Objective:To investigate the clinical features of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients with angioedema (AE) .Methods:Clinical data were collected from adult outpatients with active CSU diagnosed and treated at the First Hospital of China Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021, and analyzed retrospectively. The data included gender, age, disease duration, the presence or absence of angioedema, urticaria activity score for one day, prior treatments, previous history, family history, laboratory test results, therapeutic effect, and adverse reactions. Their treatment regimens were based on the Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of urticaria (2018) and the American guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urticaria (2014). Statistical analysis was carried out by using Mann-Whitney U test, two-independent-sample t test, Chi-square test, corrected Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. Results:A total of 131 CSU patients were collected, including 78 females and 53 males. Their age at the first visit was 44.6 ± 13.3 years, and the disease duration ( M[ Q1, Q3]) was 4.0 (2.0, 10.0) months. Among these CSU patients, there were 58 with AE and 73 without AE. The disease duration was significantly longer in the CSU patients with AE (6.0 [3.0, 24.0] months) than in those without AE (3.5 [2.0, 6.0] months; Z = -2.78, P = 0.005). The urticaria activity score for one day was also significantly higher in the CSU patients with AE (5.0 [3.0, 5.3] points) than in those without AE (4.0 [3.0, 5.0] points; Z = -2.63, P = 0.008). The CSU patients with AE showed a decreased proportion of patients completely controlled by licensed-dose second-generation H1-antihistamines (sgAHs) (8.6%, 5/58) compared with those without AE (24.7%, 18/73), but an increased proportion of patients uncontrolled by licensed-dose sgAHs (91.4%, 53/58) compared with those without AE (74.0%, 54/73; Z = -2.53, P = 0.011) ; there were no significant differences in the proportions of patients completely controlled or uncontrolled by updosed sgAHs alone or combinations of 2- to 4-fold equivalent-dose sgAHs, or in the proportions of patients completely controlled or uncontrolled by combination therapy with 4-fold equivalent-dose sgAHs and non-H1-antihistamines between the CSU patients with AE and those without AE ( P > 0.05) . Conclusion:Compared with the CSU patients without AE, the CSU patients with AE had a longer disease duration, higher disease activity, a lower proportion of patients completely controlled by licensed-dose sgAHs, and a higher proportion of patients uncontrolled by licensed-dose sgAHs.

Objective To evaluate the effects of extracts of Semen Coicis (ESC) on a BALB/c mouse model of atopic dermatitis (AD),and to explore its potential mechanism.Methods Forty specific pathogen-free (SPF) female BABL/c mice were randomly divided into blank group (8 mice,receiving no treatment) and AD model group (32 mice).The mice in the model group were topically treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in acetone/olive oil to establish the mouse model of AD.After modeling,8 mice in the blank group and 8 in the model group were sacrificed immediately.The other 24 mice in the model group were randomly and equally divided into 3 groups:model control group receiving no treatment,ESC group and ESC vehicle group topically treated with ESC and ESC vehicle respectively once every day on the back and aural region of the mice for 28 consecutive days.Changes in skin lesions were observed by naked eyes every day.A thickness tester was used to measure the thickness of skin lesions on the left ear before modeling,at completion of modeling and 12 hours after the final treatment.At 12 hours after the final treatment,the mice in the above 3 groups were sacrificed,and the eyeballs were removed for collecting blood.Then,the sera were isolated,and skin tissue specimens were obtained from the skin lesions on the back.These tissue sections were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and toluidine blue staining for observing the infiltration of inflammatory cells in skin lesions.An immunohistochemical study was performed to determine the expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3),Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the serum levels of IgE,interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-/ (IFN-γ).Results After 28-day treatment,skin lesions were improved in the ESC group.Compared with the model control group,the ESC group showed a significantly lower clinical symptom score (1.50 ± 0.58 vs.2.50 ± 0.58,P ＜ 0.05),decreased lesional thickness on the left ear ([0.31 ± 0.01] mm vs.[0.33 ± 0.01] mm,P ＜ 0.05),and lower number of infiltrating mast cells per high-power field (15.18 ± 1.64 vs.28.94 ± 1.28,P ＜ 0.05).Immunohistochemical findings indicated that the ESC group showed significantly lower expression of AQP3,TLR2 and TLR4 compared with the model control group,and decreased AQP3 expression in the spinous layer.Compared with the model control group,the ESC group showed significantly lower total serum IgE and IL-4 levels,but higher IFN-γ levels (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Topical ESC is effective for the treatment of skin lesions in mouse models of AD,likely by regulating serum levels of IgE,IL-4 and IFN-γ and affecting the expression of AQP3,TLR2 and TLR4.

