Recent developments in immunotherapy approaches for allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis(AR)poses a significant global health burden,with the potential to progress to asthma,thereby impacting patients’quality of life.Immunotherapy has demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating clinical symptoms by altering the underlying disease mechanisms of AR.This article provides a thorough review of the current state of immunotherapy for AR,encompassing various facets of immunotherapeutic strategies,elucidating their mechanisms and clinical implications.By presenting a nuanced understanding of the present landscape of immunotherapy for AR,this review aims to serve as a valuable reference for informing clinical treatment strategies.The subsequent analysis of diverse immunotherapeutic pathways offers a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms and clinical implications.A meticulous examination is conducted on subcutaneous immunotherapy,sublingual immunotherapy,oral immunotherapy,intralymphatic immunotherapy,and innovative intravenous gold-induced autologous serum injection therapy.Each pathway is systematically elucidated,with its distinctive features and potential contributions to managing AR emphasized.In conclusion,synthesizing epidemiological insights,immunotherapeutic nuances,and pathway-specific analyses encapsulates a profound understanding of immunotherapy for AR.

Cardioprotective Potential of Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil against Isoproterenol-induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy:Possible Involvement of NLRP3 Inflammasome and Oxidative Phosphorylation Complex Subunits

Objective:Cymbopogon citratus(DC.)Stapf is a medicinal and edible herb that is widely used for the treatment of gastric,nervous and hypertensive disorders.In this study,we investigated the cardioprotective effects and mechanisms of the essential oil,the main active ingredient of Cymbopogon citratus,on isoproterenol(ISO)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Methods:The compositions of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil(CCEO)were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.Cardiomyocytes were pretreated with 16.9µg/L CCEO for 1 h followed by 10µmol/L ISO for 24 h.Cardiac hypertrophy-related indicators and NLRP3 inflammasome expression were evaluated.Subsequently,transcriptome sequencing(RNA-seq)and target verification were used to further explore the underlying mechanism.Results:Our results showed that the CCEO mainly included citronellal(45.66%),geraniol(23.32%),and citronellol(10.37%).CCEO inhibited ISO-induced increases in cell surface area and protein content,as well as the upregulation of fetal gene expression.Moreover,CCEO inhibited ISO-induced NLRP3 inflammasome expression,as evidenced by decreased lactate dehydrogenase content and downregulated mRNA levels of NLRP3,ASC,CASP1,GSDMD,and IL-1β,as well as reduced protein levels of NLRP3,ASC,pro-caspase-1,caspase-1(p20),GSDMD-FL,GSDMD-N,and pro-IL-1β.The RNA-seq results showed that CCEO inhibited the increase in the mRNA levels of 26 oxidative phosphorylation complex subunits in ISO-treated cardiomyocytes.Our further experiments confirmed that CCEO suppressed ISO-induced upregulation of mt-Nd1,Sdhd,mt-Cytb,Uqcrq,and mt-Atp6 but had no obvious effects on mt-Col expression.Conclusion:CCEO inhibits ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome expression and the regulation of several oxidative phosphorylation complex subunits.

