Effect of olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation on myelin repair and motor function in a rat model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

BACKGROUND： Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation can activate axonal regeneration and enhance myelin repair, which are beneficial for treating demyelinating diseases. OBJECTIVE： To explore the effects of olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation on myelin repair, synaptophysin expression, and motor function in a rat model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University between August 2006 and September 2007. MATERIALS： Dibenzylamine （Hoechst 33342）, luxol fast blue, and rabbit anti-rat synaptophysin antibody were provided by Sigma, USA. METHODS： Olfactory ensheatbing cells extracted from neonatal Wistar rats were cultured for 10-14 days and labeled with dibenzylamine. Spinal cord extracted from a healthy guinea pig was homogenized and equally mixed with complete Freund＇s adjuvant; thereafter, the mixture was intracutaneously injected into two posterior voix pedis of healthy male Wistar rats to establish models of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Rats were randomly divided into a control encephalomyelitis group and an olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation group, 36 rats in each group. Physiological saline （2 μ L） or an olfactory ensheathing cell suspension （2 μ L） was separately injected along lateral cerebral ventricle at day 7 post-model induction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The migration and distribution of olfactory ensheathing cells were observed under fluorescence microscopy; myelin repair was detected using hematoxylin-eosin staining and luxol fast blue staining; synaptophysin expression was measured using immunohistochemical staining; motor function was evaluated using a motor function scale. RESULTS： Olfactory ensheatbing cells could survive in vivo and migrate to the distal end of the transplant focus and spinal cord, and survived 21 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and luxol fast blue staining indicated that myelin in the transplantation group was intact, and the inflammatory focus gradually disappeared. Transplantation increased synaptophysin expression （P 〈 0.05 versus control） and motor function （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation can promote myelin repair, increase synaptophysin protein expression, and ameliorate motor function in a rat model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Immunity phenomena following olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation into experimental allergic encephalomyelitis rat brain

Olfactory ensheathing cells （OECs） can promote axonal regeneration and remyelination for the treatment of spinal cord injury. OECs can also treat experimental allergic encephalomyelitis （EAE）, but it remains unclear whether OECs might be rejected by the immune system in the brain including the destruction of the blood-brain barrier under inflammation, the release of inflammatory factors, the activation of local antigen-presenting cells （e.g., microglia cells） and antigen drainage. We found that OECs expressed major histocompatibility complex （MHC）-I molecules on the cell surface, barely expressed MHC-II, but MHC-II could be induced by interferon-v, suggesting that OECs have certain immunogenicity. When OECs were transplanted into normal animal brains, no OECs were phagocytosed by dendritic cells in the cervical lymph node, and OECs did not induce lymphocyte proliferation, which indicates that OECs share some immune privilege under normal conditions. However, OECs in the rat EAE brain were phagocytosed by dendritic cells in the cervical lymph node and enhanced lymphocyte proliferation. These findings suggest that OECs are rejected because of increased immunogenicity in EAE brain, and that brain inflammation, in particular activated dendritic cells, may be a prerequisite for rejecting OECs.

PD-L1 is increased in the spinal cord and infiltrating lymphocytes in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis is a mouse model of human multiple sclerosis with similar pathology and pathogenesis. Thl cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. This study determined the potential effect of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 in the pathogenesis of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis induced by injecting myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, complete Freund＇s adjuvant and Bordetella pertussis toxin into C57BL/6J mice. Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis mice developed disease and showed in- flammatory changes in the central nervous system by hematoxylin-eosin staining of spinal cord pathological sections, demyelination by Luxol fast-blue staining and clinical manifestations. The expression of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 in mice was detected by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and western blot anatysis. The expression of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 in the spinal cord and splenocytes of mice was significantly increased compared with normal mice. Our findings suggest the involvement of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 in the pathogenesis of ex- perimental allergic encephalomyelitis and suggest this should be studied in multiple sclerosis.

