Serum IgE Levels Research Articles

Malvidin From Malva sylvestris L. Ameliorates Allergic Responses in Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis Mouse Model via the STAT6/GATA3 Pathway.

Malva sylvestris L. (commonly known as mallow) has been widely used in traditional Tibetan formulations to treat allergic rhinitis (AR), and malvidin is a key anti-inflammation constituent of this plant. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect and mechanism of malvidin in an AR mouse model. Malvidin's efficacy was evaluated in an AR mouse model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. The factors, such as nasal symptoms, serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, histological changes in the nasal mucosa, and expressions of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Tregs and their cytokines, were assessed. Western blotting was used to analyze the effect of malvidin on signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and GATA3 expression levels. Malvidin reduced the allergic symptoms and serum levels of OVA-specific IgE in the AR model. Histological analysis indicated that malvidin alleviates nasal mucosal edema, eosinophil infiltration, and goblet cell proliferation. In addition, it altered the expression of Th1/Th2/Th17-related cytokines, enhanced the Treg population, and reduced Th2-mediated immunity by suppressing the phosphorylation of STAT6 and expression of the GATA3 protein. Malvidin significantly improved allergic symptoms in an OVA-induced AR mouse model by modulating Th1/Th2 immune responses and suppressing the STAT6/GATA3 pathway, indicating its potential as a naturally sourced agent for AR management.

Immunoglobulin prophylaxis prevents hospital admissions for fever in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of a multicenter randomized trial.

Infections lead to substantial morbidity during treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in which the adaptive immune system gets severely affected, leading to declining serum immunoglobulin levels. The aim of this trial was to investigate whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) prophylaxis in pediatric patients with ALL prevents admissions for fever. This randomized controlled trial was a subtrial of the national Dutch multicenter ALL study. Patients aged 1-19 years with medium risk (MR) ALL were randomized into two groups receiving either IVIG prophylaxis (0.7 g/kg IVIG given every three weeks, starting day 22 after diagnosis) or well defined standard of care (control group). Between October 2012 until March 2019, 91 (51%) patients were randomly assigned to IVIG prophylaxis and 86 (49%) to the control arm. In the IVIG prophylaxis group there were 206 admissions for fever versus 271 in the control group (p=0.011). IVIG prophylaxis was not associated with bacteremia. However, IVIG prophylaxis was associated with significantly less admissions for fever with negative blood cultures compared to the control group (N=113 versus 200, p.

High-altitude speleotherapy in the treatment of bronchial asthma

The present study concerns clinical effects of speleotherapy in bronchial asthma. The aim of our work was to study the efficiency of speleotherapy in a group of patients with bronchial asthma. We observed a group of 51 patients with bronchial asthma (BA) aged 18 to 50 years, who received a course of treatment at the private center “Solevik” (Yakutsk City), carried out at the Department of Allergology and Immunology. All the examined patients were diagnosed with atopic bronchial asthma, of moderate severity. Basic therapy in all cases included Symbicort and Seretide treatment. The patients were managed and monitored before and after the course of treatment by a therapist, pulmonologist and allergologist-immunologist at the outpatient center. Laboratory parameters included general blood tests and the levels of total serum IgE. Examination of patients after a course of speleotherapy revealed disappearance and reduction of asthma attacks (up to 1 attack per month) in 80% of the examined. General blood testing before and after speleotherapy showed decreased levels of blood eosinophils after the course of treatment. I.e., the average initial level of blood eosinophils before treatment was 12±0.4%, being decreased after the course of speleotherapy to 5.5±0.2%. Measurements of total IgE before and after speleotherapy revealed the following results: in patients before therapy, the average level of this index was 500±0.8 units/mL. After a course of speleotherapy, this parameter decreased to 80±0.3 units/ mL. Speleotherapy shows a positive effect on the clinical course of the patients with bronchial asthma and significantly increases the efficiency of treatment.

