Natural Defense System Research Articles

Plain language summary: tarlatamab for patients with previously treated small cell lung cancer.

This is a summary of a phase 2 clinical study called DeLLphi-301. The study looked at how effective and safe a medicine called tarlatamab was in participants with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Participants previously received at least two other treatments for their SCLC. Tarlatamab is a new medicine that locates a protein called DLL3 on the cancer, which allows T cells to attack the cancer. T cells belong to the body's natural defense system known as the immune system. The DeLLphi-301 study separated participants into two groups to receive tarlatamab 10mg or 100mg to determine which dose best shrank SCLC with minimal side effects. All participants received a small first dose (1mg tarlatamab) to decrease the risk of an immune system reaction called cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Tarlatamab was given through the participant's vein once every 2weeks. This method of administration is known as intravenous (IV) infusion. In the group given 10mg tarlatamab, 40% of participants responded to treatment (cancer shrank). In the group given 100mg tarlatamab, 32% of participants responded to treatment (cancer shrank). After taking tarlatamab at either dose, 59% of participants lived for at least 6months without their cancer growing or getting worse.The most common side effect was CRS, which occurred in 51% of participants in the group given 10mg tarlatamab and 61% of participants in the group given 100mg tarlatamab. Other common side effects were decreased appetite, fever, constipation, and anemia. Some participants had a type of immune reaction called immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). A small number of participants (3%) stopped taking tarlatamab because of side effects related to tarlatamab. The study found that tarlatamab given every 2weeks shrank SCLC in participants with SCLC who received previous treatments. Participants given the 10mg tarlatamab dose had fewer side effects than those given the 100mg tarlatamab dose.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05740566 (DeLLphi-304) (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Elemental composition and potential toxicity of the riverine macrophyte Podostemum ceratophyllum Michx. reflects land use in eastern North America

Land use influences surface water quality, often alleviating stoichiometric constraints on primary production and altering biogeochemical cycling. However, land use effects on nutrient content and potential trace metal accumulation in aquatic plants remain unclear, and high concentrations of metals and altered nutrient ratios could impact the health of herbivores and detritivores. We tested for land use effects on nutrient and trace metal accumulation in a widespread riverine macrophyte, Podostemum ceratophyllum, collected from 91 locations from Georgia to Maine, USA in 2014–2016. We quantified carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), their molar and mass ratios, N and C stable isotopes, and 17 additional elements in dried plants collected from each location to estimate relationships between plant tissue content and watershed land use, which we quantified as agriculture, forest, and development. Decreasing forest cover was correlated with increasing δ15N, Mg, Mn, and P in Podostemum tissue. Increasing urban development was correlated with increasing δ15N, Mg and P, while increasing agriculture was correlated with a decrease in C: P and the concentrations of multiple metals, along with increases in P, Mg and δ15N. Decreases in ratios of N: P and C:P with increasing agriculture and urban development in the watershed indicate more rapid P storage relative to C and N in plant tissue, and increased resource quality of the plant to consumers in these watersheds. We also observed potentially toxic dietary concentrations of some trace metals (B, Cd, Tl, Zn) in plant tissue which could be related to the plant's natural herbivory defense system or to land use. We conclude that land use influences the elemental composition of P. ceratophyllum, and potentially the quality and toxicity of the plant to herbivores and detritivores in eastern North American rivers.

The cGAS-STING Pathway: A New Therapeutic Target for Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Acute Myocardial Infarction?

The innate immune system is the body's natural defense system, which recognizes a wide range of microbial molecules (such as bacterial DNA and RNA) and abnormal molecules within cells (such as misplaced DNA, self-antigens) to play its role. DNA released into the cytoplasm activates the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway to initiate an immune response. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) after acute myocardial infarction refers to the phenomenon where myocardial tissue suffers further damage upon the restoration of blood flow. This issue is a significant clinical problem in the treatment of myocardial infarction, as it can diminish the effectiveness of reperfusion therapy and lead to further deterioration of cardiac function. Studies have found that the cGAS-STING signaling pathway is closely related to this phenomenon. Therefore, this review aims to describe the role of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in ischemia-reperfusion injury after myocardial infarction and summarize the current development status of cGAS-STING pathway inhibitors and the application of nanomaterials to further elucidate the potential of this pathway as a therapeutic target.