Effect of neuropeptide Y on white matter demyelination and serum interleukin-4 and gamma-interferon levels in the guinea pig with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

BACKGROUND： Neuropeptide Y （NPY） may influence differentiation of Th cells immunological pathology of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis （EAE） is differentiation of Th cells It is assumed that the related to abnormal OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effect of NPY on white matter demyelination, the serum levels interleukin-4 （IL-4） and gamma-interferon （IFN-γ ）, as well as EAE pathogenesis in an EAE guinea pig model following NPY injection into the lateral cerebral ventricle. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized controlled animal study, which was performed in the Infection Immunity Animal Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, China, from October 2005 to April 2006. MATERIALS： Thirty healthy female guinea pigs of 8-12 weeks of age, and 10 healthy female rats of three months of age were used. NPY was provided by Sigma Company, USA. NPY kit was provided by Beijing Huaying Biotechnology Institute, China. METHODS： Thirty guinea pigs were randomly divided into three groups： normal control group, EAE model group, and NPY intervention group （n =10 per group）. Normal control group and EAE model group： Saline （10μ L, once） was injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle. After one week, the same volume of Freund＇s adjuvant complete was either injected subcutaneously into two post-palms or EAE was modeled. NPY intervention group： EAE was modeled after one week and NPY was injected （10 μ L of 6 nmol NPY, once） into the lateral cerebral ventricle. Myelin basic protein （MBP） antigen made from rat spinal cord homogenate and Freund＇s adjuvant complete were injected subcutaneously into both post-palms （0.2 mL per palm） to establish the EAE model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： White matter demyelination of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord were observed by light microscopy after HE staining. Levels of serum IFN-γ and IL-4 were detected by the double antibody sandwich ABC-ELISA technique. NPY content was detected by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS： Pathological alterations in the NPY intervention groups were reduced compared to those in the EAE model group, suggesting a reduction and remission of white matter demyelination with NPY treatment. When compared to the model group, the serum IL-4 level was increased in the NPY intervention group during the high-frequent EAE stage （P 〈 0.01）, but the serum IFN-γ level was decreased （P 〈 0.01）. Furthermore, the EAE latency was prolonged （P 〈 0.01）, the neurological scores were decreased in the high-frequent EAE stage （P 〈 0.01）, and the death rate was decreased （P 〈 0.05）. NPY content and the serum IL-4 level at the peak stage were positively correlated with those in the latent phase （r =0.863-0.900, P 〈 0.01）, but negatively correlated with neurological scores at the peak stage （r=- -0.068 to -0.863, P 〈 0.05-0.01）. The IFN-γ level at the peak stage was negatively correlated to that in the latent phase （r = -0.683-0.650, P 〈 0.05）, but positively correlated to neurological scores at the peak stage （r =0.975, 0.845, P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： NPY injection into the lateral cerebral ventricle can promote the secretion of IL-4, inhibit the production of IFN-γ, relieve white matter demyelination, and inhibit EAE attack in an experimental model of EAE.

Effect of erhuangfang on cerebral and spinal demyelination and regeneration as well as expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

BACKGROUND： It demonstrates that erhuangfang can improve clinical symptoms of multiple sclerosis and relieve side effects of hormone. However, whether erhuangfang can improve experimental allergic encephalomyelitis （EAE） or not needs a further study. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of erhuangfang on neuro-pathology and astrocyte in EAE rats and compare with the effect of hormone. DESIGN： Randomized controlled animal study. SETTINGS： Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University. MATERIALS： The experiment was carded out in the Laboratory Center of Capital Medical University from August to October 2005. Ten adult guinea pigs （SPF grade, weighing 400 - 450 g） and 70 adult Lewis rats （SPF grade, weighing 200- 220 g） were selected in this study. Erhuangfang consisted of fiudahuang, shengdi, shuizhi, dabeimu, etc. METHODS： ①Experimental intervention： Rats were randomly divided into normal group （n=10）, model group （n=20）, western medicine group （n=20） and Chinese herb group （n=20）. Mixed emulsion, which was consisted of Freund＇s adjuvant and spinal cord homogenate of guinea pigs, was subcutaneously injected into palms of the two hindfeet of rats in the latter three groups to establish EAE models. Foot pads were injected with saline and then rats were perfused with saline in the normal group.in the model group, models were established as the same as those mentioned above, and rats were also perfused with saline. Rats in the western medicine group were perfused with saline and then 5 mg/kg prednisone acetate suspension. Rats in the Chinese herb group were perfused with erhuangfang decoction （15 g raw materials per kilogram） at 5 days before model establishment. The dosage in the four groups was 3 mL/day per rat. ②Experimental evaluation： At 28 days after model establishment, rats were randomly selected for cerebral （mainly surrounding cerebral ventricle） and spinal cord （cervical enlargement and lumbar enlargement） collections, and then haematine-eosin （HE） staining and SLG myelin staining were used to observe demyelination and regeneration; meanwhile, immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of glial fibriliary acidic protein （GFAP）. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Cerebral and spinal demyelination and regeneration as well as expression of GFAP in EAE rats. RESULTS： All 70 Lewis rats were involved in the final analysis. ①Demyelination and regeneration： Infiltration of inflammatory cells surrounding cerebrum and small venous vessels of spinal cord white matter, demyelination surrounding vessels and plentiful foam cells at myelinolysis sites were observed in the model group. Symptoms were relieved in the western medicine group and the Chinese herb group as compared with those in the model group. While, numbers of inflammatory infiltrated cells and vascular cuffs were decreased in focal region as compared with those in the model group; in addition, areas of softening focus and demyelination were decreased. ②Expression of GFAP： Volumes and numbers of positive cells of GFAP in white matter region were respectively bigger and higher than those of normal cells in the model group. Plentiful positive cells of GFAP were disorderly aggregated in hippocampus and surrounding small vessel cuffs. While, expression of GFAP was mildly increased surrounding focus in the Chinese herb group; however, GFAP did not express surrounding focus in the western medicine group. In addition, expressions of GFAP were not increased in non-focal region in both Chinese herb group and western medicine group. CONCLUSION： Both erhuangfang and hormone can relieve inflammatory reaction of central nervoussystem and demyelination of EAE rats. On one hand, erhuangfang can regulate reaction of astrocyte in two ways, relieve reaction and proliferation of astrocyte in non-focal region and maintain the protective effect of astrocyte on brain tissue in focal region; on the other hand, hormone can overall inhibit reaction of astrocyte.