Serum immunoglobulin levels in group E of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: insights for clinical management and immunoglobulin therapy strategies

ObjectiveThe study aimed to characterize serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations and their relationship with clinical and paraclinical features in patients with COPD group E in the stable stage. Additionally, the study focused on evaluating the relationship between serum Ig levels and the risk of exacerbations over the next 12 months, thereby clarifying the role of serum Ig deficiency in affecting the future risk for these patients.MethodsA prospective observational study assessed IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE levels in 67 COPD patients and 30 healthy controls at Military Hospital 103 from October 2017 to August 2020. Primary outcomes included Ig isotype levels in COPD patients, with secondary outcomes exploring differences compared to controls and associations with clinical variables.ResultsCOPD patients showed significantly lower IgG concentrations and higher IgA levels than controls. IgM and IgE levels did not differ significantly. Subgroup analysis revealed notable decreases in IgG1 and IgG3 concentrations, with 10.4% of patients exhibiting reduced IgG levels and 0.3% diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency. No significant associations were found between Ig levels and exacerbation risk or clinical variables.ConclusionsSerum IgG and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced in COPD patients compared to normal individuals, with IgG1 and IgG3 concentrations notably low. Serum IgA levels were significantly higher in COPD patients compared with normal controls. However, no significant association was found between Ig concentrations, particularly serum IgG deficiency and its subclasses, with the frequency and risk of exacerbations during 12 months of longitudinal follow-up. Caution is warranted in the use of immunoglobulin therapy in the treatment of COPD patients.Trial registrationAn independent ethics committee approved the study (Ethics Committee of Military Hospital 103 (No. 57/2014/VMMU-IRB), which was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.

Pattern of Immune Reconstitution Post Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant: Data From a Resource Constraint Country.

To determine the Pattern of immune reconstitution (IR) post allogeneic stem cell transplant at six months. Prospective observational study. Place and duration of the study: This study was conducted at The Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Centre (AFMBTC) Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from May 2022 to December 2022. After approval from the institutional review board, informed/written consents were taken from patients. All patients (both genders, irrespective of age) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant were included in the study. Patients undergoing haplo-identical or autologous bone marrow transplants were excluded from the study. Innate immune reconstitution was checked by complete blood count and adaptive immune reconstitution at six months was checked lymphocyte subset analysis and serum immunoglobulin levels. Data was entered in pre-designed proforma and was analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2017. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. This study analyzes 43 patients, including 67% (n=29) males. The median age at the time of HSCT was 11.19 years. Cellular and humoral reconstitution at six months after transplant was used to assess immune reconstitution. Innate immune reconstitution was checked by complete blood count for count recovery (Neutrophil engraftment), and adaptive immune reconstitution (cellular/humoral) at six months was checked lymphocyte subset analysis and serum immunoglobulin levels. By using chi-square, significant associations were found as pre-transplant condition regimen with CD4 (PChi= 0.001), GVHD prophylaxis with CD4 (PChi= 0.04), source of stem cells with CD19 (PChi= 0.008), patient-donor gender disparity with CD19 (PChi= 0.05), GVHD treatment low CD19 (PChi= 0.04), patient-donor relationship with IgA(PChi= 0.007), IgG (PChi= 0.001), and IgM (PChi= 0.001), gender of the patient with IgA (PChi= 0.04). Our data suggested thatat post-transplant six months, there was adequate immune reconstitution except for CD4 and CD4:CD8 ratio. Therefore, post-transplant, six months in Allo-HSCT could be considered for immunization.

Lipidomics reveals the serum profiles of pediatric allergic rhinitis and its severity.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent upper airway chronic inflammatory disease in children worldwide. The role of bioactive lipids in the regulation of AR has been recognized, but the underlying serum lipidomic basis of its pathology remains unclear. We utilized ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/mass spectrometry (MS) to investigate the serum lipidomic profiles of children with AR. The lipidomic analysis identified 42 lipids that were differentially expressed (p< 0.05, fold change > 2) between the AR (n= 75) and normal control groups (n= 44). Specifically, the serum levels of diacylglycerol (DG), triacylglycerol (TG), fatty acid (FA), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), lysophosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine, and cardiolipins were significantly higher in the AR group. The diagnostic potential of the identified lipids was further evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The analysis revealed that five lipids, including FA 30:7, LPC O-18:1, LPC 18:0, LPC 16:0, and DG 34:0, had area under the curve values greater than 0.9 (p< 0.05). Furthermore, serum levels of IgE and IL-33, markers of AR severity, were found to have a significant positive correlation (p< 0.05) with DGs, LPCs, TGs, and FAs in AR patients. This study revealed the lipid disorders associated with AR and its severity, providing new insights into the pathological process of AR.

