigated. Therefore, we compared the cecal microbiomes of 8 breeding ducks with FPD to 8 control ducks (breeders with apparently healthy feet) by pyrosequencing the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The results showed a significant β-diversity (P < 0.05) of cecal microbiota presented between healthy and FPD-affected breeder ducks. The plasma endotoxins, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-17, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α concentration, and the abundance of class Clostridia in FPD-affected ducks was markedly higher (P < 0.05), however, the abundance of genus Prevotella, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae UCG-008, and the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in FPD-affected ducks was significantly lower (P < 0.05) when compared to healthy ducks. These findings suggest when duck breeders are affected with FPD, ducks show an increased inflammatory response and a difference of structure and composition of the cecal microbiome.

FTO Facilitates Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Progression by Activating Cell Migration Through mRNA Demethylation

Background

The fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) was identified as a critical demethylase involved in regulating cellular mRNA stability by removing N6-methyladenosine (m6A) residues from mRNA. Emerging evidence has revealed that FTO is deeply implicated in lung cancer. However, knowledge of the function of FTO in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC) is limited.

Methods

FTO and FTO R96Q (R96Q), an FTO missense mutant lacking demethylase activity, were ectopically overexpressed, and FTO was knocked down via siRNA in A549 and H1299 cells. The relationships between FTO with cell characteristics and mRNA m6A levels were explored. Furthermore, RNA sequencing was performed on A549 cells.

Results

FTO overexpression enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of A549 and H1299 cells, decreased mRNA m6A levels. Interestingly, overexpression of R96Q, blunted the effects of FTO overexpression on cell proliferation and invasion. Through RNA sequencing analysis of A549 cells overexpressing FTO or R96Q and control A594 cells, 45 genes were identified as affected by m6A mRNA demethylation. Most of these genes were related to lung cancer, such as laminin γ2, thrombospondin 1, nerve growth factor inducible, integrin alpha11, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses suggested that these genes are fundamental to cancer development processes, such as cell migration and extracellular matrix organization.

Conclusion

Our research shows that FTO facilitates LUAC cell progression by activating cell migration through m6A demethylation; however, further research on the mechanism underlying FTO activity in LUAC is necessary.

Effect of dietary graded resistant potato starch levels on growth performance, plasma cytokines concentration, and intestinal health in meat ducks

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary graded raw potato starch (RPS) levels on growth performance, plasma cytokines concentration, ileal barrier function, and cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration in meat ducks from 1 to 35 D of age. This study included 2 experiments. In experiment (Exp.) 1, sixteen 35-day-old meat ducks were used to evaluate the AME of RPS by orogastric administration. Results showed the AME value of RPS on ducks is 2.76 kcal/g. In Exp. 2, a total of 600 one-day-old ducklings were randomly assigned to 5 isonitrogenous and isoenergetic dietary treatments that included 0 (control), 6, 12, 18, and 24% RPS, respectively. Samples were collected at both of 14 and 35 D. Neither growth performance nor ileal parameters (length, weight, and pH) at both of 14 and 35 D was affected by dietary RPS. However, the mucosal thickness (14 D), villus height (except for 18% RPS at 14 D), and the villus height: crypt depth ratio (14 and 35 D) of the ileum were increased in the 12 and 18% RPS diets when compared to 0% RPS diet. Meanwhile, proinflammatory factors such as plasma interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 (14 D) reduced in 12% RPS diet and tumor necrosis factor α decreased in 12% (except for 14 D) and 18% RPS groups. When compared with the control group, diets with 18% RPS significantly increased mucin 2 gene expression at 14 D, and 12% RPS elevated the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins including Zonula occludens-1 and Claudin 1 (except for 14 D) in the ileal mucosa of birds. Furthermore, ducks fed 12% RPS diet had higher concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate in cecal digesta than other groups. These findings indicated that diets with 12 and/or 18% RPS increased the cecal SCFA concentration, which subsequently enhanced the barrier function and improved intestinal health in the ileum for 14 and 35-day-old meat ducks.

