Analyze interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels in dry eye and the therapeutic effect of cyclosporine A

BACKGROUND Dry eye is a common eye disease.Artificial tears supplements are widely used for the treatment of dry eyes.However,multiple adverse effects have been observed in patients receiving long-term treatment with artificial tears,which may affect the therapeutic effect.AIM To analyze the characteristics of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)levels in patients with dry eye and the therapeutic effect of artificial tears combined with cyclosporine A.METHODS A total of 124 dry eye patients treated at The First People’s Hospital of Xining from April 2020 to April 2022 were selected as the observation group,while 20 healthy individuals served as the control group during the same period.Levels of inflammatory markers,including IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α,were analyzed.The observation group was further divided into a study group and a control group,each consisting of 62 patients.The control group received artificial tears,whereas the study group received a combination of artificial tears and cyclosporine A.Inflammatory markers,Schirmer’s test(SIT),tear break-up time(TBUT),corneal fluorescein staining(CFS),National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25(NEI-VFQ-25)scores,and adverse events(AEs)were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The observation group exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αin comparison to the healthy group.Following treatment,the study group demonstrated substantial reductions in IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αlevels relative to the control group.Moreover,after treatment,the study group experienced a marked decrease in CFS scores and significant increases in both SIT and BUT levels when compared to the control group.Additionally,significant improvements were observed in the primary symptom of dry eye and secondary symptoms such as photophobia,foreign body sensation,fatigue,red eye,and burning sensation within the study group.Furthermore,post-treatment NEI-VFQ-25 scores across all dimensions exhibited significant enhancements in the study group compared to the control group(P<0.05).It is noteworthy that significant AEs were reported in both groups throughout the treatment period.CONCLUSION Cyclosporine A combined with artificial tears is effective in treating dry eye,yielding enhanced outcomes by improving SIT and TBUT levels,reducing CFS scores,and ameliorating vision-related quality of life.

MCSA算法在电力系统稳定性中的应用

在电力系统中经常发生低频振荡的现象,危及电力系统的稳定。振荡主要是由于频率、负荷、电压、有功功率和无功功率的突变引起的。利用改进的变色龙优化算法(MCSA)给出了阻尼低频振荡的方法。并将改进的变色龙群算法与传统的变色龙群算法和遗传算法在实际功率、无功功率和负载扰动等在不同条件下进行比较,分析了系统的阻尼性能和稳定性。实验结果表明,该控制器具有较高的阻尼比,对转速和功角偏差具有较好的阻尼,提高了系统的稳定性。

Immunomodulatory effect of pachymaran on cyclosporine A(CsA)-induced lung injury in mice