An Evaluation of Hyperhidrosis in Females at the Age of 18–23 Years. A Study from Tamilnadu, India

Excessive sweating caused by cholinergic receptors on eccrine glands being overstimulated is known as hyperhidrosis. Through disruption of the skin's natural defense systems, hyperhidrosis also directly affects skin conditions. As a result, dermatoses of bacterial, fungal, and less frequently viral origin are more common in afflicted people. A significant decline in the quality of life of patients is a result of the symptoms of excessive sweating. Daily activities are disrupted as a result of their substantial effects on several facets of life, including psychological, social, and even economic domains. Patients find them to be a great burden, which makes them feel alone and unconsciously self-conscious. Additionally, stress and emotions have the potential to worsen them. At the Sree Ramakrishna Medical College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences and Hospital in Kulasekharam, Tamil Nadu, India, ladies between the ages of 18 and 23 are participating in the study. Verbal consent was gained when the study's purpose was explained.Thirty respondents filled out this survey. The survey consists of thirty questions. This is not the usual level of understanding about food and water use. Women therefore need to be better informed about the need to get enough water, eating a healthy diet, using skincare products, managing stress, and getting enough sleep.

Efficient water-soluble copper(II) complexes with SOD/CO-like activities and the relationship between their structure and activity

Superoxide dismutase is a significant member of the body’s natural antioxidant defense system. It can effectively eliminate superoxide anion free radicals from the body. Based on the functionalized ligand-isonicotinic acid, three copper complexes were successfully developed. The metal centers of complexes 1–3 were highly similar to the active sites of natural superoxide dismutase. It was found that complexes 1–3 exhibited both excellent superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like and catecholase (CO)-like activities at the same time. A model of oxidative stress, induced by hydrogen peroxide, was constructed based on the cytotoxicity test. In this model, the mimetic complex proved to have effective intracellular antioxidant capacity. Combined with the experimental data and DFT, the results showed that the electron acceptance ability and the coordination configuration of the active center of copper ions had important effects on the activity of SOD.

Autophagy Behavior under Local Hypothermia in Myocardiocytes Injury.

Hypothermia and autophagy are critical regulators of cell homeostasis by regulating intra and intercellular cell communication. Myocardiocyte cryotherapy poses multiple cellular and subcellular effects on the injured cell, including upregulation of autophagy. Autophagy plays a crucial role in modifying cell metabolism by regulating downregulation, reducing reactive oxygen species production, and improving the natural cellular antioxidant defense system. Reduction of reactive oxygen species production and improving natural cellular antioxidant defense system. Therapeutic hypothermia ranges from 32-34°C in terms of local myocardiocyte cooling. Hypothermia induces autophagy by phosphorylating the Akt signaling pathway. Hypothermia has a more therapeutic effect when applied at the beginning of reperfusion rather than in the beginning of ischemia. Moderate hypothermia with 33°C poses most therapeutic effect by viability maintaining and reduction of reactive oxygen species release. Application of local hypothermia to myocardiocytes can be applied to infarcted myocardiocytes, anginal and to the cardiomyopathies.

GPx-like phenolic-amine nanoparticles with onion peel-off model for constantly generative anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation capability

Oxidative stress and inflammation are hallmark characteristics of Atherosclerosis (AS) and are crucial points for treatment. Polyphenolic materials have been widely used in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapy due to their naturally excellent antioxidant properties, which are limited by the irreversible depletion of a limited number of phenolic hydroxyl groups under oxidative stress. Therefore, polyphenols alone cannot meet the need for long-lasting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in atherosclerosis. In this work, inspired by the natural antioxidant defense system in living organisms, we introduce the CASe nanoparticle capitalizing on the synergistic action of polyphenols and diselenium. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that the incorporation of diselenium not only enhance the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging synergized with polyphenols, but also imparts glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activity and in situ nitric oxide (NO) -catalyzed release. In addition, ROS-triggered onion peel-off degradation ensures the continuous generation of refreshed surfaces, endowing CASe with a persistent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity. These features facilitate the long-term treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, providing a dynamic and effective approach for AS treatment.

