Applied Sciences

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15 pages, 4574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Yukmijihwang-Tang as a Novel Preventive Agent in Ovalbumin-Induced Murine Asthma

by Jun-Yeop Song, Eun-Ju Hong, Eun-Bok Baek, Poornima Kumbukgahadeniya, Yu-Jin Kim, Mee-Young Lee and Hyo-Jung Kwun

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5815; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135815 - 3 Jul 2024

Viewed by 739

Abstract

Yukmijihwang-tang (YJT) is a blend of six herbal ingredients that has long been used in Asia for various diseases, including diabetes mellitus and mental decline. Here, we assessed the prophylactic efficacy of YJT in a murine model of asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA). [...] Read more.

Yukmijihwang-tang (YJT) is a blend of six herbal ingredients that has long been used in Asia for various diseases, including diabetes mellitus and mental decline. Here, we assessed the prophylactic efficacy of YJT in a murine model of asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA). Male C57BL/6 mice underwent sensitization followed by an airway challenge with OVA for 1 h. YJT (100 or 300 mg/kg once daily) was administered orally for 6 days. Our analyses revealed that YJT significantly reduced inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), decreased the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in BALF, and lowered the relative mRNA levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in lung tissues. Histological analyses showed that YJT substantially decreased inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in the bronchial airway. YJT also effectively reduced oxidative stress, as evidenced by improved levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione, glutathione reductase (GR), and reduced glutathione (GSH). YJT also markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in lung tissues. Together, these results show that YJT effectively inhibits respiratory inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and oxidative stress induced by OVA, suggesting its potential for asthma treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Asthma and Respiratory Disease: Prediction, Diagnosis and Treatment, Volume II)

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15 pages, 3188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of Oyaksoongi-San against Asthma Induced by Ovalbumin in a Mouse Model

by Jun-Yeop Song, Eun-Bok Baek, Eun-Ju Hong, Poornima Kumbukgahadeniya, Yu-Jin Kim, Mee-Young Lee and Hyo-Jung Kwun

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5280; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125280 - 18 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 765

Abstract

Oyaksoongi-San (OYSGS), which is a combination of 11 herbal ingredients, has long been used in Asia to relieve symptoms of various diseases conditions, including vomiting and diarrhea. In this study, we assessed the protective efficacy of OYSGS in a murine model of asthma [...] Read more.

Oyaksoongi-San (OYSGS), which is a combination of 11 herbal ingredients, has long been used in Asia to relieve symptoms of various diseases conditions, including vomiting and diarrhea. In this study, we assessed the protective efficacy of OYSGS in a murine model of asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA) and explored potential molecular mechanisms. Male C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with OVA and airway challenged with OVA (1% w/v in PBS) for 1 h. OYSGS (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg once daily) was administered for 6 days by oral gavage. Our results revealed that OYSGS significantly decreased the number of inflammatory cells and reduced the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Histological analyses showed that OYSGS substantially decreased inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in the airway. Further analyses revealed that OYSGS effectively reduced oxidative stress, as shown by downregulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and upregulation of total glutathione (GSSG/GSH), and markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). Together, these results suggest that OYSGS effectively inhibits the airway inflammatory responses, mucus secretion, and oxidative stress induced by OVA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Asthma and Respiratory Disease: Prediction, Diagnosis and Treatment, Volume II)

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11 pages, 1051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life in NSAIDs-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease on or off Intranasal Lysine Aspirin Therapy

by Alfonso Luca Pendolino, Joshua Ferreira, Glenis K. Scadding and Peter J. Andrews

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 1162; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14031162 - 30 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1061

Abstract

Background: Intranasal administration of lysine aspirin (LAS) is a safe and effective method for aspirin treatment after desensitisation (ATAD). Changes in quality of life (QoL) in patients on intranasal LAS have not been documented and we aimed to investigate QoL in N-ERD [...] Read more.

