Erratum to "Boeravinone B ameliorates allergic nasal inflammation by modulating the GATA-3/T-bet signaling pathway in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis"

In the article entitled“Boeravinone B ameliorates allergic nasal inflammation by modulating the GATA-3/T-bet signaling pathway in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis”,published on pages 245-252,Issue 6,Volume 14 in Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine,the weight number was misspelled as“18.5 g”on page 246,first line,under 2.2.Animals paragraph.The correct weight should be“(18.5±5)g”.

Boeravinone B ameliorates allergic nasal inflammation by modulating the GATA-3/T-bet signaling pathway in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis

Objective:To evaluate the anti-allergic effect of boeravinone B against ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in mice and explore its possible mechanism.Methods:For the induction of allergic rhinitis,mice were intraperitoneally sensitized and intranasally challenged with ovalbumin,as well as orally received various concentrations of boeravinone B.Nasal mucosal inflammation,and the levels of nitric oxide,β-hexosaminidase,IFN-γ,LTC-4,myeloperoxidase,Nrf2,HO-1,GATA-3,ROR-γ,T-bet,antioxidant parameters,and allergen-specific cytokines were assessed.Results:Boeravinone B markedly reduced ovalbumin-induced increase in the number of episodes of nasal sneezing,rubbing,and discharge,as well as the levels of IgE,IgG1,andβ-hexosaminidase(P<0.05).It also significantly reduced differential cell count,myeloperoxidase,oxide-nitrosative stress,and the levels of IL-1β,IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-13,IL-17,tumor necrosis factor-α,GATA-3,and ROR-γwhile enhancing the level of T-bet.Conclusions:Boeravinone B is a potential therapeutic agent for allergic rhinitis by modulating various inflammatory mediators and immune responses.

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.

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.

Severe Allergic Reaction Following Administration of Antivenom Serum for Snakebite: A Case Report from Togo

Background: Ophidian envenomation is common in Sub-Saharan Africa, and its management is hampered by the lack of access to healthcare services in rural areas, in particular the availability and appropriate use of antivenom. Rare cases of serious side effects following the administration of antivenom have been reported. This is the case for a young farmer from the central region of Togo, who experienced a second snake bite within four years, and in whom antivenom serotherapy led to severe allergic manifestations. Case presentation: This 24-year-old patient, with a history of antivenom and tetanus serotherapy, was admitted to the Centre Hospitalier Régional (CHR) of Sokodé for a snakebite that occurred 45 minutes earlier while working in the field. Clinical assessment on admission revealed grade 1 envenomation, characterized by local pain in the right upper limb, with no sign of complication. He received an intravenous infusion of antivenom serotherapy, which rapidly relieved the pain, allowing him to be discharged after 24 hours of hospital monitoring. However, he was readmitted five days later for a skin rash associated with generalized pruritus and edema of the face and the neck, which prompted his evacuation to the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital. He was diagnosed with a hypersensitivity-type allergic reaction to antivenom serum. Symptomatic treatment with antihistamines resulted in a favourable outcome after five days in the hospital. Conclusion: This young farmer developed a severe allergic reaction following a second course of antivenom serotherapy for low-grade ophidian envenomation. Although the efficacy of antivenom serum is undeniable in the management of snakebites, its use should be guided by a sound clinical assessment and framed by rigorous monitoring, especially in people sensitized to antivenom or antitoxin serotherapy. This highlights the importance of training healthcare staff alongside the availability of anti-venomous sera at peripheral healthcare centres.