Correlation between Morphological Typing and Monoclonality of Bone Marrow Plasma Cells and Its Diagnostic Value for High-Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

To investigate the correlation between morphological typing and monoclonality of bone marrow plasma cells, and explore the diagnostic value of plasma cell morphological typing for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma(HR-SMM). The correlation between the morphological characteristics and the monoclonality of bone marrow plasma cells was analyzed in 84 patients with HR-SMM who treated in our hospital. The consistency of morphologically abnormal bone marrow plasma cells with serum free light chain (sFLC) ratio, next-generation sequencing (NGS) detection results, and its correlation with monoclonal plasma cells detected by flow cytometry (FCM) were further verified. The immunoglobulin types and levels of non-involved immunoglobulins in serum of the patients were detected, and the distribution of plasma cell clusters in patients with different disease was observed. The mean percentage of mature plasma cells were decreased successively in the order of reactive plasmacytosis (RP) group, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) group, smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) group, HR-SMM group and multiple myeloma (MM) group; while the mean percentage of immature, primitive, reticular and flaming plasma cells were increased successively in the order of RP group, MGUS group, SMM group, and HR-SMM group, and the difference between any two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05).The average proportion of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow of HR-SMM patients was 96.2% of the total plasma cells. The proportion of abnormal plasma cells were in good agreement with the sFLC ratio and the results of NGS detection in HR-SMM patients (kappa=0.879 and kappa=0.891, both >0.75)，and showed good correlation with the monoclonal plasma cells with immunophenotype of CD45-/CD38+/CD138+/CD56+/CD19-( γ=0.825). The levels of non-involved immunoglobulin in IgG, IgA and IgM type HR-SMM patients were all decreased by more than 25% compared with the normal reference range, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the distribution ratio of plasma cell clusters among different disease groups (P >0.05). In HR-SMM patients, the immature, primitive, reticular and flaming plasma cells in bone marrow are considered as abnormal plasma cells, and they are correlated with monoclonal plasma cells. The proportion of abnormal plasma cells in total plasma cells of bone marrow and the reduction extent of non-involved immunoglobulin level in patients have certain reference value for the diagnosis of HR-SMM.

Hyper IgE Syndromes.

The Hyper IgE Syndromes are rare primary immunodeficiencies characterized by eczema, recurrent skin and respiratory infections and elevated serum IgE levels. Nowadays a geneticmolecular characterization is possible and allows the distinction in various monogenic pathologies, which share some clinical characteristics but also important differences. In addition to long-known STAT3 and DOCK8 gene mutations, in fact, also ZNF341, CARD11, ERBB2IP, IL6R and IL6ST genes mutations can cause the disease. The main clinical manifestations are represented by newborn rash, eczema similar to atopic dermatitis, bacterial and viral skin infections, cold abscesses, respiratory infections with possible pulmonary complications, allergies, gastrointestinal manifestations, malignancies and connective tissue abnormalities. Diagnosis is still a challenge because, especially in the early stages of life, it is difficult to distinguish from other pathologies characterized by eczema and high IgE, such as atopic dermatitis. Several scores and diagnostic pathways have been developed, but it is essential to seek a genetic diagnosis. Treatment is based on prevention and early treatment of infections, meticulous skincare, intravenous immunoglobulins and HSCT, which, in some HIES subtypes, can modify the prognosis. Prognosis is related to the affected gene, but also to early diagnosis, timely treatment of infections and early HSCT.

Allergen Sensitivity Patterns and Their Correlation With Total Serum IgE Levels and Absolute Eosinophil Counts Among Patients With Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma in North Karnataka.

Introduction Respiratory allergies are prevalent across all populations and age groups, with the specific types of allergens varying according to geographic area, climate, location, economic status, and ethnic identity. While skin prick testing is considered the gold standard for assessing specific IgE against particular allergens, several factors can make the test less preferred. Consequently, total serum IgE levels and eosinophil counts are often used instead. Objectives The study aimed to determine allergen sensitivity patterns among patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma and to correlate skin prick test (SPT) reactivity with total serum IgE levels and absolute eosinophil count (AECs). This was done to assess the potential use of these measures as screening tests. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. Each patient underwent an allergen SPT, and measurements were taken for total serum IgE levels and eosinophil counts. The study identified the most common allergens resulting in positive SPTs. Pearson correlation test was used for continuous variables, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study found that the majority of patients had only allergic rhinitis (17, 38.6%), followed by those with only asthma (12, 27.3%), and those with both allergic rhinitis and asthma (15, 34.1%). The most common allergen was Blomia (house dust mite), affecting 22 (50%) patients, while the least common were honey bee and lemon, each affecting 1 (2.3%) patient. There was a significant correlation between total serum IgE levels and AECs (p < 0.05). Additionally, a statistically significant correlation was found between total serum IgE levels, eosinophil counts, and the number of allergens to which patients were sensitized. Conclusion Blomia (house dust mite) is the most common allergen among patients with respiratory allergies in North Karnataka. While total serum IgE levels and AECs may help identify the extent of allergen sensitivity, the SPT remains the gold standard.