Establishment and Evaluation of a Mouse Model of Allergic Rhinitis

[Objectives]To explore a new method for induction of allergic rhinitis in mice,and compare and evaluate it with common modeling methods.[Methods]36 mice were randomly divided into the control group,blank group and experimental group,and there were 12 mice in each group.The mice in the control group were conventionally induced.That is,the mice were first injected intraperitoneally with the mixture composed of OVA 50μg,[Al(OH)3]5 mg and 1ml of normal saline once every other day,and then since the 15 th d,20μL of 5%OVA solution was dropped into each nasal cavity once a day,which lasted for 7 d.The blank group was treated with the same amount of normal saline according to the control group,and received intraperitoneal injection and bilateral nasal drip respectively.In the experimental group,mice were first given intraperitoneal injection of the mixture composed of ovalbumin(OVA)75μg,aluminum hydroxide gel[Al(OH)3]8 mg and normal saline 1.5 mL for basic sensitization.On the 26 th d,20μL of 3%OVA solution was dropped into each nasal cavity once a day,which lasted for 10 d.The number of sneezes,the number of nose scratching,the amount of nasal discharge,and the activity of mice in each group were observed,and the behavior of allergic reaction was scored.Meanwhile,the number of eosinophils in the nasal discharge of mice and the IgE content in serum were measured.[Results]The score of nasal stimulation symptoms,the number of eosinophils and serum IgE level of mice in the control group and the experimental group were higher than those in the blank group(P<0.05),and there was no statistical significance between the two groups in the three indicators(P>0.05).[Conclusions]The modeling method was more suitable for the development of allergic rhinitis patients condition,and reduced the probability of death of mice due to modeling,and simplified the experimental operation.

Overview of Research on the Clinical Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Three kinds of treatment for allergic rhinitis(Western medicine,traditional Chinese medicine and their combination)were described respectively,and the different treatment methods of AR and their characteristics were analyzed.This study will help to further improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease and promote the early recovery of patients.

Epidemiological Features of Allergic Rhinitis in Four Major Cities in Western China

Allergic rhinitis（AR）,with an increasing uptrend of the prevalence in many developed and developing countries,is a global health problem that affects people of all ages and ethnic groups.However,data on the prevalence of self-reported AR in western China are rare.This study investigated the epidemiological features of self-reported AR in western China.In the cross-sectional,population-based study,a validated questionnaire survey on self-reported AR was carried out in 4 major cities in western China by multistage,stratified and cluster sampling,from January to December 2008.The total prevalence rate was 34.3%,with 32.3%（Chongqing）,34.3%（Chengdu）,37.9%（Urumqi）,30.3%（Nanning）,respectively.The prevalence presented to increase with age before 30 years old while decrease with age after 30 years old,and the highest prevalence was in 19-30 years group in Chongqing,Chengdu and Nanning which significantly showed ＂persistent and moderate-severe＂ type（P0.0001）;In Urumqi,there wasn＇t a significant increasing or decreasing trend of prevalence rate with age but with an ＂intermittent and mild＂predominance（P0.0001）.There were no distinct sexual differences in prevalence rates in the 4 cities.The morbidity was positively related to monthly average temperature and sunshine（r=0.76645,P=0.0036;r=0.67303,P=0.0165）,but negatively associated with relative humidity（r=-0.64391,P=0.0238） in Urumqi.Interestingly,the monthly morbidity was negatively associate with average temperature,sunshine and precipitation in Nanning（r=-0.81997,P=0.0011;r=-0.60787,P=0.0360;r=-0.59443,P=0.0415）.Self-reported AR is becoming common in western China with a rapid development in recent years,affecting about three persons out of ten.The climatic factors may have an indirect impact on the prevalence rate through the effects on the local allergens.

Clinical observation of Zhen'ai needling method in Nei Jing(Classic of Internal Medicine)for children with allergic rhinitis accompanied by adenoid hypertrophy