Effects of Oleanolic Acid on the Immune Complex Allergic Reaction and Inflammation

When oleanolic acid (OA) was administered ig before and after sensitization on d 1 to d 5 and d 11 to d 17,it had no apparent effect on Arthus reaction.When it was administered at 48,24 and 1 h before challenge,however,Arthus reaction was significantly inhibited.OA showed markedly suppressive effects on reversible passive Arthus reaction and leukocyte migratory response.It could significantly stabilize erythrocyte membrane,inhibit the swelling of the rat's hind paw induced by in- jecting mycostatin,reduce the acid phosphatase content in the inflammatory exudate,suppress the syn- thesis or release of PGE,histamine,LTB4 and kinin,and the phlogistic action of PGE_2,histamine,5- HT and kinin.In addition,it could decrease the content of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) in hepatic tissue of alcohol-intoxicated mice,and increase the activity of catalase (CAT) in hepatic tissue of mice.OA had no apparent effect on the activity of super-oxide dismutase (SOD) in rat serum,on the content of immune complex in serum of rat with Arthus reaction,on the phagocytosis of monocytc-macrophage system,on the clearance of enzyme-containing immune complex by macrophage,or on the activity of total complement.

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.

Fecal microbiota transplantation induces remission of infantile allergic colitis through gut microbiota re-establishment

AIM To investigate the impact of fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT) treatment on allergic colitis(AC) and gut microbiota(GM).METHODS We selected a total of 19 AC infants,who suffered from severe diarrhea/hematochezia,did not relieve completely after routine therapy or cannot adhere to the therapy,and were free from organ congenital malformations and other contraindications for FMT. Qualified donor-derived stools were collected and injected to the AC infants via a rectal tube. Clinical outcomes and follow-up observations were noted. Stools were collected from ten AC infants before and after FMT,and GM composition was assessed for infants and donors using 16 S r DNA sequencing analysis.RESULTS After FMT treatment,AC symptoms in 17 infants were relieved within 2 d,and no relapse was observed in the next 15 mo. Clinical improvement was also detected in the other two AC infants who were lost to followup. During follow-up,one AC infant suffered from mild eczema and recovered shortly after hormone therapy. Based on the 16 S r DNA analysis in ten AC infants,most of them(n = 6) had greater GM diversity after FMT. As a result,Proteobacteria decreased(n = 6) and Firmicutes increased(n = 10) in post-FMT AC infants. Moreover,Firmicutes accounted for the greatest proportion of GM in the patients. At the genus level,Bacteroides(n = 6),Escherichia(n = 8),and Lactobacillus(n = 4) were enriched in some AC infants after FMT treatment,but the relative abundances of Clostridium(n = 5),Veillonella(n = 7),Streptococcus(n = 6),and Klebsiella(n = 8) decreased dramatically.CONCLUSION FMT is a safe and effective method for treating pediatric patients with AC and restoring GM balance.

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.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis:Lessons for the busy radiologist

The probability of a radiologist interpreting a disease correctly is not only influenced by their training and experience but also on the knowledge of a particular entity.This editorial reviews certain myths and realities associated with radiological manifestations of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis(ABPA).ABPA is a hypersensitivity disorder against the antigens of Aspergillus fumigatus.Although commonly manifesting with central bronchiectasis(CB),the disorder can present without any abnormalities on high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) of the chest,so-called serologic ABPA(ABPA-S).HRCT of the chest should not be used in screening or in the initial diagnostic work up of asthmatics,as asthma without ABPA can manifest with findings of CB.High-attenuation mucus(HAM) is the pathognomonic sign of ABPA and is very helpful in the diagnosis of ABPA complicating asthma and cystic fibrosis.Instead of classifying ABPA based on the presence and absence of CB into ABPA-CB and ABPA-S respectively,ABPA should be classif ied as ABPA-S,ABPACB and ABPA-CB-HAM.The classif ication scheme based on HAM not only identifies an immunologically severe disease but also predicts a patient with increased risk of recurrent relapses.

High attenuation mucoid impaction in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis(ABPA) is a complex hypersensitivity syndrome triggered against antigens of Aspergillus fumigatus,a fungus that most commonly colonizes the airways of patients with bronchial asthma and cystic fibrosis.It presents clinically with refractory asthma,hemoptysis and systemic manifestations including fever,malaise and weight loss.Radiologically,it presents with central bronchiectasis and recurrent episodes of mucus plugging.The mucus plugs in ABPA are generally hypodense but in up to 20% of patients the mucus can be hyperdense on computed tomography.This paper reviews the literature on the clinical significance of hyperattenuated mucus in patients with ABPA.

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.