Objective To identify small non-coding RNAs encoded by plasmid pPCP1 and investigate their roles in biofilm formation, stress tolerance and/or virulence in Yersinia pestis.Methods Seven plasmid pPCP1-encoded sRNAs were identified by RNA-seq results in Y.pestis in our previous studies.Northern blot was used to validate the presence of the seven sRNAs.The sRNA-deletion mutants were constructed via λ-Red homologous recombination system.The biofilm formation, high salt tolerance and virulence of the phenotypes were compared between Y.pestis WT strain and sRNA mutants.Results and Conclusion The expression of seven pPCP1-encoded sRNAs was validated and the transcript length detected by Northern blotting corresponded to the length observed by RNA-seq.On this basis, five sRNA-deletion mutants were obtained.The capacity of biofilm formation was weakened upon deletion of sR3446.The tolerance of sR3446, sR3457, sR4338 and sR4340 mutants was found weakened in vitro compared to that of wild-type strain,but the tolerance of sR6143 was found increased.Slight virulence attenuation was found in two sRNA mutants ( sR4338 and sR4340 ) .The results suggest that pPCP1-deriving sRNA might be implicated in stress response, biofilm and virulence in Y.pestis.

Objecfive To study the effects of some cytokines such as TNF-α,IL-6 and IFN-γ as well as lipopolysaccharide on CD68 expression in HaCaT cells.Methods Human HaCaT keratinocytes were randomly divided into natural proliferation group (without stimulation),IFN-γ-stimulated group,TNF-α-stimulated group,LPS-stimulated group and IL-6 stimulated group.The work concentration of TNF-α,IL-6,IFN-γ and LPS was 50 mg/L.HaCaT cells were collected after 24-hour treatment with the cytokines followed by the examination of CD68 expression with flow cytometry,immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription(RT)-PCR,respectively.Results Compared with untreated HaCaT cells,the count of CD68-positive cells was elevated in cells stimulated by TNF-α(t=3.60,P<0.01),IL-6(t=3.93,P<0.01),IFN-γ(t=2.38,P<0.05)and LPS(t=2.52,P<0.05),and the effect of TNF-α and IL-6 was stronger than that of IFN-γ and LPS.Among the four cytokines,only IL-6 enhanced the mean fluorescence intensity of CD68-positive cells (t=8.34,P<0.01).After 24-hour treatment with TNF-α,IFN-γ and IL-6,CD68 expression was observed in the cytoplasm and on the membrane of HaCaT cells and was stronger in cells treated with TNF-α and IL-6 than in those with the other cytokines.A significant increase was observed in the CD68 mRNA expression after 24-hour treatment with TNF-α (t=4.34,P<0.01),IL-6 (t=7.52,P<0.01)and IFN-γ (t=2.81,P<0.05);TNF-α and IL-6showed a stronger promotive effect than IFN-γ.Conclusion IL-6,TNF-α,IFN-γ and LPS can upregulate the CD68 expression in HaCaT cells.

