-
Microbiology Spectrum Dec 2023PCD is a rare disease characterized by productive cough, rhinitis, and recurrent infections of the upper and lower airways. Because the diagnosis of PCD is often...
PCD is a rare disease characterized by productive cough, rhinitis, and recurrent infections of the upper and lower airways. Because the diagnosis of PCD is often delayed, patients receive more antibiotics, experience a heavier financial burden, and have a worse prognosis; thus, it is very important to identify the pathogeny and use the correct antibiotic. In this large single-center study of PCD microbiota, we identified an outline of the bacterial microbes from the respiratory tract; furthermore, we found that the microbiota diversity in pediatric sputum was richer than that in pediatric BALF through sequencing, indicating a heterogeneous community structure. The microbiota diversity and richness were lower during pulmonary exacerbation than during pulmonary stabilization. A significantly higher abundance of had a moderate distinguishing effect for lung exacerbation, which attracted more attention for the study of therapy in pediatric patients with PCD.
Topics: Humans; Child; Kartagener Syndrome; Lung; Microbiota; Sputum; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 37796006
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02213-23 -
Substance Abuse Jul 2023The prevalence of marijuana use and its derivatives has surged over the past century, largely due to increasing legalization globally. Despite arguments advocating its... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of marijuana use and its derivatives has surged over the past century, largely due to increasing legalization globally. Despite arguments advocating its benefits, marijuana smoking exposes the lungs to harmful combustion byproducts, leading to various respiratory issues such as asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
METHODS
We embarked on an extensive literature search, utilizing PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, identifying 200 studies. After the elimination of duplicates, and meticulous review of abstracts and full texts, 55 studies were included in our analysis.
RESULTS
Current literature demonstrates that marijuana use negatively impacts lung function, triggering symptoms like chronic cough, sputum production, and wheezing, and diminishing FEV1/FVC ratio in spirometry tests. Moreover, prolonged or chronic marijuana use augments the risk of respiratory function impairment. While the carcinogenic effects of marijuana are still contested, a weak correlation between marijuana use and lung cancer has been observed in some studies. Additionally, instances of other pathologies linked to marijuana use have been reported, including the development of COPD, pulmonary bullae, spontaneous pneumothorax, pleuritic pain, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, hemoptysis, and pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence underscores that marijuana use is detrimental to respiratory health. In light of the escalating trend of marijuana use, particularly among the youth, it is imperative to advocate public health messages discouraging its consumption.
PubMed: 37728136
DOI: 10.1177/08897077231186228 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Oct 2023The pathogenic bacteria and cause pertussis (whooping cough) and pertussis-like disease, respectively, both of which are characterized by paroxysmal coughing. We...
The pathogenic bacteria and cause pertussis (whooping cough) and pertussis-like disease, respectively, both of which are characterized by paroxysmal coughing. We previously reported that pertussis toxin (PTx), which inactivates heterotrimeric GTPases of the G family through ADP-ribosylation of their α subunits, causes coughing in combination with Vag8 and lipid A in infection. In contrast, the mechanism of cough induced by , which produces Vag8 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) containing lipid A, but not PTx, remained to be elucidated. Here, we show that a toxin we named deacylating autotransporter toxin (DAT) of inactivates heterotrimeric G GTPases through demyristoylation of their α subunits and contributes to cough production along with Vag8 and LPS. These results indicate that DAT plays a role in infection in place of PTx.
Topics: Humans; Bordetella parapertussis; Whooping Cough; Type V Secretion Systems; Cough; Lipid A; Lipopolysaccharides; Bordetella pertussis; Pertussis Toxin; Toxins, Biological
PubMed: 37748060
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308260120 -
The Medical Journal of Australia Jan 2024Cough is the most common symptom leading to medical consultation. Chronic cough results in significant health care costs, impairs quality of life, and may indicate the...
INTRODUCTION
Cough is the most common symptom leading to medical consultation. Chronic cough results in significant health care costs, impairs quality of life, and may indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition. Here, we present a summary of an updated position statement on cough management in the clinical consultation.
MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS
Assessment of children and adults requires a focused history of chronic cough to identify any red flag cough pointers that may indicate an underlying disease. Further assessment with examination should include a chest x-ray and spirometry (when age > 6 years). Separate paediatric and adult diagnostic management algorithms should be followed. Management of the underlying condition(s) should follow specific disease guidelines, as well as address adverse environmental exposures and patient/carer concerns. First Nations adults and children should be considered a high risk group. The full statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and Lung Foundation Australia for managing chronic cough is available at https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/cicada-full-position-statement.
CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AS A RESULT OF THIS STATEMENT
Algorithms for assessment and diagnosis of adult and paediatric chronic cough are recommended. High quality evidence supports the use of child-specific chronic cough management algorithms to improve clinical outcomes, but none exist in adults. Red flags that indicate serious underlying conditions requiring investigation or referral should be identified. Early and effective treatment of chronic wet/productive cough in children is critical. Culturally specific strategies for facilitating the management of chronic cough in First Nations populations should be adopted. If the chronic cough does not resolve or is unexplained, the patient should be referred to a respiratory specialist or cough clinic.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Animals; Chronic Cough; Chronic Disease; Quality of Life; Cough; Australia; Hemiptera
PubMed: 37982357
DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52157 -
Indian Journal of Pediatrics Sep 2023Bronchiectasis is a pathologic state of conducting airways manifested radiographically by evidence of bronchial dilation and clinically by chronic productive cough.... (Review)
Review
Bronchiectasis is a pathologic state of conducting airways manifested radiographically by evidence of bronchial dilation and clinically by chronic productive cough. Considered an "orphan disease" for long, it remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in both developed and underdeveloped countries. With the advances in the medical field accompanied by widespread access to vaccines and antibiotics, improved health services and better access to nutrition, the incidences of bronchiectasis have markedly decreased, particularly in developed countries. This review summarizes the current knowledge pertaining to the clinical definition, etiology, clinical approach and management related to pediatric bronchiectasis.
Topics: Child; Humans; Chronic Disease; Lung Diseases; Bronchiectasis; Cough; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Suppuration
PubMed: 37389774
DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04665-y -
JAMA Jul 2023
Topics: Child; Humans; Cysts; Liver Diseases; Lung Diseases
PubMed: 37418277
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.11834 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Mar 2024Baiheqingjin Decoction (BHQJ), which consists of 7 traditional Chinese herbs including Baibu (Stemona tuberosa Lour.), Hezi (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Mahuang (Ephedra...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Baiheqingjin Decoction (BHQJ), which consists of 7 traditional Chinese herbs including Baibu (Stemona tuberosa Lour.), Hezi (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Mahuang (Ephedra sinica Stapf.), Ziwan (Aster tataricus L. f.), Dilong (Pheretima), Sangbaipi (Morus alba L.), and Xianhecao (Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb.). BHQJ is commonly used for treating cough asthma, and variant cough-variant asthma as it, is effective in improving asthma symptoms and reducing airway inflammation.
AIM OF THE STUDY
To investigate the mechanisms of BHQJ in treating allergic asthma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We collected information about the components and targets of 6 Chinese medicines (excluding Pheretima) from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Additionally, we obtained genes associated with asthma from six disease databases. To create a protein-protein interaction network, we conducted an intersection analysis using differentially expressed genes derived from RNA transcriptome data. Subsequently, we carried out Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. To validate the findings from network pharmacology and transcriptomics, we established an allergic asthma mouse model induced by ovalbumin and conducted in vivo experiments.
RESULTS
Using network pharmacology and transcriptomics analyses, we identified the pathways including the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway. Among these, the involvement of the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in various pathological processes of asthma, such as airway inflammation, smooth muscle contraction, and excessive mucus production, are well-documented. Histopathological examinations indicated that BHQJ had the potential to mitigate inflammatory cell infiltration and the excessive growth of goblet cells in the airways of asthmatic mice, consequently reducing mucus secretion. Results from Western blot demonstrated that BHQJ could inhibit the activation of the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway at the protein levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay findings revealed that BHQJ could reduce the production of typical "type 2 asthma" cytokines and immunoglobulin (Ig) E in the blood. These discoveries imply that BHQJ has the potential to reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines and suppress the overactivation of the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway, thus offering a therapeutic approach for asthma.
CONCLUSION
Our research offers initial insights into the fundamental mechanisms through which BHQJ treats asthma. This study reveals the potential mechanism of BHQJ in treating asthma, particularly its role in reducing inflammatory cytokines, mucus production, and cell infiltration, as well as inhibiting the expression of PI3K/AKT/P65 phosphorylated protein. These findings indicate the potential of BHQJ in treating asthma. In summary, our study provides preliminary insights into the asthma treatment mechanism of BHQJ and provides guidance for future research.
Topics: Mice; Animals; NF-kappa B; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Asthma; Signal Transduction; Inflammation; Cytokines; Immunoglobulin E; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38081397
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117565 -
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance Feb 2024Cough is a common symptom during and after COVID-19 infection; however, few studies have described the cough profiles of COVID-19.
BACKGROUND
Cough is a common symptom during and after COVID-19 infection; however, few studies have described the cough profiles of COVID-19.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, severity, and associated risk factors of severe and persistent cough in individuals with COVID-19 during the latest wave of the Omicron variant in China.
METHODS
In this nationwide cross-sectional study, we collected information of the characteristics of cough from individuals with infection of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant using an online questionnaire sent between December 31, 2022, and January 11, 2023.