Study on the therapeutic mechanisms of pseudolaric acid in mice with allergic contact dermatitis

Objective:To study the therapeutic mechanisms of pseudolaric acid on allergic contact dermatitis in mice.Methods:A total of 50 BALB/C mice were selected and randomly divided into control group,model group,and treatment A,B,C groups with 10 rats in each group.ACD model was established in model group,and treatment A,B,C groups but not in control group.Model group received no treatment,but treatment A,B,C groups were treated with external application of the concentration of 0.1%,0.2% and 0.4% of the pseudolaric acid for the lesions of ear skin.And the weight gain and the swelling degree of the mice' ear were recorded,weight of thymus and spleen were measured.Spleen suspension was prepared to test T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte levels of mice in five groups.Changes in serum IFN-ed through the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISAγ,IL-4 and IL-10 levels were test).Results:The weight gain of mice in model group were significant lower than those of mice in the control group and the treatment A,B,C groups(P<0.05).Weight gain of mice in treatment A,B groups were significant lower than that of control group(P<0.05),but the difference in weight gain between treatment C group and control group showed no significant difference(P>0.05).The swelling degree and the weight of mice ears in model group were significant higher than those of mice in control group and treatment A,B,C groups(P<0.05).Swelling degree and the weight of mice ears of treatment A,B,C groups were obviously higher than that of control group(P<0.05).The swelling degree and weight of mice' ears in treatment A,B,C groups were decreased with the increase of the drug dosage,but comparison between A,B and C group showed statistically differences(P<0.05).The thymus and spleen index of mice in model group were significant higher than those of the other four groups(P<0.05),among the four groups,thymus and spleen index of treatment A and B group were higher than control group and treatment C group(P<0.05).The stimulation index of T and B cells of mice in model group was significantly higher than the rest four groups(P<0.05).The serum IFN-γ level of mice in control group and treatment A,B and C group was obviously lower than that of mice in model group(P<0.05).The serum IFN-γ level of mice in treatment A,B and C group were decreased with the increasing of the drug dosage,and the level of C group was obviously lower than that of A and B group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The pseudolaric acid has anti-inflammation and immune adjustment the effects showing a remarkable therapeutic effects for the ACD mice.

Effects of vernal and allergic conjunctivitis on severity of keratoconus

AIM: To demonstrate the effects of two different types of allergic conjunctivitis on severity of keratoconus (KC). ·METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 171 KC patients referred between June 2010 and June 2011. The KC patients were divided into 3 groups as KC (group A), KC with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) (group B) and KC with allergic conjunctivitis (AC) (group C). Main outcome measures were demographic and ocular clinical features including age at presentation, gender, spherical equivalent (SE), best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean keratometric measurement (Km), central corneal thickness (CCT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). Groups were compared in term of study variables. · RESULTS: The median age at presentation was significantly lower in group B (P 【0.001). According to the median SE (P =0.003), BCVA(P =0.022), Km(P 【0.001), CCT (P =0.015) and Amsler-Krumeich classification (P 【 0.001), KC was more severe in group B. There was no significant difference in terms of IOP and corrected IOP among the groups (P =0.44), however there were 4 patients who had increased corrected IOP developed after topical corticosteroid use in group B. The differences among the groups persisted even after controlling for age and gender. · CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated a more severe KC in VKC patients despite their younger age which suggests evaluation of VKC patients as a separate group in keratoconus disease.

Characteristics of allergic colitis in breast-fed infants in the absence of cow's milk allergy