Influence of rs1746048 SNPs on clinical manifestations and incidence of acute myocardial infarction in Guangxi Han population

A relationship of the CXCL12 gene rs1746048 SNPs with AMI has been reported in American, European, Caucasian, and Pakistani populations. However, little is known about this association in the Guangxi Han population. In this study, we detect associations between rs1746048 SNPs and susceptibility, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and gene-environment interactions for AMI. 300 AMI patients and 300 healthy controls of Chinese Han were enrolled. Genotyping of rs1746048 SNPs was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and then confirmed by direct sequencing. Significant differences in both genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs1746048 SNPs between AMI and the control group were not detected (P > 0.05 for each). The frequency of CC genotypes of rs1746048 SNPs was the highest in the 2 h < DT ≤ 6 h subgroup (P < 0.05). The frequencies of the CT genotype and the T allele were significantly higher in the severe complications subgroup of AMI (P < 0.05). There were interactions between the subjects with rs1746048 SNPs and smoking or alcohol consumption (P < 0.017 for each). Rs1746048 SNPs were not correlated with the risk of AMI in present study. For the first time, we discovered that the CC genotype of the rs1746048 SNPs was significantly correlated with DT of AMI; the frequencies of the CT genotype and the minor T allele were positively correlated with the severe complications of AMI. Also, the interaction between the rs1746048 SNPs and smoking or alcohol appears to increase the risk of AMI exposure.

[Efficacy of biventricular pacing on preventing heart failure in patients with high degree atrioventricular block (BIVPACE-AVB Trial)]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the long-term effect of biventricular (BIV) and right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing on cardiac function in patients with high-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)over 35%.

METHODS

A total of 118 consecutive patients with high-degree AVB in six hospitals from East China between May 2009 and December 2012 were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind and parallel controlled study. Patients were randomly assigned to BIV and RVA pacing with or without LV lead on after one-week cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Cardiac function including New York Heart Association(NYHA), 6 minute walking distance (6MWD), Minnesota living with heart failure (MLHF) score, LVEF, left ventricular end-diastolic volumes/diameters (LVEDV/LVEDD) and other echocardiography parameters, as well as N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)were assessed at 6 months and 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients were successfully implanted with CRT. Cardiac function was significantly improved after one-week BIV pacing (n=57) compared with pre-CRT: rate of patients with NYHA Ⅲ (25.44%(29/114) vs. 9.65%(11/114)), MLHF score (17.1±13.6 vs. 26.9±21.6), 6MWD ((315.4±121.8)m vs. (291.8±102.9)m) and NT-proBNP (157.0(70.0, 639.0) ng/L vs. 444.7(144.0, 1 546.0)ng/L, all P<0.05). In BIV group, 6MWD extended from (314.8±142.7)m to (332.7±117.5)m at 6 months (P<0.05), LVEF increased from (60.7±7.9)% at 1 week to (56.6±10.7)% at 6 months(P<0.05), both LVEDV and LVEDD decreased at 12 months compared with at 1 week ((116.2±39.5)ml vs. (131.4±49.6)ml and (50.2±5.6)mm vs. (52.5±6.8)mm, P<0.05). In RVA group (n=57), 6MWD increased at 6 months compared that at 1week ((342.4±109.9)m vs. (310.2±105.1)m, P<0.05), NT-proBNP was higher at 12 months than that at 1 week (349.5(191.8, 884.3)ng/L vs. 127.0(70.3, 336.7)ng/L, P<0.05). Compared with RVA group, BIV group had a bigger shrink in LVEDV decrease at 12 months was more significant in BIV group ((-16.68±24.30)ml vs. (9.09±29.30)ml, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac pacing could acutely improve the cardiac function in patients with high-degree AVB and LVEF over 35%. Improvements on cardiac function and remodeling are more significant after 12-month BIV pacing than that of RVA pacing. Clinical Trail Registry: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TRC-10000832.

THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY IDENTIFICATION FOR RHUBARB AND PHELLODENDRI AMURENSIS CORTEX IN SHUANG-BAI CATAPLASM AND STUDY OF SKIN IRRITATION ASSAY

This paper aimed to raise a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) identification method for rhubarb and Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex and inspected skin irritation induced by them. It applied the TLC identification for Rhubarb and Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex in Shuang-bai cataplasm prescription. In this study six rabbits were divided into two groups to observe the skin irritation from Shuang-bai cataplasm on intact and defected skin. Another 36 were randomly divided into 6 groups to observe the acute toxicity from Shuang-bai cataplasm on intact and defected skin. Also 30 guinea pigs were divided into 3 groups to observe skin allergy to Shuang-bai cataplasm. The results showed that the average weight of the group of intact-skin rabbits was 2.026±0.10 kg and 2.427±0.023 kg after medication; the average weight of the group of defected-skin rabbits was 2.170±0.05 kg and 2.540±0.15 kg after medication; Shuang-bai cataplasm produced no irritation on intact or defected rabbit skin, no acute toxicity in rabbits and no allergy on the skin of guinea pigs. The skin allergy rate on guinea pigs of the medication group was 0 at each time quantum. Therefore, it can be concluded that this preparation produces no extreme skin irritation for rabbits, guinea pigs or human beings, and it can be safely put into practice.