Objective To investigate the immunomodulatory effect of pachymaran on cyclosporine A(CsA)-induced lung injury in mice.Methods(i) Fifty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups(10 mice in each group): normal control(NC) group, 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg CsA groups, and lipopolysaccharide(LPS) group. Except for the NC group, other groups underwent CsA modeling. The NC group was treated with phosphate-buffered saline(PBS), the LPS group with 10 mg/kg LPS eight hours before mice euthanized, and the 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg CsA groups with corresponding doses of CsA for seven consecutive days. After treatment, the body and organ mass of each group were weighed, and the lung, thymus, and spleen indexes were calculated. Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE) staining was performed to observe histopathological changes in the lungs of the mice. The protein expression levels of interleukin(IL)-2 and IL-1β in the blood were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and those of surfactant protein D(SP-D), IL-2, and IL-6 in lung tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC). The mRNA expression levels of SP-D, IL-1β, IL-6, and myeloperoxidase(MPO) in the lung tissues were detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR).(ii) Another 60 BALB/c mice were divided into six groups(10 mice in each group) : NC group,model control(MC) group, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg pachymaran groups, and polyinosinicpolycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] group. Except for the NC group, other groups underwent45 mg/kg CsA modeling. The NC and MC groups were treated with distilled water, the pachymaran groups with corresponding doses pachymaran, and the poly(I:C) group with 0.1 mg/kg poly(I:C) for seven days.The mice were euthanized to obtain tissues and serum for detection.Detection methods were identical to those described in(i) above.Results(i) CsA(30 mg/kg) increased the lung index of mice(P < 0.001), and decreased the spleen index(P < 0.01), thymus index(P < 0.05), and the serum level of IL-2(P < 0.05). CsA(45 mg/kg) decreased the spleen, thymus indexes, and the serum level of IL-2(P < 0.01) in mice, and increased the serum level of IL-1β(P < 0.05) and the protein level of lung SP-D(P <0.001). CsA(60 mg/kg) increased the lung index of mice(P < 0.01), the serum level of IL-1β(P < 0.05), the protein level of lung SP-D(P < 0.01), and the mRNA levels of lung MPO and SP-D( P < 0.05), and decreased the thymus index of mice(P < 0.01). HE staining showed that 30, 45, and60 mg/kg CsA, and LPS caused pathological changes in the lung tissue of mice.(ii) After pachymaran intervention in MC mice, the spleen and thymus indexes(P < 0.05) were increased in the 100 and 200 mg/kg pachymaran groups, and the lung index was decreased(P < 0.05).Moreover, 50 mg/kg pachymaran increased the thymus index(P < 0.05) and decreased the lung index(P < 0.01) in MC group. Pachymaran(50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) improved lung tissue injury, reduced the serum level of IL-1β(P < 0.001), and the mRNA levels of MPO and SPD in lung tissues(P < 0.05) of mice. Pachymaran(100 mg/kg) increased the protein level of lung IL-2(P < 0.01), decreased the protein level of lung SP-D(P < 0.01), and the mRNA level of IL-1β(P < 0.001) in the lung tissues of mice. Pachymaran(200 mg/kg) increased the serum level of IL-2(P < 0.01) and lung IL-6 of mice(P < 0.05). Pachymaran(50 and 200 mg/kg) increased the mRNA level of IL-6 in the lung tissues of mice(P < 0.05).Conclusion While the immune function of mice was suppressed by CsA, the lung tissue was also damaged. Pachymaran can improve the immunosuppression induced by CsA and improve the lung tissue injury in immunosuppressed mice.

基于CSA-PLS算法的养殖水体水质快速高光谱预测反演模型研究

养殖水体水质的优劣直接影响养殖对象的成长,准确、快速、全面地掌控养殖水环境的水质参数变化情况具有重要意义。传统的水质指标监测方法都通过人工采样的方式,不仅耗费时间长,且只能体现局部水体情况。针对这些问题,提出了一种乌鸦搜索算法(CSA)结合偏最小二乘回归(PLSR)的高光谱特征波段筛选方法,快速构建回归模型,实现光谱数据的精准预测反演。以连片的养殖小区为研究对象,采集养殖水体样本并拍摄同时期的高光谱影像数据。首先对提取的采样点光谱数据利用多种数据变换方法分别预处理;其次利用这些数据,对水质指标总氮(TN)、氨氮(NH_(4)^(+)-N)、总磷(TP)和化学需氧量(COD)分别构建全波段的SVR和AdaBoost回归模型,同时与提出的CSA-PLS自动筛选波段方法和传统的连续投影算法(SPA)筛选波段后构建的模型进行比较分析;最后根据决定系数(R^(2))和均方根误差(REMS)选出适合各水质指标的最优模型。从实验结果可以看出,所提波段筛选方法的AdaBoost模型预测结果优于SVR和传统SPA方法提取特征波段后构建的模型,与全波段最优模型相比,在评价指标R^(2)和RMSE上TN提升了18.32%和10.73%;NH_(4)^(+)-N提升了17.42%和11.19%;COD提升了2.15%和2.54%。结果表明,基于CSA-PLS算法的光谱波段自动筛选方法结合AdaBoost构建的预测反演模型是有效、可行的,具有较高的精准度,为实现养殖水环境实时准确的预警调控提供了一种新的数据预测模型。

