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The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of glaucocalyxin A (GLA) on airways in mouse models of asthma, concerning the inflammatory mediators, Th1/Th2 subgroup imbalance, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway. Hematoxylin and eosin/periodic acid–Schiff staining was used to observe the pathological changes in lung tissues. Inflammatory cytokine contents in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression levels were detected with Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. In vivo studies showed that, in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse models, the GLA treatments reduced the airway hyperresponsiveness and the secretion of inflammatory cells, declined the proliferation of goblet cells, decreased the levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and increased the contents of interferon-γ and IL-12. Moreover, GLA inhibited the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, and NF-κB in OVA-induced asthmatic mouse models. Further in vitro studies showed that GLA inhibited the expression of NF-κB, p-IκBα, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and blocked the nuclear transfer of NF-κB in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Conclusively, GLA can inhibit the inflammatory responses in OVA-induced asthmatic mice and inhibit the release of inflammatory factors in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, which may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The core of tissue engineering is the fabrication of a complex three-dimensional space with cells and biomaterials. In the development of porous scaffolds in vitro, no matter the seed cells ran into the scaffold, or its excretion of waste discharged scaffolds, they both need the nutrient solution to be brought into or taken out. Therefore, the flow of the nutrient solution, cells and metabolic waste for the profitable living in vitro culture plays a significant role. the paper constructed bone scaffold models of different geometric parameters, analog cells, and nutrient solution flow conditions in the scaffolds using the FLUENT software. By making a contrastive analysis with the simulated result, the internal organizational design parameters of scaffold for tissue engineering is optimized and a certain amount of data and a theoretical basis for the internal bone scaffold structure design is provided.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can participate in airway remodeling by regulating immune molecule expression. Here, we aimed to identify the differential miRNAs involved in airway remodeling. Airway remodeling was induced by ovalbumin in female BALB/C mice. The differentially expressed miRNAs were screened with microarray. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG enrichment analysis was performed. The miRNA target gene network and miRNA target pathway network were constructed. Verification with real-time PCR and Western blot was performed. We identified 63 differentially expressed miRNAs (50 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated) in the lungs of ovalbumin-induced airway remodeling mice. Real-time PCR confirmed that 3 miRNAs (mmu-miR-1931, mmu-miR-712-5p, and mmu-miR-770-5p) were significantly up-regulated, and 4 miRNAs (mmu-miR-128-3p, mmu-miR-182-5p, mmu-miR-130b-3p, and mmu-miR-20b-5p) were significantly down-regulated. The miRNA target gene network analysis identified key mRNAs in the airway remodeling, such as Tnrc6b (trinucleotide repeat containing adaptor 6B), Sesn3 (sestrin 3), Baz2a (bromodomain adjacent to zinc finger domain 2a), and Cux1 (cut like homeobox 1). The miRNA target pathway network showed that the signal pathways such as MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), PI3K/Akt (phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/protein kinase B), p53 (protein 53), and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) were closely related to airway remodeling in asthma. Collectively, differential miRNAs involved in airway remodeling (such as mmu-miR-1931, mmu-miR-712-5p, mmu-miR-770-5p, mmu-miR-128-3p mmu-miR-182-5p, and mmu-miR-130b-3p) as well as their target genes (such as Tnrc6b, Sesn3, Baz2a, and Cux1) and pathways (such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt, p53, mTOR pathways) have been identified. Our findings may help to further understand the pathogenesis of airway remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of salidroside (SAL) in airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. Methods: Mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish an asthma model. They were divided into the control group, OVA group, SAL low-dose group (SAL-L), SAL high-dose group (SAL-H), and dexamethasone (DXM) group. The airway reactivity of the mice was measured, and the total cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes were counted, respectively. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of p-AMPK, p-Akt, and p-GSK3β. Western blot was used to detect cytokine levels in lung tissue and p-AMPK, p-Akt, and p-GSK3β levels in LPS-induced 16HBE cells. Results: The airway hyperresponsiveness of asthmatic mice in the SAL-H group decreased (p < 0.05), and the total number of cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, the airways of mice showed airway inflammatory infiltration and goblet cell proliferation, and the corresponding cellular inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 were significantly decreased. However, the expression of IFN-γ in BALF and lung tissues was increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, after the mice were treated with SAL, the phosphorylation level of AMPK was significantly increased, which further reduced the phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK3β (p < 0.05). Both SAL and AMPK inhibitors exerted effects on LPS-induced 16HBE cells, consistent with in vivo results. Conclusion: SAL can inhibit bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reduce tracheal inflammation by increasing AMPK phosphorylation and inhibiting Akt and GSK3β signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase 3 studies, VOYAGE 1 and 2, were conducted to assess guselkumab in the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. To investigate the efficacy and safety of guselkumab in Korean patients. The Korean sub-population of VOYAGE 1 and 2 study patients were included in this analysis. Efficacy and safety were evaluated through Weeks 24 and 28, respectively. Of 126 randomized Korean patients, 30, 63, and 33 received placebo, guselkumab, and adalimumab, respectively. At Week 16, guselkumab was superior to placebo in achieving an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 (cleared or minimal; 90.5 vs. 20.0%, p<.001) and a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90 response (71.4 vs. 3.3%, p<.001). At week 24, a significantly higher proportion of guselkumab-treated patients achieved PASI 75 and IGA 0 (clear skin) responses compared to adalimumab-treated patients (PASI 75: 93.7 vs. 66.7%, p<.001; IGA 0: 52.4 vs. 21.2%, p=.004). Through Week 28, guselkumab and adalimumab showed comparable safety profiles. The efficacy and safety of guselkumab in Korean psoriasis patients through 28 weeks were consistent with findings for the overall VOYAGE 1 and 2 study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Guselkumab, an interleukin-23 antagonist, is approved for self-administration with the UltraSafe Plus™ syringe to treat moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis. We evaluated the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and acceptability of guselkumab administered using a novel patient-controlled injector (One-Press) in psoriasis patients. Materials and methods: This Phase 3, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (ORION, Clinicaltrials.gov identifier-NCT02905331) randomized adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (4:1) to guselkumab 100 mg at Weeks 0/4/12/20/28 or placebo at Weeks 0/4/12 with crossover to guselkumab 100 mg at Weeks 16/20/28. Week 16 co-primary endpoints were the proportions of patients achieving Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) cleared/minimal (IGA 0/1) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 90% improvement (PASI90) responses. One-Press usability/acceptability was evaluated using the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ) and Patient-Controlled Injection Device Questionnaire. Final assessments occurred at Week 40. Results: At Week 16, significantly higher proportions of guselkumab-treated (N = 62) than placebo-treated (N = 16) patients achieved IGA 0/1 (80.6% vs. 0.0%, p <.001) and PASI90 (75.8% vs. 0.0%, p <.001) responses. Adverse events were comparable between treatments. SIAQ results demonstrated 99% (68/69) of patients were satisfied/very satisfied with One-Press at Week 28. Conclusions: Guselkumab administered using the One-Press patient-controlled injector was efficacious and well-tolerated in moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients, consistent with previously reported Phase-3 studies of guselkumab administered using UltraSafe Plus. One-Press was highly acceptable to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary (PSSD) is a patient-reported instrument that assesses severity of six symptoms (itch, skin tightness, burning, stinging, and pain) and five signs (dryness, cracking, scaling, shedding/flaking, redness, and bleeding) of psoriasis. Materials and methods: PSSD symptoms and signs summary scores (range, 0-100) were derived based on individual item scores (0-10 [absent-worst imaginable]). Using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI], Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA] and Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]) data from the NAVIGATE trial of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, analyses were conducted to further validate the PSSD (7-day recall version) and establish criteria for clinically meaningful improvements (CMIs). Results: Mean PSSD symptoms and signs summary scores were 50.6 and 60.7, respectively, at baseline, with no major floor (score of 0) or ceiling (maximum score) effects. PSSD scores and changes in PSSD scores were highly correlated with PASI, IGA, and DLQI scores (most Spearman's correlation r's ≥0.4, all p < .001). A 2-grade improvement in IGA or an improvement of 75%-<90% in PASI was associated with CMIs of ≥40-points in PSSD summary scores and ≥3-5-points in individual item scores. Conclusions: The PSSD possesses strong psychometric properties and is suitable for use as a measure of disease severity in clinical studies of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrin domain (PYD), a subclass of protein motif known as the death fold, is frequently involved in inflammation and immune responses. PYD modulates nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signalling pathway upon various stimuli. Herein, a novel recombinant pyrin domain protein (RPYD) was generated. Its role and mechanism in inflammatory response in an ovalbumin (OVA) induced asthma model was investigated. After OVA challenge, there was inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung, as well as airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR) to inhaled methacholine. In addition, eosinophils increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, alone with the elevated levels of Th‐2 type cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13], eotaxin, and adhesion molecules. However, the transnasal administration of RPYD before the OVA challenge significantly inhibited these asthmatic reactions. Moreover, RPYD markedly suppressed NF‐κB translocation, reduced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and thus attenuated the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and IL‐6 in the BEAS‐2B cells stimulated by proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. These findings indicate that RPYD can protect asthma host from OVA‐induced airway inflammation and AHR via down‐regulation of NF‐κB and p38 MAPK activities. RPYD may be used as a potential medicine for the treatment of asthma in clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Microporous poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) membranes were successfully prepared by supercritical CO2-induced phase separation. The obtained membrane structures were characterized by scanning electron microscope. The results indicated that the process parameters, such as PVB concentration in casting solution, CO2 pressure, temperature and depressurization time, had significant effects on the membrane structure. The increase of PVB concentration led to a decrease of the mean pore size. With the increase of temperature and CO2 pressure, the top surface of the membrane became dense, the pore size of cross-section increased and the asymmetry became more pronounced. With the increase of the depressurization time, the top surface became porous and the pore size of cross-section increased. Macrovoids occurred at a certain distance from the skin layer of the membrane prepared under the pressure of 15MPa or at the PVB concentration of 19% (w/w). The crystallinity and thermal stability of membranes were characterized by wide-angle X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter and thermogravimetric analysis. The relations between the membrane characteristics and the process parameters were extensively discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mild psoriasis may be burdensome; if symptoms are inadequately controlled, switching therapy may be warranted. In the Phase 3 NAVIGATE trial, patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis received ustekinumab for 16 weeks. Patients with inadequate response (Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA] ≥ 2) were randomized to switch to guselkumab or continue ustekinumab. This post-hoc analysis evaluated the patient subgroup with residual mild psoriasis (IGA = 2) after initial ustekinumab therapy. Outcomes assessed included the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary (PSSD). Initially, 871 patients received ustekinumab. At Week 16, 161 randomized patients had residual mild psoriasis (IGA = 2). Among guselkumab- vs ustekinumab-treated patients at Week 28, 59.0% vs 27.7% achieved PASI 90, and 50.0% vs 21.0% achieved DLQI 0/1. Mean changes from baseline in PSSD score were -44 vs -28 and -50 vs -32, respectively, with thresholds of -40 considered clinically meaningful. Mean changes in PSSD itch score were -4.6 vs -2.9, with reductions ≥ 4.0 considered clinically meaningful. Treatment differences were maintained/increased through Week 52. Among patients with residual mild psoriasis after 16 weeks of ustekinumab, those switching to guselkumab had greater improvements in skin clearance, health-related quality of life, and patient-reported symptoms and signs than those continuing ustekinumab.