Down-regulation of Aquaporin1 (AQP1) by peptidoglycan via p38 MAPK pathways in primary rat pleural mesothelial cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway involved in Aquaporin1 (AQP1) expression caused by staphylococcal peptidoglycan (PGN) in cultured rat pleural mesothelial cells (rPMCs) in vitro.

METHODS

RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis were used to determine the relative mRNA and protein levels of AQP1 by PGN in rPMCs. P38 kinase inhibitor SB203580, JNK inhibitor SP600125, and ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 were used to determine the effects of PGN-induced AQP1 expression by immunoblot. Activation of p38 by PGN was reflected by detecting the phosphorylation constituent of p38, using immunoblot. The shift of localization after activation of p38 by PGN was investigated by immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTS

AQP1 transcription and protein expression were decreased by PGN in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners in rPMCs. Down-regulation of AQP1 by PGN was blocked only by SB203580, neither by SP600125 nor by PD98059. Furthermore, rPMCs exposed to PGN showed activation of p38 MAPK. Phospho-p38 protein production was increased by PGN stimulation in rPMCs. The localization of phospho-p38 was both in the cytosol and nuclei after PGN treatment, while its normal distribution is mainly in the cytosol in rPMCs.

CONCLUSION

AQP1 expression was decreased by PGN in both dose-dependent and time-dependent manners in rPMCs. This down-regulation by PGN-induced AQP1 in rPMCs may be mediated by the activation of p38 MARK pathway.

Effect of tumor necrosis factor-α antagonism in asthma: a meta-analysis of the published literature

It remains controversial whether tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antagonism is effective for asthma. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate efficacy of TNF-α antagonism in treatment of patients with asthma. MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and CINAHL databases were searched for English-language studies published through January 3, 2010. Randomized-controlled trials comparing TNF-α antagonism with control therapy were selected. For each report, data were extracted in relation to the outcomes analyzed: asthma exacerbation, asthma quality of life questionnaire scores, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Four assessable trials were identified including 641 patients with asthma. TNF-α antagonism therapy was superior to control therapy in preventing exacerbations in asthmatics [pooled odds ratio 0.52 (95% confidence interval 0.29-0.88), P=0.02]; however, there was a nonsignificant reduction in asthma quality of life questionnaire scores [0.23 (0 to 0.47), P=0.05], forced expiratory volume in 1 second [0.03, (-0.14 to 0.10), P=0.74] when analyzed using standardized mean differences. TNF-α antagonism was superior to control chemotherapy in terms of asthma exacerbation, but not asthma quality of life questionnaire scores or forced expiratory volume in 1 second.

Expression of soluble Toll-like receptors in pleural effusions

BACKGROUND

The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent a group of single-pass transmembrane receptors expressed on sentinel cells that are central to innate immune responses.The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of soluble TLRs in pleural effusions, and the diagnostic values of TLRs for pleural effusion with various etiologies.

METHODS

Pleural effusion and serum samples were collected from 102 patients (36 with malignant pleural effusion, 36 with tuberculous pleural effusion, 18 with bacterial pleural effusion, and 12 with transudative pleural effusion). The concentrations of TLR1 to TLR10 were determined in effusion and serum samples by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Four classical parameters (protein, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP)) in the pleural fluid were also assessed. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of pleural fluid TLRs and biochemical parameters for differentiating bacterial pleural effusion.

RESULTS

The concentrations of TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 in bacterial pleural effusion were significantly higher than those in malignant, tuberculous, and transudative groups, respectively. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that the area under the curves of TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 were 0.831, 0.843, 0.842, 0.883 and 0.786, respectively, suggesting that these TLRs play a role in the diagnosis of bacterial pleural effusion. Also, the diagnostic value of TLRs for bacterial pleural effusions was much better than that of biochemical parameters (protein, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose and CRP).