Effect of two biocontrols on the accumulation of phenolic compounds and leaf pigments in sorghum [<i>Sorghum bicolor</i> (L.) Moench] leaves in northern Côte d'Ivoire

The aim of this study was to find an alternative to chemical control by improving sorghum's natural defense system. The effect of two biocontrols, Vacciplant and Calliet, on phenolic compound and leaf pigment levels was evaluated. Vacciplant was prepared at concentrations of 0.675; 0.9; 1.125; 1.35 and 1.575 mg/mL, while Calliet was prepared at concentrations of 4 ; 8 ; 12 ; 16 and 20 mg/mL. After preparation, the biocontrol solutions were sprayed onto sorghum leaves 60 days old. Incubation times of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours were observed after spraying. The sorghum leaves were then harvested and freeze-dried for quantification of total phenols and leaf pigments. Results showed that Vacciplant at a concentration of 1.125 mg/mL after 72 hours of incubation allowed to have the highest contents of total phenols (76.63 mg/g MF), while Calliet at concentration of 4.00 mg/mL after 24 hours of incubation allowed to have the highest contents of total phenols (67.28 mg/g MF). With regard to photosynthetic activity, the results also showed an increase in leaf pigment content following the application of biocontrols. The use of biocontrols could therefore be an interesting alternative to chemical control in sorghum.

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AbstractAs a natural antiviral defense system, the RNAi machinery is activated by viral dsRNA signatures, resulting in the targeted degradation of viral genomic RNAs and transcripts. Exogenously delivered insecticidal dsRNA also trigger RNAi via the same RNAi machinery, but in this case the target is the transcript of a gene essential for development or survival. As we learn more about the natural role of RNAi in viral immunity, the underlying mechanisms, and the factors that influence RNAi efficacy against agricultural pests, these studies will support the implementation of more RNAi‐based insect pest control strategies, together with the RNAi‐based control of pathogens (see pages 2–12).

A self-healing injectable hydrogel integrated with enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants as artificial antioxidant defense system for diabetic wound healing

Chronic diabetic wounds seriously threaten human health due to their intractable nature in a complex pathological microenvironment that contains oxidative stress, persistent inflammatory status, hypoxia and bacterial infections, of which oxidative damage contributing the most. Applied materials that can mimic the natural intracellular antioxidant defense system are perceived to have huge therapeutic potential. Herein, we present a novel strategy to prepare a versatile nanocomposite hydrogel by incorporating the nanoenzyme (manganese dioxide (MnO2)) and nonenzymatic antioxidant components (polydopamine (PDA)) in a dynamic hydrogel network composed of thioctic acid and tannic acid (TA). The prepared hydrogel exhibited outstanding adhesive and injectable properties, making it adapt perfectly to wounds with different shapes and depths. More importantly, encapsulation of PDA@MnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) conferred the hydrogel with superior antioxidant performance to effectively scavenge multiple types of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNOS) and reduce the inflammatory response by regulating macrophage polarization. Meanwhile, the hydrogel showed high-performance catalyzing ability to transfer hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into oxygen (O2), which could further alleviate hypoxic wound environment. Moreover, the nanocomposite hydrogel exhibited excellent near-infrared (NIR) photothermal antibacterial effect. Collectively, our findings indicate that the synthesized nanocomposite hydrogel shows potential for use in a clinical setting to treat diabetic wounds.

Hopf bifurcations in an atypical p53 protein oscillator model with discrete delay or distributed delay

Human cells have a natural cancerous defense system, and p53 protein is at the core. It is well known that p53 relies on oscillatory dynamic behavior to perform tumor suppressor functions. However, the mechanism of its oscillation remains unclear. To reveal the effect of time lag on the onset of p53 oscillations, we analytically and numerically investigate a possible scenario in which p53 oscillations are driven by a time lag. The model has only three nodes, two negative loops, and one delay. We focus on two types of time delays: discrete and distributed, use Hopf bifurcation theory to derive conditions for the occurrence of limit cycle oscillations, and confirm the properties of Hopf bifurcations by normal form and central manifold approaches. The analytical results are supported by numerical results. We suggest that discrete time lag promote p53 oscillations, while distributed time lag have a dual effect on p53 oscillations. These results imply that controlling the time lag in an appropriate range favors the inhibition of p53 on cancer cells.

B Vitamins, Glucoronolactone and the Immune System: Bioavailability, Doses and Efficiency.

