Objective To explore the role of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of chronic eczema. Methods Twenty-seven patients with chronic eczema were enrolled into this study along with 12 normal human controls. The severity of eczema was evaluated by eczema area and severity index (EASI) in patients. Skin specimens and vein blood samples were obtained from all the subjects. Reverse-transcription PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of IL-18 and IFN-γ in the skin tissue, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure the protein expression of IL-18 and IFN-γ in the sera of these subjects. Results The mRNA expression level in patients and controls was 1.04±0.29 pg/mL and 0.52±0.15 pg/mL for IL-18, respectively, 0.96±0.34 pg/mL and 0.47±0.12 pg/mL for IFN-γ, respectively; a significant increase was observed in the mRNA expression level of both IFN-γ and IL-18 in the patients than in the controls (both P<0.01). Moreover, the mRNA expression level of both IFN-γ and IL-18 positively correlated with the severity of eczema in patients (r=0.737, 0.883, both P<0.01). The protein expression level of IL-18 and IFN-γ was 475.8±59.4 pg/mL and 10.1±7.0 pg/mL, respectively, in the patients, 123.6 ±29.5 pg/mL and 11.1±3.4 pg/mL, respectively, in the controls; a statistical difference was observed in the protein expression level of IL-18 (P<0.01), but not in that of IFN-γ(P>0.01), between the patients and controls. No significant correlation was observed betweenthe serum level of IL-18 or IFN-γ and sererity of eczema in the patients (both P>0.01). Conclusions IL-18 may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic eczema. Also, in local lesions, IL-18 seems to correlate with the induction of production of Th1 type cytokines, such as IFN-γ which could subsequently mediate hypersensitivity response.

Objective:To analyze the general chapter for lotions 0127 of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Vol-ume Ⅳ,and discuss how to improve the general technical requirements of lotions 0127 in the Chinese Pharma-copoeia.Methods:By comparing the general chapter for lotions in domestic and international pharmacopoe-ias,the definition,classification,process,storage and corresponding inspection requirements were analyzed.Results and Conclusions:The general chapter for lotions 0127 of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be revised,including improvement of the definition,increasement of forms of preparations,and expansion of included varieties,so as to promote scientific regulation for drugs and exhibit a guiding role of the Chinese pharmacopoeia in drug control.

Objective:To screen the causative genes of five families with branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BORS) or branchio-oto syndrome(BOS) and to analyze the phenotypic characteristics and clinical management strategies of patients.Methods:Five families with BORS/BOR from December 2018 to September 2021 were recruited, information of patients, including family history and medical history, was collected, and genealogies were drawn. The examinations concerning audiology, nephrology, and radiology were performed on the affected individuals. Peripheral blood was obtained for DNA extraction, then next-generation sequencing technology was used to screen candidate variants associated with BORS/BOS. Based on patient′s clinical results, the appropriate interventions were recommended and implemented.Results:Eight individuals were diagnosed with BOS or BORS. Of the eight patients, all had hearing loss, preauricular pits and ear malformations, and only four presented with branchial cleft fistulae or cysts. Except for two patients(5-I-2, 5-II-2) who did not undergo renal examination, the remaining six lacked renal abnormalities. Genetic analysis identified four likely pathogenic or pathogenic EYA1 variants (c.1715G>T, c.1140+1G>A, c.639G>C, c.1475+1G>C; NM_000503.6), and c.1715G>T was first reported in this study. Middle ear ossicular reconstruction was performed in 1-II-2,2-I-2 and 3-II-2, but did not yield the expected results; then hearing aids and cochlear implantation were recommended and achieved satisfactory results. Conclusions:Next-generation sequencing technology facilitates the diagnosis and genetic counseling of BORS/BOS. Hearing loss, preauricular pits, ear malformations and branchial cleft fistulae or cysts are the most common manifestations of patients in this study. Middle ear surgeries for improving hearing loss may have some limitations in BORS/BOS patients, and hearing aids and cochlear implantation can contribute to hearing gains.