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Zhen'ai needling method in Nei Jing(Classic of Internal Medicine)for children with allergic rhinitis(AR)accompanied by adenoid hypertrophy(AH).Methods:A total of 74 children who met the screening criteria were divided into a Zhen'ai group and a control group by the random number table method,with 37 cases in each group.The control group was treated with acupuncture at Zusanli(ST 36),Hegu(LI 4),Yingxiang(LI 20),Juliao(ST 3),Yintang(GV 29),Shangxing(GV 23)and Baihui(GV 20).The Zhen'ai group added points of Zhen'ai needling method{Shanglianquan[Extra,located at 1 cun above Lianquan(CV 23)],Tianrong(SI 17)and Lieque(LU 7)}in addition to the points in the control group.The needles were retained for 30 min.The treatment was performed twice a week.The total nasal symptom score(TNSS),sino-nasal outcome test-20(SNOT-20)and symptom scale for AH(SSAH)were assessed before and after 10 treatments.The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared after treatment.Results:During the treatment,5 cases dropped out in the control group and 2 cases in the Zhen'ai group.After treatment,the total effective rate of the Zhen'ai group was 94.3%,versus 93.8%in the control group.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).The markedly effective rate of the Zhen'ai group was 42.9%,versus 12.5%in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,there were significant intra-group differences in the scores of TNSS,SNOT-20 and SSAH in both groups(all P<0.05);the scores of SNOT-20 and SSAH in the Zhen'ai group were lower than those in the control group,and the differences between the groups were statistically significant(both P<0.05).Conclusion:Both conventional acupuncture and conventional acupuncture plus Zhen'ai needling method can improve clinical symptoms of children with AR accompanied by AH;and conventional acupuncture plus Zhen'ai needling method has a better effect than conventional acupuncture in improving AH symptoms.

Effect of RNA interference therapy on the mice eosinophils CCR3 gene and granule protein in the murine model of allergic rhinitis

Objective:To observe the clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis mice and the expression changes of the eosinophils CCR3 and the granule protein rnRNA in the bone marrow,peripheral blood and nasal lavage fluid.Mctliods:Twenty-four BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group.PBS therapy group.siKNA therapy group and the CCR3 siRNA therapy group(n=6).Allergic rhinitis model were sensitized and stimulated by ovalbunfin,and CCR3 siKNA therapy group were administered with CCH3 transnasally before stimulated.The levels of the eosinophils CCR3.MBP.ECP and EPO in bone marrow,peripheral blood and nasal lavage fluid were detected by RT-PCR.Results:Compared to the control group and CCR3 siR.NA therapy group,the nasal mucosa of the PBS therapy group and siRNA therapy group developed epithalaxy.goblet cells hyperplasia,squamous epithelium metaplasia,epithelium necrosis,lamina propria and submucosa gland hyperplasia,vasodilatation,tissue edema,and the characterized eosinophil infiltration.RT-PCR indicated that the CCR3 rnRNA,MBP.ECP and EPC)expression in bone marrow,peripheral blood and nasal lavage fluid of the CCR3 siKNA therapy group was lower than the PBS therapy group and siR.NA therapy group(P<0.05).Conclusions:The RNA interference therapy to CCR3 by local administration pernasal can suppress the process of the development,migration and invasion of the allergic rhinitis eosinophil,thus can reduce the effect of eosinophils and then reduce the inflammation effect of the allergic rhinitis.It may be a new treatment for respiratory tract allergic inflammation.

Effects of lysedEnterococcus faecalis FK-23 on experimental allergic rhinitis in a murine model

In the current study, we sought to investigate whether lysed Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 （LFK）, a heat-killed probiotic preparation, attenuated eosinophil influx into the upper airway and had immunomodulatory activity in a murine allergic rhinitis model. Eighteen BALB/c mice were divided into three groups; the ovalbumin （OVA）-sen- sitized/challenged group, which received saline orally for 6 weeks （OVA group）, the OVA-sensitized/challenged group, which received LFK orally for 6 weeks （LFK-fed group）, and the non-sensitized group, which received saline for 6 weeks （saline control group）. Nasal rubbing and sneezing were monitored during the study. After the final challenge, interleukin （IL）-4, interferon （IFN）-y, and OVA-specific IgE levels in the sera and splenocyte culture supernatants were determined, eosinophilic infiltrate into the upper airway was quantified, and splenic CD4~CD25＋ regulatory T cells （Tregs） were examined by flow cytometry. We found that nasal rubbing was sig- nificantly reduced in LFK-fed mice compared to the OVA group on d 27 and 35, and sneezing was significantly inhibited by LFK administration for 35 d. LFK-fed mice had significantly less eosinophil influx into the nasal mucosa than the OVA group. There were no significant differences between the LFK-fed group and OVA group in the serum and splenocyte culture supernatant levels of IL-4, IFN-y, and OVA-specific IgE. Interestingly, the LFK-fed mice had a significantly greater percentage of splenic CD4＋CD25＋ Tregs than OVA group. Our results indicate that oral administration of LFK may alleviate nasal symptoms, reduce nasal eosinophilia, and increase the percentage of CD4＋CD25＋ Tregs in experimental allergic rhinitis.