The present review deals with two main ingredients of energy/power drinks: B vitamins and glucuronolactone and their possible effect on the immune system. There is a strong relationship between the recommended daily dose of selected B vitamins and a functional immune system. Regarding specific B vitamins: (1) Riboflavin is necessary for the optimization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the fight against bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. (2) Niacin administered within normal doses to obese rats can change the phenotype of skeletal fibers, and thereby affect muscle metabolism. This metabolic phenotype induced by niacin treatment is also confirmed by stimulation of the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of free fatty acids (FFAs) and oxidative phosphorylation at this level. (3) Vitamin B5 effects depend primarily on the dose, thus large doses can cause diarrhea or functional disorders of the digestive tract whereas normal levels are effective in wound healing, liver detoxification, and joint health support. (4) High vitamin B6 concentrations (>2000 mg per day) have been shown to exert a significant negative impact on the dorsal root ganglia. Whereas, at doses of approximately 70 ng/mL, sensory symptoms were reported in 80% of cases. (5) Chronic increases in vitamin B12 have been associated with the increased incidence of solid cancers. Additionally, glucuronolactone, whose effects are not well known, represents a controversial compound. (6) Supplementing with D-glucarates, such as glucuronolactone, may help the body's natural defense system function better to inhibit different tumor promoters and carcinogens and their consequences. Cumulatively, the present review aims to evaluate the relationship between the selected B vitamins group, glucuronolactone, and the immune system and their associations to bioavailability, doses, and efficiency.

A novel thienothiophene-based “dual-responsive” probe for rapid, selective and sensitive detection of hypochlorite

BackgroundHypochlorite/hypochlorous acid (ClO−/HOCl) is a biologically crucial reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced in living organisms and has a critical role as an antimicrobial agent in the natural defense system. However, when ClO− is produced excessively, it can lead to the oxidative damage of biomolecules, resulting in organ damage and various diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to have a straightforward, quick and reliable method for over watching the minimum amount of ClO− in different environments. ResultsHerein, a new probe TTM, containing thienothiophene and malononitrile units, was developed for exceptionally selective and sensitive hypochlorite (ClO−) detection. TTM demonstrated a rapid “turn-on” fluorescence response (<30 s), naked-eye detection (colorimetric), voltammetric read-out with anodic scan, low detection limit (LOD = 0.58 μM and 1.43 μM for optical and electrochemical methods, respectively) and applicability in detecting ClO− in real water samples and living cells. Significance and noveltyThis study represents one of the rare examples of a small thienothiophene-based molecule for both optical and electrochemical detections of ClO− in an aqueous medium.

Pleiotropic attenuating effect of Ginkgo biloba against isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction via improving Bcl-2/mTOR/ERK1/2/Na+, K+-ATPase activities

ObjectiveMyocardial infarction (MI) is linked to an imbalance in the supply and demand of blood oxygen in the heart muscles. Beta-blockers and calcium antagonists are just two of the common medications used to treat MI. However, these have reportedly been shown to be either ineffective or to have undesirable side effects. Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBE), a Chinese herbal product offers special compatibility benefits in therapeutic settings relating to inflammatory diseases and oxidative stress. In order to better understand how GBE affects MI in rats insulted by isoprenaline (ISO), the current study was designed. MethodsThe heart weight index, serum lipid profile, cardiac marker enzymes, endogenous antioxidants [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), nitrites and malondialdehyde (MDA)], inflammatory mediators [tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)], immunohistochemical expressions of B-cell lymphoma factor-2 (Bcl-2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and histopathological analysis were used to assess the cardioprotective properties of GBE. ResultsThe findings showed that GBE effectively attenuated myocardial infarction by boosting the body’s natural antioxidant defense system and reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines as well as heart injury marker enzymes. The expression of Bcl-2, ERK1/2 and mTOR was increased while the histomorphological alterations were reversed. ConclusionThe cardioprotective effects of GBE may be due to a mechanism involving increased Bcl-2/mTOR/ERK1/2/Na+, K+-ATPase activity.

