Mechanisms of immune regulation for acupuncture on chronic respiratory diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases(CRDs)are among the most common noncommunicable diseases globally,with high morbidity and mortality rates.Acupuncture,a treatment method derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine,has been shown to be effective at treating CRDs,with little risk of adverse effects.Scientific research on the mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture,especially,its immune regulatory function,has rapidly advanced in recent years.Herein,the diverse immune regulatory mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of acupuncture are summarized from the perspectives of innate immunity,adaptive immunity,and neuroimmunity.A better understanding of these mechanisms will ultimately provide a scientific basis for the clinical use of acupuncture for the treatment of CRDs.

Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases symposium on air pollution:overview and highlights

A 1-day symposium before the annual meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases,gathered authorities and researchers from around the world to discuss the impact of air pollution on human and planetary health.Air quality is a high priority for Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases and China,the host country.This article presents a summary,commentary,and amplification of the 17 presentations.Air pollution is closely linked with global warming and harms most body systems even at levels below international standards.Information about the genetic,cellular,and metabolic effects of exposure to air pollution is important for better understanding of individual responses and even potential therapeutic mediation.Reducing air pollution at its source leads to prompt and important benefits and should be the first priority for political and public action.

Strengthen national action for the prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases are chronic diseases of the airways and other structures of the lung.Some of the most common are asthma,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）,respiratory allergies,occupational lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension.Hundreds of millions of people suffer every day from chronic respiratory diseases.COPD is one of the most representative chronic respiratory diseases.A population-based,cross-sectional survey of COPD conducted between 2003 and 2004 showed that the overall prevalence of the disease in people aged above 40 years was 8.2%,1 which would result in a COPD patient population of over 43 million.

Synchronous Dynamic Research on Respiratory and Intestinal Microflora of Chronic Bronchitis Rat Model

Objective： To investigate the mechanism of the Chinese medicine theory that Fei（Lung） and Dachang（Large Intestine） are exteriorly and interiorly related via synchronous observation on the dynamic changes of the respiratory and intestinal microflora. Methods： Forty specific pathogen free Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into blank（10 rats） and chronic bronchitis model groups（30 rats）. The blank group rats were put into the smoke-free environment and the model group rats were put into the smoke environment in order to establish pulmonary disease（chronic bronchitis） model. Then the corresponding changes of the respiratory and intestinal microflora of the model on 20th, 50th and 70th days were synchronously observed. Results： The respiratory tract microflora showed an increase in the total aerobic and Staphylococcus aureus and reduced anaerobic amount significantly on 20th day in the respiratory tract microflora（P〈0.05 or 0.01）. On 50th day, total aerobic, total anaerobic amount and bifidobacterium significantly increased（P〈0.05）. On 70th day, Staphylococcus aureus reduced and lactobacillus increased significantly（P〈0.01）. The intestinal microflora showed an increase in the total aerobic, Clostridium perfringens, enterobacter and enterococcus significantly increased on 20th day（P〈0.05 or 0.01）. Staphylococcus aureus on 50th day increased significantly（P〈0.05）. Total aerobic and enterococcus increased, total anaerobic and Clostridium perfringens reduced significantly on 70th day（P〈0.05 or 0.01）. Conclusions： The microecosystem of respiratory tract and intestine of rat model during the pathological process showed a dynamic disorder, indicating an interaction between the lung and large intestine which may be one of the connotations as they exteriorly and interiorly related.

Renewed vision on pulmonary rehabilitation service delivery for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management beyond COVID-19

Pulmonary rehabilitation(PR)is a cornerstone management for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).International respiratory societies defined PR is more than"just an exercise program";it is a comprehensive care delivered by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals with a strong emphasis on long-term health-enhancing Behaviors.However,"Uncertainty"exists with varied reasons for the political and geographical barriers of referral,uptake,attendance,and completion of PR in both primary and secondary care.Besides,COVID-19 pandemic has sparked many global controversies and challenges on pulmonary rehabilitation service delivery.Post-COVID-19 guidelines emphasize on integrated care rehabilitation for patients with COPD.Thus,this concise review intends to understand the gaps in United Kingdom healthcare policies,practices,and PR services resources.To date,there is no clear consensus on PR integrated care model pathway to address the unmet needs,measure the health and social care disparities;adds to the disease burden of COPD.Based on the culmination of evidence,this perspective offers a theoretical framework of PR integrated service model,a pathway to deliver high-value personalized care to patients with COPD.