Association between Promoter Polymorphisms of Interleukin-4 Gene and Allergic Rhinitis Risk: a Meta-analysis

Summary： The relationship of interleukin-4 （IL-4） C-33T and C-590T （C-589T） gene polymorphisms with allergic rhinitis was analyzed. Data about the case control studies of IL-4 gene promoter polymorphisms [C-33T and C-590T （C-589T）] and their association with allergic diseases and correlation between serum IL-4 levels and allergic rhinitis were retrieved. The Stata 12.0 statistical soitvcare was applied to analyze the correlation between IL-4 gene polymorphisms and allergic rhinitis. The meta-analysis result of TT/CC genotype of -590 （-589） polymorphism showed a significant association with allergic diseases [OR=1.93, 95% CI （1.61 2.31）, P=0.00]. Meta-analysis of the TT＋TC versus CC genotype of IL-4 C-33/T polymorphism revealed significant associations with allergic diseases [OR=3.23, 95% CI （1.13-9.25）, P=0.03]. Meanwhile, there was a significant correlation between serum IL-4 levels and allergic rhinitis [OR=2.52, 95% CI-（1.80-3.23）, P=0.00]. IL-4 gene -590 TT genotype may increase the risk of allergic rhinitis and the T allele mutation of -33 might be correlated with aller- gic rhinitis.

Changes of c-fos and c-jun mRNA Expression in Angiotensin Ⅱ-induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy and Effects of Sodium Tanshinone ⅡA Sulfonate

The changes of proto-oncogene c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression in angiotensin Ⅱ （AngⅡ）-induced hypertrophy and effects of sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate （STS） in the primary culture of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were investigated. Twelve neonatal clean grade Wistar rats were selected. The cardiomyocytes were isolated, cultured and divided according to different treatments in the medium. The cardiomyocyte size was determined by phase contrast microscope, and the rate of protein synthesis was measured by [3H]-Leucine incorporation. The c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression in cardiomyocytes was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. It was found after cardiomyocytes were treated with AngⅡ for 30 min, the c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression in cardiomyocytes was increased significantly （P〈0.01）. After treatment with AngⅡ for 24 h, the rate of protein synthesis in AngⅡ group was significantly increased as compared with control group （P〈0.01）. After treatment with AngⅡ for 7 days, the size of cardiomyocytes in AngⅡ group was increased obviously as compared with control group （P〈0.05）. After pretreatment with STS or Valsartan before AngⅡ treatment, both of them could inhibit the above effects of AngⅡ （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. It was suggested that STS could ameliorate AngⅡ-induced cardiomyocyte hy- pertrophy by inhibiting c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression and reducing protein synthesis rate of cardiomyocytes.

Left ventricular hypertrophy amplifies the QT,and Tp-e intervals and the Tp-e/QT ratio of left chest ECG

Objective： To evaluate the changes in Tp-e interval （an interval from the peak to the end of the T wave）, QT interval and Tp-e/QT ratio of the body surface ECG in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy （LVH）. Methods： The Tp-e interval and QT interval were measured on body surface ECGs in 42 patients without either hypertension or LVH （control group）, 41 patients having hypertension but not LVH （non-LVH group）, and 38 patients with both hypertension and LVH （LVH group）. Results： The mean corrected QT （QTc） interval, and mean corrected Tp-e[T（p-e）c] interval were significantly longer in the LVH group （0.430±0.021s vs. 0.409±0.019s, p 〈 0.01; 0.098±0.013s vs. 0.088±0.011s, respectively） than those in the control group. The Tp-e/QT ratio was also amplified in LVH group （0.232± 0.028 vs.0.218± 0.027） （p 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： LVH increased the QT interval, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio of the body surface ECG.