Revitalizing pond culture system: Harnessing the power of composite nanopeptide C[sbnd]I20, 1,3-1,6-β-glucan, and anthocyanidin biotherapy as an antibiotic substitute for efficient management of bacterial diseases in bullfrogs

Bacterial diseases in aquaculture ponds have significant negative effects on sustainable development. Antibiotic resistance in aquatic pathogens has reduced the effectiveness of traditional treatments. To address this, composite additives that boost the natural defense system are being explored. In this study, we focused on four common symptoms in bullfrog ponds: amyosthenia, black body color, crooked head, and pythiosis. We also observed overlapping symptoms such as amyosthenia + crooked head and black body color + pythiosis. The overall incidence rate of these symptoms was 85.6%, with Aeromonas hydrophila and Elizabethkingia miricola identified as the responsible pathogens. To treat bullfrog bacterial diseases, we used two treatments: florfenicol (FF) at 20 mg/Kg and a composite I20 (CI) containing nanopeptide CI20 (2 g/Kg), β-glucan (1 g/Kg), and anthocyanidin (1 g/Kg). We implemented a staged therapy approach, comprising initial assessment, self-cure intervention, and continuous treatment stages, along with continuous monitoring to assess the effectiveness and usage protocol of CI. In the initial therapy stage, oral CI or florfenicol improved body color and rapidly reduced morbidity rate and daily mortality rate. CI biological agent exerted anti-bacterial infection by improving mucosal barrier, antioxidant enzyme activity (T-AOC and TSOD), and innate immunity index (LZM activity, leukocyte number). The CI treatment demonstrated significant reductions in tissue injury (intestine, liver, spleen) and tissue bacterial load. Following the stage therapy, the CI group exhibited lower morbidity and daily mortality rates compared to the FF group. Additionally, the total protection rate of the CI group surpassed that of the FF and control groups during the stage therapy. The antibiotic resistance and drug resistance genes (FIoR and FexA) and virulence genes (HxlR, ClpP, OmpA, and FlaA) in A. hydrophila and E. mirabilis were markedly induced by florfenicol treatment, respectively. In continuing therapy stage (42 days), the morbidity, protection rate, and daily mortality of the CI group were better than that of the FF group. In conclusion, composite I20 biotherapy effectively treats the bacterial disease of bullfrogs in pond system, providing a prospectively novel strategy for controlling bacterial disease in aquaculture.

A narrative review of current perspectives on urinary tract infections in dogs and cats

Abstract Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common diseases in dogs and cats. The infections occur when the natural defence systems of the urinary tract and pathogenic bacteria are out of balance. Diagnosis of UTIs requires a simultaneous evaluation of clinical signs and urine culture, which is necessary before initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy. Several variables, such as subclinical bacteriuria or pre-analytical errors, can make the interpretation of urine cultures problematic. The aim of this review was to provide an up-to-date overview of UTIs in dogs and cats and to improve the current understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenic aspects of uropathogens, and innovative therapeutic modalities.

Antioxidant rich medicinal plants as a potential candidate to treat gastric ulcer

Oxidative stress is a key cause of gastrointestinal disorders, primarily stomach ulcers. Multiple intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms caused the body to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The body's antioxidant defense system protects against these reactive species. When the degree of ROS production exceeds the normal range, the body's natural defense system fails to neutralize these dangerous free radicals, necessitating need foran exogenous source of natural antioxidants. Natural herbal remedies have been widely employed as antioxidants to relieve oxidative stress in gastric ulcers. Polyphenols, tannins, essential oils, flavonoids, notably quercetin, carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin A, and minerals are among the molecules of immense interest in bioassays due to their significant antioxidant effects. In the present review, several natural anti-ulcer medicinal plants along with their antioxidative mechanism have been reported. Electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus were explored to identify the antioxidant and gastroprotective potential of all the plants.

Tezepelumab for the treatment of severe asthma: a plain language summary of the PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR studies.