Fasudil-modified macrophages reduce inflammation and regulate the immune response in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis is characterized by demyelination and neuronal loss caused by inflammatory cell activation and infiltration into the central nervous system.Macrophage polarization plays an important role in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,a traditional experimental model of multiple sclerosis.This study investigated the effect of Fasudil on macrophages and examined the therapeutic potential of Fasudil-modified macrophages in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.We found that Fasudil induced the conversion of macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 type to the anti-inflammatory M2 type,as shown by reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide,interleukin-12,and CD16/32 and increased expression of arginase-1,interleukin-10,CD14,and CD206,which was linked to inhibition of Rho kinase activity,decreased expression of toll-like receptors,nuclear factor-κB,and components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway,and generation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.Crucially,Fasudil-modified macrophages effectively decreased the impact of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,resulting in later onset of disease,lower symptom scores,less weight loss,and reduced demyelination compared with unmodified macrophages.In addition,Fasudil-modified macrophages decreased interleukin-17 expression on CD4^(+)T cells and CD16/32,inducible nitric oxide synthase,and interleukin-12 expression on F4/80^(+)macrophages,as well as increasing interleukin-10 expression on CD4^(+)T cells and arginase-1,CD206,and interleukin-10 expression on F4/80^(+)macrophages,which improved immune regulation and reduced inflammation.These findings suggest that Fasudil-modified macrophages may help treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inducing M2 macrophage polarization and inhibiting the inflammatory response,thereby providing new insight into cell immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis.

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.

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.

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.

Effect of oxymatrine on interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha serum levels in an experimental rat model of autoimmune encephalomyelitis

BACKGROUND： Studies have demonstrated that experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis （EAE） onset correlates with increased interferon-v （IFN-γ） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） expression. Oxymatrine （OM） has been shown to inhibit autoimmune responses, but there are no reports showing that it could prevent the development of EAE. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of OM on serum levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α in a rat model of EAE.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal study was performed at the Experimental Animal Center of Henan Academy of Chinese Medicine and at the Key Disciplines Laboratory Clinical Medicine of Henan Province between July and December 2008. MATERIALS： OM was purchased from Chia-tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical, China; complete Freund＇s adjuvant was purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS： Forty female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups： EAE model （M）, low-dose OM treatment （OM-L）, high-dose OM treatment （OM-H）, and normal control （N, no immunization）, with 10 rats in each group. EAE was established in the M, OM-L, and OM-H groups following immunization with Guinea pig spinal cord homogenate and complete Freund＇s adjuvant. The M and N groups were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline （6.7 mL/kg per day）, the OM-L group received an intraperitoneal injection of OM （100 mg/kg per day）, and the OM-H group received OM （150 mg/kg per day）. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At 16 days after immunization, the degree of histopathological changes in the spinal cord was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin stanining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum levels of IFN-γ, and radioimmunoassay was utilized to determine serum TNF-α level. Neurological scores were measured on a daily basis according to a 0-5 scale. RESULTS： Daily injections of OM, both high and low doses, resulted in decreased neurological scores in EAE rats （P〈0.01）, as well as reduced cellular infiltration in the spinal cord and decreased levels of serum IFN-γ and TNF-α （P〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： OM reduced the onset and severity of EAE, which correlated with decreased IFN-γ and TNF-α expression.