p38 MAPK Regulates Th2 Cytokines Release in PBMCs in Allergic Rhinitis Rats

Th2 cytokines play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. To investigate the effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） on the production of Th2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5 in allergic rhinitis, a model of allergic rhinitis was established in SD rats. The expression level of p38 MAPK mRNA in PBMCs was detected by means of real time quantitative RT-PCR. The p38 MAPK activity in PBMCs was detected by Western blotting. PBMCs were cultured with various concentrations of p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 239063 or without the treatment, and then IL-4, IL-5 levels of the supernatant were determined by using sandwich ELISA. The results showed that mRNA expression and activity of p38 MAPK in PBMCs were significantly higher in allergic rhinitis rats than in control rats （P〈0.05）. The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 239063 decreased the production of IL-4 and IL-5 in a dose-dependent manner. It is concluded that p38 MAPK plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis which is associated with Th2 cytokines release.

Nardosinone Protects H9c2 Cardiac Cells from Angiotensin Ⅱ-induced Hypertrophy

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin Ⅱ （Ang Ⅱ ） can subsequently give rise to heart failure, a leading cause of mortality. Nardosinone is a pharmacologically active compound extracted from the roots ofNardostachys chinensis, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine. In order to investigate the effects of nardosinone on Ang Ⅱ-induced cardiac cell hypertrophy and the related mechanisms, the myoblast cell line H9c2, derived from embryonic rat heart, was treated with nardosi- none （25, 50, 100, and 200μmol/L） or Ang Ⅱ （1 μmol/L）. Then cell surface area and mRNA expression of classical markers of hypertrophy were detected. The related protein levels in PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling pathways were examined by Western blotting. It was found that pretreatment with nardosinone could significantly inhibit the enlargement of cell surface area induced by Ang Ⅱ. The mRNA expression of ANP, BNP and 13-MHC was obviously elevated in Ang Ⅱ-treated H9c2 cells, which could be effectively blocked by nardosinone at the concentration of 100μmol/L. Further study revealed that the protective effects of nardosinone might be mediated by repressing the phosphorylation of related proteins in PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK signaling pathways. It was suggested that the inhibitory effect of nardosinone on Ang Ⅱ-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cells might be mediated by targeting PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK signaling pathways.

Single-allergen Sublingual Immunotherapy versus Multi-allergen Subcutaneous Immunotherapy for Children with Allergic Rhinitis

It has always been controversial whether a single allergen performs better than multiple allergens in polysensitized patients during the allergen-specific immunotherapy. This study aimed to examine the clinical efficacy of single-allergen sublingual immunotherapy(SLIT) versus multi-allergen subcutaneous immunotherapy(SCIT) and to discover the change of the biomarker IL-4 after 1-year immunotherapy in polysensitized children aged 6–13 years with allergic rhinitis(AR) induced by house dust mites(HDMs). The AR polysensitized children(n=78) were randomly divided into two groups: SLIT group and SCIT group. Patients in the SLIT group sublingually received a single HDM extract and those in the SCIT group were subcutaneously given multiple-allergen extracts(HDM in combination with other clinically relevant allergen extracts). Before and 1 year after the allergen-specific immunotherapy(ASIT), the total nasal symptom scores(TNSS), total medication scores(TMS) and IL-4 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) were compared respectively between the two groups. The results showed that the TNSS were greatly improved, and the TMS and IL-4 levels were significantly decreased after 1-year ASIT in both groups(SLIT group: P<0.001; SCIT group: P<0.001). There were no significant differences in any outcome measures between the two groups(for TNSS: P>0.05; for TMS: P>0.05; for IL-4 levels: P>0.05). It was concluded that the clinical efficacy of single-allergen SLIT is comparable with that of multi-allergen SCIT in 6–13-year-old children with HDM-induced AR.