This is a summary of the results of 2 clinical studies that looked at a medicine called tezepelumab. Tezepelumab is approved in the United States of America (USA), the European Union (EU) and several other countries for the treatment of severe, uncontrolled asthma in people aged 12 and above. The results of these 2 studies, called PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR, formed the basis for tezepelumab's approval for use. Tezepelumab is a type of biologic treatment called an antibody. Biologics are treatments that target certain cells or proteins in the body and often in the immune system - the body's natural defence system against infections and diseases - to reduce patients' disease. It works by blocking a key first step in the body's chain reaction leading to inflammation in the airways of people with severe asthma. The clinical studies were done to learn if tezepelumab can be used to treat people with severe, uncontrolled asthma and to find out about its safety. In both studies, tezepelumab was compared to placebo. A placebo is a dummy treatment that looked like tezepelumab but did not have any medicine in it. In both studies, tezepelumab reduced the number of severe asthma attacks that the participants had per year compared with placebo. It also increased the volume of air that the participants could breathe out in 1second compared with placebo. Tezepelumab was well-tolerated, and a similar number of participants had health issues in the tezepelumab and placebo treatment groups. The most common health issues that the participants had during the PATHWAY study were: Worsening of asthma, common cold, headache, and inflammation of the airways. The most common health issues that the participants had during the NAVIGATOR study were: Common cold, infection of the sinuses, throat and airways, headache, worsening of asthma, and inflammation of the airways. The results showed that participants who had monthly doses of tezepelumab had fewer severe asthma attacks and better lung function than those who had placebo. In both studies, the health issues that the participants had were similar between the tezepelumab and placebo treatment groups. Overall, the studies showed that tezepelumab worked in a broad population of people with severe asthma and that the study participants had an acceptable level of health issues during the studies. These results led to the approval of tezepelumab for people with severe asthma aged 12 and above in the USA, EU and other countries. Clinical Trial Registration: PATHWAY study: NCT02054130; NAVIGATOR study: NCT03347279 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

The safety and efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine for pneumonia prevention in high-risk elder residents in the nursing home: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNursing home-associated pneumonia (NHAP) is a common type of infection among long-term care residents. Moreover, the mortality of NHAP is also higher than community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the decoctions of Banxia Houpo Tang (BHT) and Ding Chuan Tang (DCT) are two formulas supporting the lungs' natural defense systems, helps to expel mucus and promote detoxification. Aim of the studyWe designed a concentrated Chinese herbal extract formula called BDT1, that combines the compounds of BHT and DCT. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of BDT1 for NHAP prevention in high-risk older residents in the nursing home. Materials and methodsIn this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 160 participants aged over 65 years old living in the nursing home were randomly assigned 1:1 to the BDT1 and placebo group. Besides regular medicine, participants received either BDT1 or a placebo for 12 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome was the hospitalization rate for pneumonia in the intervention period and half-year follow-up. The microscopic examination of Gram-stained sputum was also evaluated before and after the trial. Data were analyzed by using the Chi-square test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test with SPSS. ResultsA total of 160 participants were enrolled into two study groups in this study, which was completed with 143 participants analyzed, including 70 subjects in the BDT1 group and 73 subjects in the placebo group. After the 12-week medical treatment, the hospitalization rate for pneumonia was 10.0% and 34.2% in the BDT1 and placebo group respectively. The risk of pneumonia in half a year was lower in the BDT1 group (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.422, 95% CI = 0.226–0.791). Compared to the placebo group, the level of Gram-negative bacilli in the BDT1 group is significantly declined in sputum samples (p < 0.05). ConclusionIn conclusion, the cumulative incidence of pneumonia and related-hospitalization rates declined significantly after 12-weeks of BDT1 treatment. Besides, Chinese herbal medicine BDT1 is a safe therapy without hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity.

Positive and ecobiological contribution in skin photoprotection of ectoine and mannitol combined in vivo with UV filters.

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation causes immunosuppression, photoaging, and carcinogenesis by induction of a cascade of skin damages. Sunscreens currently on the market are not absorbing UV rays uniformly throughout the full UV range, high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreens absorb most of UVB rays but are less effective in absorbing the UVA part of the spectrum. In the context, one approach could consist of preserving the skin natural resources and mechanisms, which is the foundation of the ecobiological approach, by combing UV filters and antioxidants to enhance their photoprotective effect. First, the photoprotection properties of ectoine and mannitol association were characterized by the quantification of glutathione, reactive oxygen species, and double-stranded DNA breaks and by the epidermal Langerhans cells functionality. Second, the protection of squalene oxidation, catalase activity, and trans-urocanic acid (UCA) by the ectoine and mannitol association combined or not with SPF30 UV filters was assessed in vivo via non-invasive skin samplings in 10 subjects on irradiated areas. Using in vitro irradiated skin cell models, we demonstrated that this association significantly preserved intracellular glutathione levels, reduced DNA strand breaks induced by oxidative stress, and maintained Langerhans cell functionality. In vivo this association combined with UV filters presented significantly higher protection of three natural defense systems altered by UV compared to UV filters alone: squalene oxidation, catalase activity, and preservation of trans-UCA. This study demonstrates the ecobiological potential of combining UV filters with biological protection to increase skin photoprotection provided by specific active ingredients with antioxidative and immunosuppressive properties.