社区支持农业情境下亲子研学动机对CSA产品消费意愿影响机制研究

基于广州和深圳两市447份亲子家庭问卷数据,构建中介效应模型并予以验证,结果显示:CSA课程需求、社交需求均正向影响CSA产品消费意愿。进一步分析表明:亲子研学活动参与意愿在CSA课程需求及社交需求对CSA产品消费意愿的影响机制中均起部分中介作用。兼顾CSA课程需求、社交需求的农场亲子研学活动可成为连接CSA城乡交流、提升CSA产品消费意愿的有效载体。

Systemic Amyloidosis Secondary to Psoriasis: A Rare, Autoimmune and Genetically-Determined Disorder That Is Amenable to Treatment with Cyclosporin A—Cyclosporin A for Psoriasis-Induced Amyloidosis

Background: Systemic secondary amyloidosis (SSA) is associated with chronic inflammatory disorders and/or chronic infections. Patients and Methods: Over the past 10 years;a total of 21 patients, with long-term (17 months) and extensive psoriasis (P) with psoriasis area severity index (PASI) >29, were evaluated. Results: Two patients had nephrotic syndrome (proteinuria 3.9 and 3.6 g/day) and decrease creatinine clearance (46 and 62 ml/minute). Their renal biopsy revealed Congo-red (+) nodular glomerulosclerosis that lacked immune-deposits and resisted wash with K-permanganate wash indicating SSA. Three months subsequent to Cyclosporin A (CyA) therapy with 100 mg twice daily;psoriasis improved in all patients with decrease in (PASI) from 29.5 to 3.5 1. In the 2 patients with SSA;proteinuria decreased to 2.1 and 1.8 g/day and creatinine clearance improved to 51 and 69 ml/minute. Such improvement persisted up to 2 years of follow up and up to 78 months in patients with SSA. Conclusion: psoriasis-induced SSA is an autoimmune disease, with genetic predisposition that is amenable to CyA therapy.

环孢霉素A(Cyclosporin A,CsA)对穿透性异种角膜移植的影响——免疫学检测与形态学观察

以鸡→兔穿透性角膜移植为实验模型,运用ELISA 技术和微量全血~3H—TdR 掺入法、光镜和扫描电镜进行检测和观察。结果:术后3～4周血清中抗角膜抗体水平和外周血淋巴细胞转化程度达峰值,而CsA 治疗组与对照组比,上述二项免疫指标水平都有明显下降。组织病理学检查:在对照组的移植片内出现明显的炎性细胞浸润和新生血管,而CsA 治疗组,异种植片基本正常,没有出现炎性细胞浸润和新生血管。

Cyclosporine玻璃体腔内注射对异种视网膜色素上皮移植的排异抑制作用

目的 观察兔眼视网膜下腔植入人胚眼视网膜色素上皮 (retinal pigm ent epithe-lium,RPE)后不同时期的眼底和组织学改变。研究环胞菌素 A (Cyclosporines,Cs A )玻璃体腔内注射能否抑制人胚眼 RPE在兔眼视网膜下腔中诱导的异种移植排异反应。方法 人胚眼色素上皮片和浓缩色素上皮细胞悬液植入 36只兔眼的视网膜下腔 ,其中 16眼为对照组 ,用于观察排异的自然转规。分别于 7d(8眼 )和 30 d(8眼 )后获取组织标本。另 2 0眼为实验组。RPE移植后 ,每周一次玻璃体腔内注射 Cs A1mg(12眼 )或 Cs A0 .1mg(8眼 )。视网膜和视神经的毒性反应使用 ERG进行检查。结果 人胚眼 RPE片和浓缩的 RPE细胞均能在视网膜下腔短期存活。移植的 RPE与视细胞结合良好并显示吞噬功能。排异反应发生时间约在术后 10～ 30 d。对照组中 7d的排异发生率为 0 /8;30 d排异发生率为 7/8。排异发生后荧光造影中移植区为高荧光区 ,组织切片中显示有大量的组织细胞积聚。 Cs A1mg组 30 d排异发生率为 0 /12 ,0 .1mg组为 5 /8。ERG波幅的下降与 Cs A剂量和注射次数呈正相关。结论 异种 RPE视网膜下腔移植在无免疫抑制剂的条件下 ,只能短期存活。Cs A玻璃体腔中注射能抑制异种 RPE移植的排异反应但易引起明显的视网膜毒性反应。