Complex evaluation of serum immunoglobulin levels in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Significant increase in IgA after first-line chemoimmunotherapy.

The impact of chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) on immunoglobulin (Ig) quantities in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has not been extensively studied. We analyzed Ig levels in 45 stable patients with indolent CLL (without indication for treatment) and 87 patients with progressive disease before first-line treatment. Fifty-five patients were evaluated again after the treatment with CIT. We observed significantly lower levels of all Ig classes and subclasses in patients with progressive disease compared to patients with indolent disease. After treatment, median IgA increased from 0.59 g/L to 0.74 g/L (p = 0.0031). In stable patients, lower IgA2 was associated with shorter time to first treatment, although it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.056). Shorter overall survival was observed in patients with progressive disease and lower IgG2 (p = 0.043). Surprisingly, among the patients with progressive CLL, unmutated IGHV genes were associated with higher levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgM, while TP53 mutation and/or 17p deletion were associated with higher levels of IgA and IgA1. CIT may lead to increase in IgA levels. Hypogammaglobulinemia is more common in patients with progressive CLL and unmutated IGHV or TP53 dysfunction.

Oral and topical administration of a geranyl acetophenone attenuates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, allergic inflammatory skin disorder that lacks a definite cure. Using a mouse DNCB-induced AD-like skin lesions model, this study evaluated the potential therapeutic utility of tHGA as an oral and topical treatment for AD. Male BALB/c mice were sensitised and challenged with 1% and 0.5% DNCB on their shaved dorsal skin. Mice in the treatment group were administered tHGA (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) orally three times per week for 2 weeks, or tHGA (0.2%, 1%, and 5%) topically once daily for 12 days. On day 34, the mice were euthanized, and blood and dorsal skin samples were obtained for analysis. All doses of orally and topically administered tHGA significantly improved scratching, epidermal thickness, blood eosinophilia and mast cell infiltration. There was a minor discrepancy between the two routes of administration, with orally treated tHGA showing significant reductions in Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), tissue eosinophil infiltration, serum IgE and skin IL-4 levels with treatment of 40 and 80 mg/kg tHGA, whereas topically applied tHGA showed significant reductions in all dosages. These findings suggest that tHGA exhibited therapeutic potential for AD as both oral and topical treatment ameliorates AD-like symptoms in the murine model.

Antibacterial and Immunosuppressive Effects of a Novel Marine Brown Alga-Derived Ester in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by dysregulated immune responses and a heightened risk of Staphylococcus aureus infections, necessitating the advancement of innovative therapeutic methods. This study explored the potential of (6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)-(2R,3R,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexyl octadeca-6,9,12,15-tetraenoate (HSN-S1), a compound derived from the marine alga Hizikia fusiformis, which shows anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. HSN-S1 was isolated and characterized using advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Its efficacy was evaluated via in vitro assays with keratinocytes, macrophages, and T cells to assess cytokine suppression and its immunomodulatory effects; its antibacterial activity against S. aureus was quantified. The in vivo effectiveness was validated using a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD mouse model that focused on skin pathology and cytokine modulation. HSN-S1 significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, altered T-helper cell cytokine profiles, and showed strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus. In vivo, HSN-S1 alleviated AD-like symptoms in mice and reduced skin inflammation, transepidermal water loss, serum immunoglobulin-E levels, and Th2/Th17 cytokine outputs. These findings suggest HSN-S1 to be a promising marine-derived candidate for AD treatment, as it offers a dual-target approach that could overcome the limitations of existing therapies, hence warranting further clinical investigation.

Papain Suppresses Atopic Skin Inflammation through Anti-Inflammatory Activities Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

Papain (PN) is a proteolytic enzyme derived from Carica Papaya L. While the pharmacological effects of PN have not been extensively studied compared to its enzymatic activity, PN also holds potential benefits beyond protein digestion. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of PN against skin inflammation in house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae body (Dfb)-exposed NC/Nga atopic dermatitis (AD) mice and human HaCaT keratinocytes and their underlying mechanisms. The effects of PN on the skin were assessed via histological examination, measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our findings indicated that the oral intake of PN decreased the severity scores of lesions resembling AD, TEWL, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines and serum immunoglobulin E in Dfb-induced AD mice, along with a reduction in epidermal thickness and mast cell infiltration. Additionally, PN inhibited the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways in Dfb-induced AD mice and HaCaT keratinocytes. Moreover, PN improved survival and reduced ROS production in H2O2-damaged HaCaT keratinocytes and enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzymes in Dfb-induced AD mice. Concludingly, the oral administration of PN suppressed inflammatory mediators and downregulated the MAPKs/STAT pathway, suggesting its potential role in AD pathogenesis.