AIM: To investigate the characteristics of mucosal le-sions and their relation to laboratory data and long-term follow up in breast-fed infants with allergic colitis. METHODS: In this study 31 breast-fed infants were prospectively evaluated (mean age, 17.4 wk) whose rectal bleeding had not ceased after a maternal elimi-nation diet for cow's milk. Thirty-four age-matched and breast-fed infants (mean age, 16.9 wk) with no rectal bleeding were enrolled for laboratory testing as con-trols. Laboratory findings, colonoscopic and histological characteristics were prospectively evaluated in infants with rectal bleeding. Long-term follow-up with differ-ent nutritional regimes (L-amino-acid based formula or breastfeeding) was also included. RESULTS: Iron deficiency, peripheral eosinophilia andthrombocytosis were significantly higher in patients with allergic colitis in comparison to controls (8.4±3.2 μmol/L vs 13.7±4.7 μmol/L, P<0.001; 0.67±0.49 G/L vs 0.33±0.17 G/L, P<0.001; 474±123 G/L vs 376±89 G/L, P<0.001, respectively). At colonosco-py, lymphonodular hyperplasia or aphthous ulceration were present in 83% of patients. Twenty-two patients were given L-amino acid-based formula and 8 contin-ued the previous feeding. Time to cessation of rectal bleeding was shorter in the special formula feeding group (mean, 1.4 wk; range, 0.5-3 wk) when com-pared with the breast-feeding group (mean, 5.3 wk; range, 2-9 wk). Nevertheless, none of the patients ex-hibited rectal bleeding at the 3-mo visit irrespective of the type of feeding. Peripheral eosinophilia and cessa-tion of rectal bleeding after administration of elemental formula correlated with a higher density of mucosal eosinophils. CONCLUSION: Infant hematochezia, after cow's milk allergy exclusion, is generally a benign and probably self-limiting disorder despite marked mucosal abnor-mality. Formula feeding results in shorter time to cessa-tion of rectal bleeding; however, breast-feeding should not be discouraged in long-lasting hematochezia.

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.

IL-23 signaling enhances Th2 polarization and regulates allergic airway inflammation

IL-23/IL-17 axis is an important regulator in various inflammatory diseases. However, the role of IL-23 in allergic airway inflammation is not well understood. In this study, we show that in an allergen-induced asthma model, mice with transgenic overexpression of IL-23R exhibited increased airway infiltration of eosinophils and Th2 cytokine production, whereas those deficient in IL-23 displayed reduced airway inflammation. In vitro, IL-23-IL-23R signaling promoted GATA-3 expression and enhanced Th2 cytokine expression. Conversely, in the absence of this signal, Th2 cell differentiation was partially inhibited. Therefore, IL-23 signaling may regulate allergic asthma through modulation of Th2 cell differentiation.

Semaphorin 3A controls allergic and inflammatory responses in experimental allergic conjunctivitis

AIM: To assess the efficacy of topical Semaphorin 3A(SEMA3A) in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.METHODS: Experimental allergic conjunctivitis(EAC)mice model induced by short ragweed pollen(SRW) in 4-week-old of BALB/c mice, mice were evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin(H&E) staining, immunofluor-escence and light microscope photographs. Early phase took the samples in 24 h after instillation and late phase took the samples between 4 to 14 d after the start of treatment. The study use of topical SEMA3A(10 U, 100 U,1000 U) eye drops and subconjunctival injection of SEMA3 A with same concentration. For comparison, five types of allergy eyedrops were quantified using clinical characteristics.· RESULTS: Clinical score of composite ocular symptoms of the mice treated with SEMA3 A were significantly decreased both in the immediate phase and the late phase compared to those treated with commercial ophthalmic formulations and non-treatment mice. SEMA3 A treatment attenuates infiltration of eosinophils entering into conjunctiva in EAC mice. The score of eosinophil infiltration in the conjunctiva of SEMA3 A 1000 U-treated group were significantly lower than low-concentration of SEMA3 A treated groups and non-treated group. SEMA3 A treatment also suppressed T-cell proliferation in vitro and decreased serum total Ig E levels in EAC mice. Moreover, treatment of SEMA3 A suppressed Th2-related cytokines(IL-5, IL-13 and IL-4)and pro-inflammatory cytokines(IFN-γ, IL-17 and TNF-α)release, but increased regulatory cytokine IL-10 concentration in the conjunctiva of EAC mice.CONCLUSION: SEMA3 A as a biological agent, showed the beneficial activity in ocular allergic processes with the less damage to the intraocular tissue. It is expected that SEMA3 A may be contributed in patients with a more severe spectrum of refractory ocular allergic diseases including allergic conjunctivitis in the near future.