基于信息敏感性与CSA-BP神经网络的“智慧工地系统”实施风险评价研究

为提高“智慧工地系统”在实施过程中的安全性,减少其因应用不当等原因造成的损失。参考WSR方法论与信息敏感性理论建立“智慧工地系统”实施风险评价指标体系。引入CSA-BP神经网络算法,该方法通过乌鸦搜索算法(CSA)弥补BP神经网络易陷入局部最优及收敛速度慢等缺陷,建立了实施风险评价模型。将该模型应用到广西某码头油库项目进行实例验证,评价结果与实际情况相符,表明其可行性较高,具有实际应用价值。根据模型评价结果有针对性地提出建议及措施,为“智慧工地系统”的推广与实施过程提供理论依据。

Antirejection therapy with Tripterygium woifordii and low-dose cyclosporine in small bowel transplantation in pigs

AIMS Antirejection therapy with tripterygium wolfordii(TW) and low-dose cyclosporine(CsA)was better than treatments with large dosage CsA in small bowel transplantation. METHODS This paper presents the experiment of two step segmental small bowel transplantation with TW,a traditional Chinese medicine and low dose CsA in pigs. RESULTS Rejection was developed in Group I without im- munosuppression as well as in Group Ⅳ treated with low-dose CsA.The mean survival time of grafts was 12.8±2.7days and 12.4±2.6 days respectively.The animals of Group Ⅱ were treated with high-dose CsA for 100 days and then with TW.in which two pigs were killed for severe pneumonia on day 92,97 and two pigs survived more than 348 and 327 days respective- ly.Five animals in Group Ⅲ in which TW and low-dose CsA were administered for 100 days and then TW was the only drug used in living animals,survived 243.2±90.9 days,none of which succumbed to infection. CONCLUSIONS:We are the first to use TW in small bowel transplantation and f Group Ⅰ(n=10):control group,received no immunosuppression.

茶树CsAS1和CsAS2基因的克隆及功能分析

叶片是植物进行光合作用等代谢过程的重要场所,所以对其形态建成及发育过程的研究非常重要.AS蛋白能够参与叶片极性建立的调控,但关于茶树AS蛋白的研究还较少.本研究从“福鼎大白茶”茶树中克隆获得了2个AS蛋白基因:CsAS1和CsAS2,编码蛋白长度分别为344 aa和229 aa,理论等电点分别为10.04和7.36,分别分布在第4和10号染色体上,均定位于细胞核;系统进化树和保守结构域分析表明,CsAS1和CsAS2蛋白间氨基酸序列和空间结构高度保守,且分别与葡萄和水稻的AS蛋白亲缘最近;CsAS1和CsAS2在茶树中的表达模式分析显示,CsAS1基因在茶树芽中的表达量最高,CsAS2基因在茶树根中的表达量最高,且CsAS1和CsAS2基因在茶树一芽二叶中的表达量均受到外源IAA和GA 3的诱导表达;启动子元件和转录组数据分析结果显示,CsAS1和CsAS2基因启动子序列中均含有多个非生物逆境胁迫响应的元件,且受到不同逆境胁迫的抑制或诱导表达.综上所述,CsAS1和CsAS2基因可参与茶树叶片的形态建成及非生物逆境胁迫的响应过程,可为进一步研究CsAS1和CsAS2基因在茶树叶片极性建立及叶片发育过程中的功能提供理论参考.