Vitamin D levels in Coronavirus-infected Individuals and its Correlation with Certain Hematological Markers

The world and nearly all our health care system were confronted by a significant threat which was declared by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Determining the SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19’s prognostic and modifiable measures surely would largely contribute to outcome improving despite the deficiency of causative therapy that affected nearly 200 million people, 3.5 million fatal incidences, and it is still airborne. The research in hand examined probable relations between the levels of vitamin D (VitD) and immunological markers. Hence, a sample of 200 lecturers and students from Cihan University-Erbil were assigned, (150 males, 50 females) whom ages were between 22 to 25, with some respondents were treated from a previous COVID-19 infection. The results showed that 98 (or 49%) of the 200 samples had Covid-19 infection. Males 60/98 had a greater prevalence rate (61%), whilst females 38/98 had a lower rate (39%). According to immunological ELISA results, every patient had positive IgG antibodies and negative IgM antibodies. Compared to the healthy group, the serum levels of IgE rose considerably in Covid-19 patients. However, when compared to the healthy group, the serum level of vitamin D3 in the Covid-19 recovered patients showed a considerable reduction. The mean results for hematological parameters indicated a non-significant increase in the number of red blood cells relative to the healthy group, but a significant increase in the WBC count, Hb concentration, and platelets. Thus, the result indicates the necessity for interventional studies on vitamin D supplementation in SARS-CoV-2 infected persons by showing a correlation between vitamin D deficit and WBC count during COVID-19 recovery.

Kimura’s disease: rare inflammatory condition mimicing as soft tissue neoplasm

Kimura’s disease is rare benign chronic inflammatory condition of unknown etiology involving head and neck region. The characteristic features of this condition are elevated serum IGE levels and microscopic picture reveals lymphoid proliferation with eosinophilic infiltration. It is commonly misdiagnosed as soft tissue neoplasm. Surgical wide local excision is the main stay of treatment. Sometimes combined therapy (excision and postoperative radiotherapy) is needed. Here we are presenting one interesting rare case, 32-year-old male with post auricular swelling, diagnosed as soft tissue tumor preoperatively, after excision came out as kimura’s disease.

Allergy and Adenoids: Is There any Correlation?

To determine the association of adenoid hypertrophy with allergic rhinitis in pediatric patients based on Simplified Visual Analog Scale and serum IgE levels. The present study was conducted in our tertiary care centre on 130 patients planned for adenoidectomy from May 2022 to June 2023. Children were divided into two groups based on IgE levels and Allergic history- Group I: who had raised immunoglobulin E levels with allergic rhinitis (according to ARIA guidelines) before adenoidectomy (n = 69) and Group II: who had normal immunoglobulin E levels pre-operatively (n = 72). VAS scoring was done in both groups and compared pre and post operatively. In our study it was found that the adenoid volume was more in patients with allergic history and increased IgE levels as compared to those with normal IgE levels (p < 0.05) pre-operatively. Also, the difference between pre-operative VAS score among Group I and Group II was statistically significant (p = 0.046). Also, the difference between postoperative VAS score among Group I and group II was also statistically significant (p = 0.043). There was statistically significant higher change in VAS score in Group II post-operatively (p = 0.027). sOur study demonstrates that children with allergic rhinitis tend to present earlier with symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy. In addition, children without allergic history show better post-operative VAS scores as the allergic component still prevails in children with allergic history.