Background: Intranasal administration of lysine aspirin (LAS) is a safe and effective method for aspirin treatment after desensitisation (ATAD). Changes in quality of life (QoL) in patients on intranasal LAS have not been documented and we aimed to investigate QoL in N-ERD patients on or off nasal ATAD. Moreover, an estimate of the cost burden of intranasal LAS is given. Methods: A cross-sectional review was conducted for all challenge-confirmed N-ERD patients who were in follow-up in our rhinology clinic. They were asked to complete a SNOT-22 questionnaire, a visual analogue scale for sense of smell (sVAS). Information on prices of LAS and other consumables used for intranasal ATAD was obtained from our hospital pharmacy to obtain an estimate of the cost burden. Results: Thirty-four patients replied to the email (79.1% response rate). Of these, 21 (61.8%) were on intranasal LAS. A statistically significant lower score in the total SNOT-22 was found amongst patients on intranasal LAS (p = 0.02). The subanalysis of SNOT-22 domains showed that patients on LAS had statistically significant lower scores in the domains “rhinologic symptoms” (p = 0.05), “function” (p = 0.02), and “emotion” (p = 0.01). No significant differences were observed when looking at sVAS. The cost of 1-year treatment of LAS per person was ≈GBP 180.7 with a daily cost of ≈GBP 0.50. Conclusions: This study supports the efficacy of nasal ATAD in the management of N-ERD and suggests that long-term use can lead to QoL improvement with cost benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Asthma and Respiratory Disease: Prediction, Diagnosis and Treatment, Volume II)

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11 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Factors Affecting Asthma Outcomes among Asthmatic Children in California

by Hildemar Dos Santos, Elena Chai, Josileide Gaio, Monideepa B. Becerra, Wenes Pereira Reis, Michael Paalani and Jim E. Banta

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(23), 12538; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312538 - 21 Nov 2023

Viewed by 790

Abstract

Asthma is one of the principal causes of absenteeism from school and the leading cause of emergency department visits for children in the United States. Some dietary habits are associated with asthma prevalence and play a role in the pathogenesis and control of [...] Read more.

Asthma is one of the principal causes of absenteeism from school and the leading cause of emergency department visits for children in the United States. Some dietary habits are associated with asthma prevalence and play a role in the pathogenesis and control of symptoms. The objective of this study was to characterize dietary factors that may affect asthma outcomes among children with asthma in California. The California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) is the largest state health survey in the nation. This cross-sectional study included 7687 surveys, representing an estimated annual 710,534 children (ages 2–11) reported to have asthma between 2001 and 2015. Analysis was survey-weighted. We used multivariable regression, adjusting for covariates, to examine the association between dietary factors and asthma outcomes. Asthmatic children consuming two or more servings of sodas per day had more symptoms of asthma than those who did not consume soda daily (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.15). Moreover, those consuming two servings of fruits per day had lower odds of missing school due to asthma. Children with asthma may be affected by certain pro-inflammatory foods that are energy dense. This study provided an additional reason to discourage the consumption of sodas and sugary drinks due to the negative respiratory impact, in addition to their effect on childhood obesity, oral health problems, and future chronic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Asthma and Respiratory Disease: Prediction, Diagnosis and Treatment, Volume II)

12 pages, 1125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glucocorticoid Receptor Polymorphism A3669G Is Associated with Airflow Obstruction in Mild-to-Severe Asthma

by Barbara Mognetti, Daniela Francesca Giachino, Francesca Bertolini, Vitina Carriero, Andrea Elio Sprio and Fabio Luigi Massimo Ricciardolo

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7450; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137450 - 23 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1053

Abstract

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) represent the mainstay therapy for asthmatics. A subset of severe asthmatics fails to respond to steroid-based therapies, leading to important healthcare costs. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of glucocorticoid receptor genes were associated with a response to GC. We evaluate the [...] Read more.

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) represent the mainstay therapy for asthmatics. A subset of severe asthmatics fails to respond to steroid-based therapies, leading to important healthcare costs. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of glucocorticoid receptor genes were associated with a response to GC. We evaluate the possible relation of BclI and A3669G SNPs to clinical, biological and functional characteristics of asthmatics. Methods: We recruited 172 mild-to-severe asthmatic outpatients referring to the Severe Asthma and Rare Lung Disease Unit at San Luigi University Hospital. Clinical data were obtained at recruitment when spirometry tests and peripheral blood sampling were performed. Patients were genotyped for BclI and A3669G through the pyrosequencing assay results. Results: Patients with the A3669G AG genotype were younger, allergic and had higher IgE levels compared to AA genotype (p < 0.05). Moreover, asthmatics with the AA genotype had a lower post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio than the GG genotype (p < 0.05), and a higher RV/TLC ratio than the AG genotype (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The A3669G AG genotype might be related to type-2 allergic asthma; in particular, allele A of A3669G SNP was associated with GC response in our asthmatics. In conclusion, this observational cross-sectional study suggests a possible role of A3669G SNP as a predictor of asthma severity and phenotype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Asthma and Respiratory Disease: Prediction, Diagnosis and Treatment, Volume II)

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Review

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19 pages, 1144 KiB

Open AccessReview

Management of Acute Life-Threatening Asthma Exacerbations in the Intensive Care Unit

by Thomas Talbot, Thomas Roe and Ahilanandan Dushianthan

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020693 - 13 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 20511

Abstract

Managing acute asthma exacerbations in critical care can be challenging and may lead to adverse outcomes. While standard management of an acute asthma exacerbation is well established in outpatient and emergency department settings, the management pathway for patients with life-threatening and near-fatal asthma [...] Read more.