CSA模式视角下乡村六次产业融合发展的可行性探析——基于辽宁省部分农场与乡村的调查

CSA模式以其临近消费市场的地理位置、生态化有机种植与产销高度融合等条件在诸多发达国家得到成功验证。我国可借鉴其成功经验,在我国乡村振兴战略背景下,通过CSA模式视角重新审视乡村自身条件与环境,进而找到以农业为基础的六次产业融合与长远可持续发展的路径。

Studies on in vitro release of cyclosporine A-loaded microspheres

Aim This study was to prepare cyclosporine A （CyA） microspheres （Ms） using 75：25 poly （D, L-lactide-co-glycolide） polymer （PLGA）, and to evaluate the in vitro release of the CyA microspheres. Methods CyA-Ms were prepared by an oil-inwater （o/w） emulsion solvent extraction/evaporation process and characterized for drug content, particle size, surface morphology, and differential scanning calorimeter （DSC）. Accelerated in vitro release of cyclosporine A from the mieropsheres was studied at various conditions, such as temperatures, surfactants, pH values and organic solvents for a short period. Results CyA-Ms were in spherical shape with average particle size of 50 μm and loading efficiency of 13.0%. The results of DSC measurements suggested that at the dry state, CyA did interact very strongly with the hydrophilic PLGA polymer. In vitro release test in various release medium showed slight increase of CyA-Ms release profiles under various conditions of temperatures, surfactants and pH values. However, dramatical increase of CyA-Ms release was seen in the medium containing 30% isopropanol. Conclusion It was demonstrated that CyA could be incorporated into polymeric Ms prepared from PLGA using a solvent evaporation technique. The release medium containing 30% isopropanol might be the ideal condition for CyA-PLGA microspheres in vitro quality control test.

价值共创如何影响CSA的质量安全治理能力?——基于共生理论的案例研究

价值共创的核心是在遭遇空间中实现各方的价值创造,以满足主体的利益诉求和价值诉求。价值共创将社区支持农业(CSA)的模式优势转换为治理效能,能够有效促使CSA质量安全治理能力的积淀、形成与提升。研究采用单案例研究方法,基于共生理论,从共生主体、共生关系和共生效益三重视角分析价值共创影响CSA质量安全治理能力的内在逻辑,并构建相应的理论模型。研究发现:在CSA模式发展前期,价值共创通过聚合共生主体,积淀CSA质量安全治理能力;在CSA模式发展中期,价值共创通过构建共生关系,形成CSA质量安全治理能力;在CSA模式发展后期,价值共创通过输出共生效益,提升CSA质量安全治理能力。

Cyclosporine versus tacrolimus in patients with HCV infection after liver transplantation:Effects on virus replication and recurrent hepatitis

AIM： To determine the effects of the calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporine and tacrolimus, on hepatitis C virus （HCV） replication and activity of recurrent hepatitis C in patients post liver transplantation. METHODS： The data of a cohort of 107 patients who received liver transplantation for HCV-associated liver cirrhosis between 1999 and 2003 in our center were retrospectively analyzed. The level of serum HCV-RNA and the activity of recurrent hepatitis were compared between 47 patients who received either cyclosporine or tacrolimus as the primary immunosuppressive agent and an otherwise similar immunosuppressive regimen which did not lead to biliary complications within the first 12 mo after transplantation. RESULTS： HCV-RNA increased within 3 mo after transplantation but the differences between the cyclosporine group and the tacrolimus group were insignificant （P=0.49 at 12 too）. In addition, recurrent hepatitis as determined by serum transarninases and histological grading of portal inflammation and fibrosis showed no significant difference after 12 mo （P= 0.34）.CONCLUSION： Cyclosporine or tacrolimus as a primary immunosuppressive agent does not influence the induction or severity of recurrent hepatitis in HCV- infected patients after liver transplantation.