RESULTS
There were 11,718 (n=7978, 68.1% female) nonhospitalized responders, with a median age of 37 (IQR 30-47) years who responded at a median of 16 (IQR 12-20) days from infection onset to the time of the survey. Cough was the most common symptom, occurring in 91.7% of participants, followed by fever, fatigue, and nasal congestion (68.8%-87.4%). The median cough visual analog scale (VAS) score was 70 (IQR 50-80) mm. Being female (odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% CI 1.20-1.43), having a COVID-19 vaccination history (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.37-2.12), current smoking (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.41-0.58), chronic cough (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.69-2.45), coronary heart disease (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.17-2.52), asthma (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02-1.46), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01-1.45) were independent factors for severe cough (VAS>70, 37.4%). Among all respondents, 35.0% indicated having a productive cough, which was associated with risk factors of being female (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.31-1.57), having asthma (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.52-2.22), chronic cough (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.19-1.74), and GERD (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.47). Persistent cough (>3 weeks) occurred in 13.0% of individuals, which was associated with the risk factors of having diabetes (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.30-3.85), asthma (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.11-2.62), and chronic cough (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.32-2.94).
CONCLUSIONS
Cough is the most common symptom in nonhospitalized individuals with Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant infection. Being female, having asthma, chronic cough, GERD, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and a COVID-19 vaccination history emerged as independent factors associated with severe cough, productive cough, and persistent cough.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant; Male; SARS-CoV-2; Cross-Sectional Studies; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; Cough; Risk Factors; Chronic Cough; Gastroesophageal Reflux; China; Asthma; Diabetes Mellitus; Coronary Disease
PubMed: 38315527
DOI: 10.2196/47453 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jan 2024The flowers of Inula japonica (Inulae Flos) can be used to treat cough and asthma and remove phlegm in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
The flowers of Inula japonica (Inulae Flos) can be used to treat cough and asthma and remove phlegm in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
AIM OF THE STUDY
Our research aimed to obtain active components with the inhibition of inflammation and MUC5AC production to alleviate asthma symptoms from I. japonica.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
These compounds were separated from the MeOH extract of Inulae Flos by column chromatography over silica gel, AB-8 macroporous resin column, MPLC, and semipreparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic data analysis, ECD calculations, and chemical methods. NO production was determined to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 cells. The expression of MUC5AC, IL-1β, and IL-4 were measured in NCI-H292 cells by qRT-PCR. The anti-asthma activity assessments in vivo were performed through H & E and PAS staining, pulmonary function analysis, and cytokines determination by qRT-PCR or ELISA. The expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, MEK, p-MKE, ERK, p-MEK, and IL-1β were analyzed through western blotting.
RESULTS
One undescribed 1,10-seco-eudesmanolide derivative (1), two previously unreported 1,10-seco-eudesmanolide glycosides (2 and 3), and thirty-two known compounds (4-35) were obtained from Inulae Flos. Compound 11 had the most inhibitory effect against LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Meanwhile, compound 11 also attenuated the increase in MUC5AC, IL-1β, and IL-4 mRNA expression in NCI-H292 cells. The results of the animal experiment confirmed that compound 11 significantly ameliorated OVA-induced asthma in a murine model of allergic asthma demonstrated by elevated pulmonary function, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production. In addition, compound 11 significantly inhibited the levels of OVA-specific IgE in serum, of IL-4 and IL-6 in BALF, and of MUC5AC, IL-1β , IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13 in lung tissue. Finally, compound 11 suppressed PI3K/AKT/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in lung tissue of mice.
CONCLUSION
This study indicated that compound 11 might be a potential therapeutic candidate ameliorating airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion via PI3K/AKT/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in allergic asthma.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Inula; Interleukin-4; Interleukin-6; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Asthma; Inflammation; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
PubMed: 37597674
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117052 -
Journal of Microbiology and... Sep 2023As a long-term condition that affects the airways and lungs, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by inflammation, emphysema, breathlessness,... (Review)
Review
As a long-term condition that affects the airways and lungs, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by inflammation, emphysema, breathlessness, chronic cough, and sputum production. Currently, the bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed for COPD are mostly off-target, warranting new disease management strategies. Accumulating research has revealed the gut-lung axis to be a bidirectional communication system. Cigarette smoke, a major exacerbating factor in COPD and lung inflammation, affects gut microbiota composition and diversity, causing gut microbiota dysbiosis, a condition that has recently been described in COPD patients and animal models. For this review, we focused on the gut-lung axis, which is influenced by gut microbial metabolites, bacterial translocation, and immune cell modulation. Further, we have summarized the findings of preclinical and clinical studies on the association between gut microbiota and COPD to provide a basis for using gut microbiota in therapeutic strategies against COPD. Our review also proposes that further research on probiotics, prebiotics, short-chain fatty acids, and fecal microbiota transplantation could assist therapeutic approaches targeting the gut microbiota to alleviate COPD.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Probiotics; Prebiotics; Inflammation; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Dysbiosis
PubMed: 37164760
DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2301.01033