Intestinal microbiota and probiotic intervention in children with bronchial asthma

ObjectiveThis study aims to understand the differences in intestinal flora, expression of helper T cells, allergy-related indicators, and cytokine levels between children with bronchial asthma and healthy children. The study seeks to clarify the effectiveness and safety of probiotic preparations in the treatment of bronchial asthma in children, and to provide new methods for the treatment of bronchial asthma. MethodsA total of 66 pediatric patients aged 3–6 years with bronchial asthma and 35 healthy children undergoing physical examination during the same period were enrolled, designated as the asthma group and the healthy group, respectively. The asthma group was further divided into the probiotic group and the non-probiotic group based on whether probiotics were used. The gut microbiota, serum IgE antibody levels, cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13 levels), proportions of helper T cells (Th1, Th2), and hypersensitive C-reactive protein were measured and compared among the groups. ResultsChildren with bronchial asthma had decreased abundance and reduced diversity of intestinal flora compared to the healthy group. At the genus level, the asthma group showed increased abundance of Bacteroides and decreased abundance of Faecalibacterium and Veillonella; The probiotic group demonstrated a significantly higher improvement in the abundance of these genera before and after treatment compared to the non-probiotic group (P < 0.05). Compared to the healthy group, children with asthma had elevated levels of serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, as well as a decreased Th1/Th2 ratio, all of which showed statistical differences (P < 0.05). After treatment, all immune indicators improved. Specifically, the probiotic group exhibited a more significant decrease in serum IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 levels compared to the non-probiotic group (P < 0.05). ConclusionChildren with bronchial asthma exhibit dysbiosis of intestinal flora, characterized by an increased abundance of the Bacteroides and decreased abundance of the Faecalibacterium and Veillonella. This imbalance in intestinal flora increases the risk of allergic diseases. Probiotics can effectively improve dysbiosis of intestinal flora, contributing to the balance of immune function in children, and can be used as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Effects of Mink-Origin Enterococcus faecium on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Intestinal Microbiota of Growing Male Minks.

The purpose of this experiment was to explore the effects of dietary Enterococcus faecium (EF) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and intestinal microbiota of growing male minks. A total of 60 male Regal White minks at 12 weeks of age were randomly assigned to two groups, each with 15 replicates of two minks per replicate. The minks in two groups were fed the basal diets and the basal diets with viable Enterococcus faecium (more than 107 cfu/kg of diet), respectively. Compared with the minks in control, Enterococcus faecium minks had heavier body weight (BW) at week 4 and week 8 of the study (p < 0.05), greater average daily gain (ADG), and a lower feed/gain ratio (F/G) of male minks during the initial 4 weeks and the entire 8-week study period (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Enterococcus faecium increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and dry matter (DM) compared to the control (p < 0.05). Moreover, Enterococcus faecium enhanced the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (p < 0.05). The results also confirmed that Enterococcus faecium increased the levels of serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and the concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in the jejunal mucosa while decreasing the interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in the jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05). Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that Enterococcus faecium increased the species numbers at the OUT level. Compared with the control, Enterococcus faecium had significant effects on the relative abundance of Paraclostridium, Brevinema, and Comamonas (p < 0.05). The results showed that Enterococcus faecium could improve the growth performance, increase the antioxidant capacity, improve the immunity of growing male minks, and also modulate the gut microbiota.

Dietary Citrus Flavonoids Improved Growth Performance and Intestinal Microbiota of Weaned Piglets via Immune Function Mediated by TLR2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

This study investigated the effects of citrus flavonoids (CF) and compared to antibiotics on piglet growth and gut health. Weaned piglets were fed either a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC), 20 mg/kg CF (CF1), 40 mg/kg CF (CF2), or 80 mg/kg CF (CF3). The CF group, especially CF3, exhibited improved growth performance; reduced diarrhea; significantly higher levels of serum growth factors, immunoglobulins, and anti-inflammatory cytokines; and significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory factors and markers of intestinal barrier damage (P < 0.05). The intestinal mucosa proteins ZO-1 and occludin increased, while NF-κB and TLR2 decreased, correlating with CF dosage (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CF promoted a favorable balance in the gut microbiota, with an increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Prevotella and decreased taxa Tenericutes and Clostridiales. Overall, CF enhanced piglet growth and gut health by modulating the TLR2/NF-κB pathway, offering a natural antibiotic alternative. The optimal dose of CF was 80 mg/kg.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with low serum IgE: a case report

Here, we reported a case of delayed diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) with low serum IgE and normal Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgE levels. During the course of the disease, the patient (female, 55 years old) had imaging manifestation of mass shadow and significant elevation of carcinoembryonic antigen, leading to suspicion of a lung tumor. Later, transbronchial lung biopsy tissue culture showed Aspergillus fumigatus. Combined with the history, clinical characteristics and imaging, she was diagnosed with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis combined with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. As the diagnostic criteria for ABPA do not cover all patients with ABPA, in rare cases where immunological evidence is insufficient, a combination of clinical and imaging features is required for early diagnosis and treatment.