Comparative analysis of different cyclosporine A doses on protection after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of different cyclosporin A(CsA)doses on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat models.Methods:A rat model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury was established in vivo and the rats were randomly divided into four groups:placebo(PBS;T1),low-dose(CsA dose:1.0 mg/kg:T2),medium-dose(CsA dose:2.5 mg/kg:T3),and high-dose(CsA dose:5.0 mg/kg;T4)groups.Heart function indexes were monitored at different time points,the extent of myocardial infarction was assessed by Evans Blue-TTC staining,and creatine kinase MB mass and cardiac troponin 1 values were measured by biochemical assays.Results:Compared with the T1 and T2 groups,both the creatine kinase MB mass and cardiac troponin 1 were significantly lower in the T3 and T4 groups(P<0.05).The mean arterial pressure(MAP)and left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP)decreased sequentially in each group,with the extending reperfusion time.Significant decreases in LVSP and MAP were observed in the T3 and T4 groups as compared to the T1 and T2 group(P<0.05)and the T2 group showed a significantly lower LVSP and MAP decline than the T1 group(P<0.05).Compared with the Tl group,the rats from the T2.T3,and T4 groups suffered from a significantly lower extent of myocardial infarction(P<0.05).Also,the a animals in the T3 and T4 groups had a significantly smaller extent of myocardial infarction than those in the T2 group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Various CsA doses exert different degrees of protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury,and this protective effect peaks at approximately 2.5 mg/kg in rat models.

Treatment of ocular rosacea: comparative study of topical cyclosporine and oral doxycycline

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of topical cyclosporine A emulsion with that of oral doxycycline for rosacea associated ocular changes and dry eye complaints.METHODS: One hundred and ten patients with rosacea were screened. Thirty-eight patients having rosacea associated eyelid and ocular surface changes and dry eye complaints were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: nineteen patients were given topical cyclosporine twice daily and nineteen patients were given oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for the first month and once daily for the following two months. Symptom and sign scores, ocular surface disease index questionnarie and tear function tests were evaluated at baseline and monthly for 3mo. Three months after results were compared with that of baseline.RESULTS: Mean values of symptom, eyelid sign and corneal/conjunctival sign scores of each treatment group at baseline and 3mo after treatments were compared and both drugs were found to be effective on rosacea associated ocular changes(P 【0.001). Cyclosporine was more effective in symptomatic relief and in the treatment of eyelid signs(P =0.01). There was statistically significant increase in the mean Schirmer score with anesthesia and tear break up time scores in the cyclosporine treatment group compared to the doxycycline treatment group(P 【0.05).CONCLUSION: Cyclosporine as a topical drug can be used in the treatment of rosacea associated ocular complications because it is more effective than doxycycline. In addition ocular rosacea as a chronic disease requires long term treatment and doxycycline has various side effects limiting its long term usage.

Inhibitory effect of cyclosporine A on hepatitis B virus replication in vitro and its possible mechanisms

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B related end-stage liver disease is recently acknowledged as one of the main indications for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, the high recurrence rate of hepatitis B virus infection following transplantation is regarded as a major factor affecting the long-term survival of transplant recipients especially in Chi- na. Cyclosporine A (CsA), which is routinely used to pre- vent the allograft rejection, is reported to have the inhibito- ry activity on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in vitro. In this paper, we review the inhibitory effect and its possi- ble mechanisms of CsA on HBV replication in vitro. DATA RESOURCES: An English-language literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1990-2004) on cyclospo- rine A, hepatitis B virus, mitochondria, calcium and other related reports and review articles. RESULTS: Hepatitis B x protein (HBx) is essential to HBV replication. The cytosolic calcium signaling mediated by mitochondria and the Src kinase pathway were involved during HBx activation of HBV replication. CsA inhibits the HBV replication in vitro by its binding to mitochondrial cy- clophilin D, then blocking the mitochondria-mediated cy- tosolic calcium signaling. The derivates of CsA also have the HBV replication inhibitory effect in vitro. CONCLUSIONS; By interacting with mitochondria, pre- venting the release of intramitochondrial calcium, and then blocking the cytosolic calcium signaling, CsA inhibits the HBV replication in vitro. The derivates of CsA also have this activity.