A cross-sectional study into the correlation of common household risk factors and allergic rhinitis in Taiwan's tropical environment

Objective:To discuss the effect of lesser-known potential risk factors,such as bedroom showers,on the prevalence of allergic rhinitis.Methods:A cross-sectional,population-based study was performed using both survey and fungal culturing in southern Taiwan.There were 998 participants enrolled in the survey,and 513 sets of fungal culture obtained.With score for allergic rhinitis(SFAR) more than 7,the patient was defined to have allergic rhinitis.Risks of allergic rhinitis were calculated as odds ratios for various predicted risk factors by logistic regression.Correlation between predicted risk factors and fungal level were examined with linear regression.Results:The adjusted odds ratio of frequently using bedroom shower to having allergic rhinitis was 1.572(95% confidence interval:1.090-2.265),and 0.962 for people with older age to have AR(95% confidence interval:0.949-0.976).As to the 24-hour fungal level,the standardized coefficient was 0.254 for frequent use of bedroom shower,and 0.106 for window open hours.Conclusions:Use of bedroom shower is a potential risk factor for allergic rhinitis development.

Sublingual immunotherapy for pediatric allergic rhinitis: The clinical evidence

Allergic rhinitis affect 10%-20% of pediatric population and it is caused by the Ig E-sensitization to environmental allergens, most importantly grass pollens and house dust mites. Allergic rhinitis can influence patient's daily activity severely and may precede the development of asthma, especially if it is not diagnosed and treated correctly. In addition to subcutaneous immunotherapy, sublingual immunotherapy(SLIT) represents the only treatment being potentially able to cure allergic respiratory diseases, by modulating the immune system activity. This review clearly summarizes and analyzes the available randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials, which aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and the safety of grass pollen and house dust mite SLIT for the specific treatment of pediatric allergic rhinitis. Our analysis demonstrates the good evidence supporting the efficacy of SLIT for allergic rhinitis to grass pollens in children, whereas trials regarding pediatric allergic rhinitis to house dust mites present lower quality, although several studies supported its usefulness.

Serum IL-10 Level in Allergic Rhinitis Patients and Its Effect on Serum Total IgE

To investigate the level of serum IL-10 in allergic rhinitis patients and the correlation between IL-10 and serum total IgE （TIgE）. 50 allergic rhinitis patients and 30 normal subjects were involved in the study. The levels of serum IL-10 and TIgE were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）, and the correlation between serum IL-10 and TIgE was analyzed. In the allergic rhinitis group, the levels of serum IL-10 and TIgE were 8.34±2.48 pg/mL and 142.6± 28.2 KUA/L. In the normal control group, they were 12.86±.88 pg/mL and 47.2±12.2 KUA. There were significant differences between the two groups （P〈0. 01）; and the level of serum TIgE in the patients was negatively correlated with that of IL-10 （r= -0.46, P=0. 02）. The level of serum IL-10 was significantly decreased in allergic rhinitis patients, which was beneficial to the synthesization of IgE. IL-10 plays an important role in the episode of allergic rhinitis.