Managing acute asthma exacerbations in critical care can be challenging and may lead to adverse outcomes. While standard management of an acute asthma exacerbation is well established in outpatient and emergency department settings, the management pathway for patients with life-threatening and near-fatal asthma still needs to be fully defined. The use of specific interventions such as intravenous ketamine, intravenous salbutamol, and intravenous methylxanthines, which are often used in combination to improve bronchodilation, remains a contentious issue. Additionally, although it is common in the intensive care unit setting, the use of non-invasive ventilation to avoid invasive mechanical ventilation needs further exploration. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the available treatments and the evidence for their use in intensive care. We highlight the ongoing need for multicentre trials to address clinical knowledge gaps and the development of intensive-care-based guidelines to provide an evidence-based approach to patient management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Asthma and Respiratory Disease: Prediction, Diagnosis and Treatment, Volume II)

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27 pages, 1767 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diet and Asthma: A Narrative Review

by Mónica Rodrigues, Francisca de Castro Mendes, Luís Delgado, Patrícia Padrão, Inês Paciência, Renata Barros, João Cavaleiro Rufo, Diana Silva, André Moreira and Pedro Moreira

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6398; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116398 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4111

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that impacts millions of people worldwide. Recent studies suggest that diet may play a role in asthma pathophysiology. Several dietary factors have been recognized as potential contributors to the development and severity of asthma for its inflammatory [...] Read more.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that impacts millions of people worldwide. Recent studies suggest that diet may play a role in asthma pathophysiology. Several dietary factors have been recognized as potential contributors to the development and severity of asthma for its inflammatory and oxidative effects. Some food groups such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats appear to exert positive effects on asthma disease. On the other hand, a high consumption of dietary salt, saturated fats, and trans-fat seems to have the opposite effect. Nonetheless, as foods are not consumed separately, more research is warranted on the topic of dietary patterns. The mechanisms underlying these associations are not yet fully understood, but it is thought that diet can modulate both the immune system and inflammation, two key factors in asthma development and exacerbation. The purpose of this review is to examine how common food groups and dietary patterns are associated with asthma. In general, this research demonstrated that fruits and vegetables, fiber, healthy fats, and dietary patterns considered of high quality appear to be beneficial to asthma disease. Nonetheless, additional research is needed to better understand the interrelation between diet and asthma, and to determine the most effective dietary interventions for asthma prevention and management. Currently, there is no established dietary pattern for asthma management and prevention, and the nuances of certain food groups in relation to this disease require further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Asthma and Respiratory Disease: Prediction, Diagnosis and Treatment, Volume II)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

8 pages, 227 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Dupilumab in Children and Adolescents with Severe Atopic Dermatitis and Severe Asthma: A Case Series

by Daniele Russo, Giulia Michela Pellegrino, Paola Di Filippo, Teresa Ruggiero, Sabrina Di Pillo, Francesco Chiarelli, Giuseppe Francesco Sferrazza Papa and Marina Attanasi

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10902; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910902 - 30 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1699

Abstract

The increasing incidence and common specific inflammatory type 2 intracellular pathways have recently allowed for the rise of new biologic therapies in two inflammatory chronic diseases in children: atopic dermatitis (AD) and severe asthma. Such therapies aim at relieving symptoms and reducing inflammation [...] Read more.

The increasing incidence and common specific inflammatory type 2 intracellular pathways have recently allowed for the rise of new biologic therapies in two inflammatory chronic diseases in children: atopic dermatitis (AD) and severe asthma. Such therapies aim at relieving symptoms and reducing inflammation by treating the underlying molecular causes. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody indicated in children with moderate–severe AD and severe asthma ineffectively responsive to standard treatments. Here, we report a case series of seven consecutive children with moderate–severe AD, with three of them also affected by asthma and treated with dupilumab. The children experienced a reduction in the extent and severity of lesions and decreased intensity of symptoms, leading to better asthma control, a general improvement in sleep and quality of life (QoL), with a good safety profile. Notwithstanding the observed clinical improvement, further larger prospective studies are needed to better tailor the treatment duration and the potential preventive and long-lasting effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Asthma and Respiratory Disease: Prediction, Diagnosis and Treatment, Volume II)

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