Effect of topical 0.05% cyclosporine A on the tear protein lacritin in a rat model of dry eye

AIM: To observe the effect of topical 0.05% cyclosporine A(CsA) on the ocular surface and tear protein lacritin in a botulinum B-induced dry eye rat model. METHODS: A total of 36 female SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, botulinum B was injected into the right lacrimal gland of all rats. Group A and group B were treated with 0.05% CsA and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate, respectively, 3 times daily. The control group was not treated. Basal tear flow, corneal epithelial defects, and lacritin levels were measured. RESULTS: Tear secretion in all rats was reduced on day 3 and was even lower on day 7 postoperation(P<0.05). Tear secretion in group A increased by day 14 and was at the preoperative level on day 42. Tear secretion in group B and control rats was lower on days 14 and 42 compared with preoperative level(P<0.05). Corneal fluorescein staining in group A was higher on day 3, peaked on day 7, and then decreased gradually from day 7 until day 14, returning to normal by day 42 post-procedure. However, in group B, corneal fluorescein staining had improved, but was not fully recovered by day 42. Corneal fluorescein staining was more intense than before the operation and then in the control group at all time points. Tear protein lacritin levels reached the lowest levels on day 7 in all groups. In group A, tear protein lacritin levels began to increase on day 14 and were normal on day 42. In group B, tear protein lacritin levels began to increase on day 14, but had not completely recovered on day 42. In the control group, tear protein lacritin levels remained low post-procedure. CONCLUSION: CsA 0.05% prompts tear protein lacritin expression in a rat model of dry eye and improves the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

Azathioprine is essential following cyclosporine for patients with steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis

AIM: To evaluate long-term prognosis following cyclosporine treatment by examining the rate of surgery avoidance among cyclosporine responders.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records for 29 patients diagnosed with severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis in our hospital from August 1997 to August 2008 and treated with cyclosporine by continuous intravenous infusion.All patients were treated with intravenous corticosteroids for more than 5 d prior to cyclosporine therapy.Administration was continued for up to 21 d under serum monitoring to maintain cyclosporine levels between 400 and 600 ng/mL.Clinical activity was assessed before and after cyclosporine therapy using the clinical activity index score,with a reduction of ≥ 5 considered to indicate a response.Among responders,we defined cases not requiring surgery for more than 5 years as exhibiting long-term efficacy of cyclosporine.Factors considered to be possibly predictive of long-term efficacy of cyclosporine were sex,age,disease duration,clinical activity index score,C-reactive protein level,hemoglobin level,disease extent,endoscopic findings,and clinical course.RESULTS: Cyclosporine was not discontinued due to side effects in any patient.Nineteen(65.5%) of 29 patients were considered responders.A statistically significant(P = 0.004) inverseas sociation wa s observed between an endoscopic finding of "mucosal bleeding" and responsive cases.Fifteen(9 males,6 females) of these 19 patients were followed for 5 years or more,of whom 9(60%) exhibited long-termefficacy of cyclosporine.Of the 10 non-responders,9(90%) underwent surgery within 6 mo of cyclosporine therapy.None of the following factors had a significant impact on the long-term efficacy of cyclosporine: sex,age,duration of disease,clinical activity index score,C-reactive protein level,hemoglobin level,extent of disease,endoscopic findings,or clinical course.In contrast,a significant association was observed for maintenance therapy with azathioprine after cyclosporine therapy(P = 0.0014).CONCLUSION: Maintenance therapy with azathioprine might improve the long-term efficacy of continuously infused cyclosporine for severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis patients.