Pediatric allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis

Objective： To assess the relationship between allergic conjunctivitis（AC） and allergic rhinitis（AR） in pediatric ophthalmology and E.N.T outpatient clinic. Methods：Eight hundred and ninety two patients were enrolled in survey during Mar. 2005-Jan. 2007, 407 allergic conjunctivitis cases were placed in the ophthalmology clinic group and 485 allergic rhinitis cases were from the E.N.T clinic. The comorbid disorders, histories, symptoms, signs of patients were recorded. Type 1 allergy was tested in 479 cases by a specific IgE antibody blood test. Eosinophils were detected in superficial conjunctival scrapings of the superior tarsal conjunctiva and mucosa surface scrapings of middle nasal meatus in 88 cases with both diseases. Results：302（74%）, 374（92%）, 116（29%） in 407 cases with allergic conjunctivitis had concomitant eczema, rhinitis and asthma, respectively; 334（69%）, 430（89%）, 145（30%） in 485 cases with allergic rhinitis had concomitant eczema, allergic conjunctivitis and asthma, respectively. The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis concomitant allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis concomitant allergic conjunctivitis had no significant difference（x2=2,6, P 〉 0.05）. The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis concomitant eczema and asthma also had no significant difference （x2=3.08; x2=0.21, P 〉 0.05）. The degree of severity of two kinds of disease symptoms is not parallel, in the patients with seasonal allergic conjuctivitis（SAC） and perennial allergic conjunctivitis（PAC）, the clinical signs of AR were always severer（x2=258.2, P 〈 0.05） than those of AC. However, the results coincided with the cases with vernal keratoconjuctivitis（VKC）（x2=66.5, P 〈 0.05）; Eosinophils were revealed in 50（57%） conjunctival scrapings and nasal mucosa scrapings（x2=1.5, P〉 0.05）, 47（53%） cases had positive results in both scrapings. The main aeroallergens were house dust mites, house dust and fungi, and the main food-allergens were fish, crab and shrimp. Conclusion：The two disorders were shown to share more similarities than differences, as suggested that allergic conjunctivitis should be considered in future guidelines on preventing the development of rhinitis and asthma in children.

Effect of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bge on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and the Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The effects of salvia miltiorrhiza Bge (SMB) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the left ventricle of spontaneously hypertensive rats and the action mechanism were investigated. Normal Wistar-kyoto (WKY) rats were used as negative control, and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were randomly assigned to receive pla- cebo or SMB. SMB (1 g/kg·d) was injected intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. HE, VG and immunohistochemical staining combined with computed morphometry were employed to evaluate the cardiomyocyte size, diameter, the collagen volume fraction (CVF), perivascular circumferential area (PVCA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression in the left ventricular tissue. The results showed, as compared with WKY rats, the SBP, LVMI, cardiomyocyte size, diameter, CVF, PCVA, and TNF-α expression were increased markedly in the 20-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats. SMB decreased LVMI (P<0.01), size of cardiomyocytes (P<0.01), collagen volume fraction (P<0.01), perivascular circum- ferential area (P<0.01), and TNF-α expression (P<0.01), but had no effect on SBP (P>0.05). It was suggested that chronic administration of SMB could inhibit and reverse the development of LVH in spontaneously hypertensive rats independent of BP. TNF-α may be involved in the reversal mecha- nism of LVH by SMB.

Alterations in Cardiac Structure and Function in a Modified Rat Model of Myocardial Hypertrophy

This study was aimed to establish a stable animal model of left ventricular hypertrophy （LVH） to provide theoretical and experimental basis for understanding the development of LVH. The abdominal aorta of male Wistar rats （80-100 g） was constricted to a diameter of 0.55 mm between the branches of the celiac and anterior mesenteric arteries. Echocardiography using a linear phased array probe was performed as well as pathological examination and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP） measurement at 3, 4 and 6 weeks after abdominal aortic constriction （AAC）. The results showed that the acute mortality rate （within 24 h） of this modified rat model was 8%. Animals who underwent AAC demonstrated significantly increased interventricular septal （IVS）, LV posterior wall （LVPWd）, LV mass index （LVMI）, cross-sectional area （CSA） of myocytes, and perivascular fibrosis; the ejection fraction （EF）, fractional shortening （FS）, and cardiac output （CO） were consistently lower at each time point after AAC. Notably, differences in these parameters between AAC group and sham group were significant by 3 weeks and reached peaks at 4th week. Following AAC, the plasma BNP was gradually elevated compared with the sham group at 3rd and 6th week. It was concluded that this modified AAC model can develop LVH, both stably and safely, by week four post-surgery; echocardiography is able to assess changes in chamber dimensions and systolic properties accurately in rats with LVH.