CONCLUSIONS

The concentrations of TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 appeared to be increased in bacterial pleural effusion compared to non-bacterial pleural effusions. Determination of these pleural TLRs may improve the ability of clinicians to differentiate pleural effusion patients of bacterial origin from those with other etiologies.

Effects of the TREM-1 pathway modulation during empyema in rats

BACKGROUND

The activation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) in the presence of microbial components amplifies the inflammatory response. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the modulation of the TREM-1 pathway during empyema in rats.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to empyema induced by intrapleural injection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The animals were treated with LP17 (a synthetic TREM-1 inhibitor), a control peptide, or a vehicle (normal saline). Differential cell count, flow cytometry and histological examination were performed to evaluate local inflammatory alterations. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6 in both pleural effusion and serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Although differential counts of each type of leukocytes in pleural effusion were not affected by LP17, a marked reduction in neutrophil numbers was seen in LP17 treated rats due to the reduction of both pleural effusion volume and total cell numbers. LP17 administration impaired concentration elevation in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6 in both pleural effusion and serum. It was found that survival rate in LP17 treated rats was much higher than that in control rats.

CONCLUSION

The modulation of the TREM-1 pathway by the use of LP17 appears to be beneficial during empyema in rats in attenuating pleural and systemic inflammatory responses.

[CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood from patients with asthma]

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether regulatory CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) cells exist in patients with atopic asthma.

METHODS

The numbers of peripheral blood CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) cells in peripheral blood of atopic asthmatics and healthy nonatopic subjects were determined using flow cytometry. CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) and CD(4)(+)CD(25)(-) cells from atopic asthmatics and normal donors were isolated, and were cultured to observe the effects of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) cells on proliferation response as well as Th1/Th2 cytokine production of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(-) cells in vitro.

RESULTS

A significant increase in CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) cell numbers was shown in atopic asthmatic patients during acute exacerbation [(14.9 +/- 1.8)%, P < 0.01], but not in patients with stable asthma [(11.8 +/- 0.7)%] and normal subjects [(11.2 +/- 0.8)%, P > 0.05]. The mean inhibition values of the proliferation response of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(-) cells by CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) cells from normal controls [(72 +/- 8)%] and asthmatics [(74 +/- 9)%] were similar (P > 0.05). There was no difference in inhibitory effects on both Th1 and Th2 cytokine production of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(-) cells by CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) cells in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Although CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) cells increase in atopic asthma during exacerbation, these regulatory T cells appear to function normally with regard to their suppressive activities.

Effect of inhaled interleukin-5 on number and activity of eosinophils in circulation from asthmatics

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of interleukin-5 (IL-5) inhalation on changes in the activity and number of circulating eosinophils, as well as concentrations of serum total IgE, in allergic asthmatics. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study design was employed in which each subject acted as his or her own control. Eight nonsmoking patients with allergic asthma were administered recombinant human IL-5 by nebulization. Total white blood cell counts and differentials, as well as concentrations of ECP and total IgE in serum, were determined before and at 2, 24, and 48 h after inhalation. Our results demonstrated that eosinophil numbers increased from baseline (3.6 +/- 1.1 x 10(5)/ml) to 6.3 +/- 1.2 x 10(5)/ml (P < 0.01) at 24 h and to 5.7 +/- 0.9 x 10(5)/ml (P < 0.01) at 48 h after IL-5 inhalation in asthmatics. Accompanying this significantly increased blood eosinophilia were significantly elevated serum ECP levels. Compared with baseline (6.3 +/- 1.1 ng/ml), ECP levels increased with time following IL-5 inhalation, reaching 17.6 +/- 2.8 ng/ml (P < 0.01) at 24 h and remaining elevated at 48 h (18.1 +/- 2.9 ng/ml, P < 0.01). IL-5 inhalation had no significant effect on levels of serum total IgE, however. These findings provide direct evidence that nebulized IL-5 not only induces a significant blood eosinophilia but also results in the activation of circulating eosinophils. Our data further support the importance of IL-5 in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma in humans.

Inhaled IL-5 increases concentrations of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 in sputum from atopic asthmatic subjects

BACKGROUND

Both IL-5 and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) have been shown to play important roles in the production of allergic inflammation, including atopic asthma.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human IL-5 on changes of soluble (s) ICAM-1 concentrations in induced sputum from allergic asthmatic subjects.

METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design, 8 nonsmoking patients with allergic asthma and 6 nonallergic normal subjects were administered recombinant human IL-5 by nebulization, and the concentrations of sICAM-1 in induced sputum from each subject were determined before and at 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours after inhalation.

RESULTS

sICAM-1 levels in sputum within the control group did not appear to change from baseline at any time throughout the study. In allergic asthmatic subjects vehicle challenge was not able to cause any changes in sputum sICAM-1 concentrations. However, there were increases in sputum sICAM-1 concentrations after IL-5 inhalation, which increased with time to significantly greater levels than those at baseline, reaching a maximum at 48 hours and lasting no less than 72 hours. The concentrations of sICAM-1 in sputum after IL-5 challenge exceeded levels that could be accounted for by passive transudation from the circulation on the basis of the magnitude of increases in sputum albumin concentration.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that IL-5 inhalation was capable of inducing an elevation of sputum sICAM-1 concentration by stimulating its local release in allergic asthmatic, but not in nonallergic normal, subjects.

Effect of inhaled interleukin-4 on airway hyperreactivity in asthmatics

lnterleukin-4 (IL-4) has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of allergic disease including bronchial asthma. In order to investigate the role of IL-4 in airway hyperreactivity, we investigated the effect of inhaled recombinant human IL-4 on airway responsiveness to methacholine and eosinophil numbers in induced sputum in eight patients with allergic asthma using a placebo-controlled study design. Our results demonstrated that in the control experiments receiving vehicle inhalation, methacholine PC20 values did not change nor did the numbers of eosinophils in sputum change from baseline values. In contrast, after IL-4 inhalation, methacholine PC20 fell from baseline (0.43 +/- 1.81 mg/mI) to 0.22 +/- 1.73 mg/mI (p < 0.01) at 24 h, and to 0.21 +/- 1. 74 mg/ml (p < 0.01) at 48 h. Accompanying this increased airway sensitivity was a significant eosinophilia in sputum. Our data indicated that IL-4 increases airway responsiveness by recruiting eosinophils into the airway in patients with allergic bronchial asthma.

Effect of inhaled interleukin-5 on airway hyperreactivity and eosinophilia in asthmatics

In order to investigate the role of interleukin-5 (IL-5) in airway hyperreactivity and eosinophilia, we observed the effect of inhaled recombinant human IL-5 on airway responsiveness to methacholine and cell populations in induced sputum in eight patients with allergic bronchial asthma using a placebo-controlled study design. Our results demonstrated that the inhalation of IL-5 did not alter lung function in allergic asthmatics. In the control experiments receiving either vehicle or 0.4 ng of endotoxin, methacholine PC20 values did not change nor did the numbers of eosinophils or eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) sputum values change from baseline. In contrast, after IL-5 inhalation, methacholine PC20 fell from baseline (0.90 +/- 166 mg/ml) to 0.32 +/- 1.63 mg/ml (p < 0.01) at 24 h, and to 0.55 +/- 1.49 mg/ml (p < 0.05) at 48 h. Accompanying this increased airway sensitivity was a significant eosinophilia and elevated concentrations of ECP in induced sputum. Our data provided direct evidence that IL-5 increases airway responsiveness and infiltration of activated eosinophils into the airway in patients with allergic bronchial asthma. It also could be concluded that the observed airway hyperreactivity and eosinophilia were not endotoxin related.

[Therapeutic effects of polyI:C and prednisone withdrawal followed by polyI:C on chronic type B hepatitis--results of two double-blind randomized trials]

Twenty patients received PolyI:C and twenty patients received inosine in first clinical trial. Final evaluation at 6 months after completion of treatment revealed that SGPT activities fell into normal range or nearly into normal range in 16 (80%) patients of the PolyI:C group and in 8 (40%) patients of the inosine group. These data show that patients treated with PolyI:C have a tendency toward normalization of SGPT activities, but changes of serum HBeAg and DNAP were not significantly different between the two groups. Thirty-five patients were treated with prednisone withdrawal followed by PolyI:C and thirty-five patients received placebo alone in a second clinical trial. Final evaluation at 6 months after completion of treatment revealed that effective rates of reducing serum HBeAg (51.4%) and HBV-DNA (65%) were significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group. It is shown that prednisone withdrawal followed by PolyI:C therapy may be more promising for successful treatment of chronic type B hepatitis than PolyI:C therapy alone.