Objective To investigate the influences of UVA on the secretion and expression of chemokine CXCL11/I-TAC by HaCaT cells induced by interferon γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Methods HaCaT cells were cultured in the presence of IFN-7 and TNF-a and irradiated with UVA of 2, 4 and 8 J/cm~2, respectively; those cells receiving neither treatment with IFN-γ or TNF-α nor UVA irradiation served as the negative control, and those receiving only cytokine treatment but no irradiation as the positive control. After another 24-hour culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the protein levels of CXCL11/I-TAC in the supernatant of HaCaT celb, real time PCR to measure the mRNA expression of CXCL11/I-TAC in these HaCaT cells. Results As far as the negative control HaCaT cells were concerned, there was a minor secretion of CXCL11/I-TAC protein and expression of CXCL11/I-TAC mRNA. After treatment with IFN-7 and TNF-a of 10 μg/L, the protein and mRNA expressions of CXCL11/ I-TAC were synergistically upregulated, whereas the induced secretion and expression of CXCL11/I-TAC by HaCaT cells were dose-dependently inhibited by UVA irradiation. Conclusions UVA irradiation inhibits the secretion and expression of CXCL11/I-TAC by HaCaT cells, which in turn suppresses the chemotaxis of Th1/ Tel cells in some degree.

Objective To investigate the expression of survivin and bcl-2 in human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lesions and cell line SCL-1. Methods Tissue samples from 60 patients with SCC and 10 normal human controls were immunohistochemically stained to detect the expressions of survivin and bcl-2.Western blot was used to measure the expressions of bcl-2 and survivin proteins in HaCaT human keratinocytes and SCL-1 human squamous cell carcinoma cells. Results In normal control tissues, there was no expressions of survivin or bcl-2, while in SCC, the expression rates of bcl-2 and survivin were 70% and 60%, respectively,and there was no statistical correlation between the expressions of bcl-2 and survivin (P >0.05). Neither the expression of survivin nor that of bcl-2 was correlated to patients' age, gender or lesional site (all P >0.05). A statistical correlation was observed between the pathological stage in patients and expression of bcl-2 as well as between lymph node metastasis and expression of survivin (both P < 0.05). Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of survivin and bcl-2 in SCL-1 cells compared with HaCaT cells. Con-clusion In SCC, survivin and bcl-2 seem to play their roles via different anti-apoptotic pathways.

Objective To investigate the effects of baicalein and acitretin on the apoptosis in a human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cell line, SCL-12. Methods Cultured SCL-12 cells were treated with different concentrations of baicalein (3.125, 6.25, 12.5 μmol/L) and acitretin (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 μ mol/L), alone or in combination, for 48 hours. Subsequently, cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay, and cell apoptosis by ELISA as well as annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide double staining. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of Fas mRNA in SCL-12 cells. Results The cell proliferation of SCL-12 cells was inhibited by baicalein and acitretin alone or in combination. The combination of baicalein and acitretin at the three tested concentrations, except for that of baicalein at 3.125 μmol/L and acitretin at 2.5 μmol/L, more strongly inhibited the proliferation of SCL-12 cells compared with baicalein or acitretin alone, and the inhibitory effect was in a dose-dependent manner. The early apoptosis rate was 9.39% ± 1.52%, 20.86% ± 2.16%,36.85% ± 3.26% in SCL-12 cells treated with baicalein of 3.125 μmol/L, acitretin of 5.0 μmol/L alone and their combination, respectively, significantly higher than that in untreated cells (4.39% ± 0.64%, all P <0.05); the induction of apoptosis in SCL-12 cells by the combination of baicalein and acitretin was stronger than that by baicalein or acitretin alone (F = 138.44, P < 0.05). Baicalein and acitretin alone or in combination significantly increased the mRNA expression of Fas in SCL-12 cells, and the effect of their combination was stronger than that of baicalein or acitretin alone. Conclusions Baicalein and aeitretin could inhibit the growth of and induce the apoptosis in SCL-12 cells, and the effect is enhanced by the combination of baicalein and acitretin, which may be associated with the upregulation of Fas expression in SCL-12 cells.