Early stent thrombosis secondary to food allergic reaction:Kounis syndrome following rice pudding ingestion

Kounis syndrome is the concurrence of coronary spasm, acute myocardial infarction or stent thrombosis, with allergic reactions in the setting of mast-cell and platelet activation. In this report Kounis syndrome manifesting as stent thrombosis with left ventricular thrombus formation was triggered by a food-induced allergic reaction. The allergic reaction to food was confirmed by oral rice pudding ingredients challenge test while skin tests were inconclusive. To our knowledge, this is first report of early stent thrombosis secondary to food allergic reaction in a 70-year-old man patient who was found to have left ventricular thrombus and undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Non-allergic rhinitis in children: Epidemiological aspects, pathological features, diagnostic methodology and clinical management

Chronic rhinitis is a very common disease, as the prevalence in the general population resulted to be 40%. Allergic rhinitis has been considered to be the most frequent form of chronic rhinitis, as non-allergic rhinitis has been estimated to account for 25%. However, several evidences suggested that non-allergic rhinitis have been underrated, especially in children. In pediatrics, the diagnostic definition of non-allergic rhinitis has been often limited to the exclusion of an allergic sensitization. Actually, local allergic rhinitis has been often misdiagnosed as well as mixed rhinitis has not been recognized in most cases. Nasal cytology is a diagnostic procedure being suitable for routine clinical practice with children and could be a very useful tool to characterize and diagnose non-allergic rhinitis, providing important clues for epidemiological analysis and clinical management.

Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in children: The role of nasal cytology

Nasal cytology is a diagnostic tool currently used in rhinology to study either allergic and vasomotor rhinological disorders or infectious and inflammatory rhinitis. Over the past few years nasal cytology has been rarely used in pediatrics, nevertheless its clinical and scientific applications seem to be very promising. The advantages of this technique are different: the ease of performance, the noninvasiveness allowing repetition and the low cost. We evaluated 100 children, from 2 to 15 years old, referred to our outpatient service for allergic children for suspected allergic rhinitis (AR). After skin prick test (SPT) or Radio Allergo Sorbent Test (RAST), 59/100 subjects were classified as affected by AR, while 8 children refused to be tested. According to ARIA guidelines, the 59 children with AR (4 - 15 years old) were divided in 56 with persistent AR and 3 with an intermittent form. Nine out of 59 children with AR had a significant number of neutrophils and eosinophils at the nasal cytology, documenting the presence of “minimal persistent inflammation”. Eleven out of 59 AR patients showed a positive swab for bacteria. Children with nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) were 33/100 (2 - 15 years old). After nasal cytology, 17/33 children were classified as NARES (nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophils), including one X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) child, 1/33 as NARESMA (nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophils and mast cell) and another 1/33 as NARMA (nonallergic rhinitis with mast cell). In conclusion, nasal cytology allowed us to correctly classify children with NAR and to better assess the condition of children with AR.

An Ideal Raw-radish Therapy for Allergic Rhinitis

[Objectives] To explore a kind of simple and effective dietotherapy for allergic rhinitis( AR). [Methods]48 patients with AR were hospitalized and randomly assigned to raw-radish treatment group( 36 patients) or placebo group( 12 patients). Every patient took about 150 g raw radish( experimental group) or cooked radish( placebo group) one time or separately a day. [Results]By continuously taking raw radish for fifteen days,the total cure rate reached 80. 6% and total valid rate reached 94. 4%,with the valid rate 100% for persistent AR and 66. 7% for intermittent AR. But cooked radish( placebo) was invalid to AR. Presumably the wonder efficacy of raw radish may be related with isothiocyanates in radish. Since isothiocyanates are susceptible to hydrolysis by cooking,so radish must be eaten raw. [Conclusions] Raw radish therapy works wonders for AR,which may be more effective,safer,cheaper and simpler method for prevention and treatment of AR at present.

Role of nuclear factor κB in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

The transcription factor nuclear factor κB（NF-κB） plays major roles in inflammatory diseases through regulation of inflammation and cell viability.Multiple sclerosis（MS） is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system（CNS）.It has been shown that NF-κB is activated in multiple cell types in the CNS of MS patients,including T cells,microglia/macrophages,astrocytes,oligodendrocytes,and neurons.Interestingly,data from animal model studies,particularly studies of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,have suggested that NF-κB activation in these individual cell types has distinct effects on the development of MS.In this review,we will cover the current literature on NF-κB and the evidence for its role in the development of MS and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.