BACKGROUND:Study confirmed that the de-epidermized dermis(DED)can be used as dermal substitute and may form epidermal structure after incubating keratinocytes.However,the cell biological activity,tissue structure characteristics and the basement membrane component analysis of dermal substitute have been reported less.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the cell activity and the tissue structure characteristics of DED.METHODS:Skin flap was treated with 56℃ phosphate buffered solution to remove the epidermis,and the dermal cell components were deleted by freezing and thawing with liquid nitrogen to obtain DED.The DED cell activity was detected with tissue culture method,hematoxylin nuclear staining was used to determine the DED cell nuclei,and vimentin immunohistochemistry was applied for fibroblast determinations.The basement membrane and its components were detected using Periodic Acid-Schiff staining and collagen type Ⅳ immunohistochemistry.Van Gieson stain,Weigart stain and those double staining were respectively used to determine DED collagen fibers and elastic fibers.The DED ultrastructure was observed under transmission and scanning electron microscope.RESULTS AND CONCLUSlON:Using tissue culture method,the cultured DED did not exhibit cell growth at 2 weeks.Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed no nuclear in DED,vimentin immunohistochemistry showed no vimentin expressed in DED.Van Gieson staining showed DED collagen fibers were stained as rose red,Weigert staining showed DED elastic fibers were stained as pu rplish black double staining further demonstrated uniform arrangement of collagen fibers and elastic fibers.DED surface and the remaining appendages were strongly positive for Periodic Acid-Schiff staining,and type Ⅳ collagen expression was significant.Transmission and scanning electron microscope results showed that,the DED elastic fibers and collagen overlap arranged with pore intervals,they intercrossed into a network.There is no living cell component in DED,dermal matrix surface and appending organ luminal wall still retain glycogen,type Ⅳ collagen and other basement membrane components,dermal matrix is rich in collagen and elastic fibers.it is a three-dimensional collagen matrix similar to in vivo dermis.

Objective:To investigate the expression of Th1 chemokine CXCL9,CXCL10,CXCL11,Th2 chemokine CCL22 and their receptors in the lesions of bullous pemphigoid (BP).Methods:Immunohistochemical assay was performed to detect the expression of CXCL9,CXCL10,CXCL11,CCL22 and their receptors CXCR3 and CCR4 in BP lesions and normal control skin.Results:CXCL9,CXCL10,CXCL11,CCL22,CXCR3 and CCR4 were overexpressed in BP lesions than those in normal control skin (P＜0.01).The positive rates of CXCL9,CXCL10,CXCL11 and CXCR3 in BP lesions were 50%(15/30),46.7%(14/30),46.7%(14/30) and 53.3%(16/30),respectively.The positive rates of CCL22 and CCR4 were 66.7% (20/30) and 56.7% (17/30).Conclusion:The overexpression of Th1 chemokine CXCL9,CXCL10,CXCL11,Th2 chemokine CCL22 and their receptors may play important roles in the pathogenesis of BP.

Objective To investigate the effect of local hyperthermia on the mRNA expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(P13-K)in Langerhans cells(LCs)transmigrating from HPV-infected skin.Methods Tissue samples were collected from 5 female patients with condyloma acuminatum(CA)and 5 normal human controls.then equally divided into three parts to receive local hyoerthermia treatment at 37℃,42 ℃ and 45℃,respectively,for 30 minutes.After another 12-hour incubation in RPMI 1640 culture medium,transmigrating cells were collected and LCs were purified.Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expressions of P13-K p85a and p110α in purified CD1a~+ LCs from these tissue samples.Results In CD1a~+ LCs transmigrating from normal skin and lesions of CA.the expressions of P13-K p85a and P110α mRNA decreased with the increase of temperature.Atier local hyperthermia treatment of normal skin at 37℃,42℃,45℃,the relative mRNA expression level was 1.00±0.00,0.78±0.13,0.54±0.17,respectively.for P13-K p85α in transmigrating LCs,1.00±0.00,0.80±0.11,0.61±0.12,respectively.for P13-K P110α;there was a significant difierence among the three temperatures in bOth parameters(both P＜0.01).In the case of lesions of CA.the relative mRNA expression level of P13-K p85αand p110α was 1.00±0.00 and 1.00±0.00 under treatment at 37℃,0.20±0.11 and 0.49±0.21 at 42℃.0.1±0.08 and 0.09±0.03 at 45℃.respectively;significant difierence was also noted among the three treatment temperatures(both P＜0.01).The decrease in P13-K P110α mRNA expressions under hyperthermia treatment at 42 ℃ and 45℃ compared with those at 37℃was greater in LCs from CA lesions than that from normal skin.Conclusions Local hyoerthermia could remarkably inhibit the expression of P13-K genes.which may enhance immunity and favor elimination of HPV.