ObjectiveTo investigate the role of interleukin-25 (IL-25) and its receptor during allergen challenge test in allergic asthmatics as well as its underlining mechanism.MethodsFifteen allergic asthmatic patients with dual response in allergen challenge test were enrolled and blood samples were collected before and after challenge test. The expression levels of IL-25 receptor on the surface of eosinophils, plasma and intracellular IL-25 levels were measured by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Besides, the function of eosinophils from these patients was evaluated through the expression of type 2 cytokines, degranulation and chemotaxis after stimulation with IL-25.ResultsUpon allergen challenge, the expression of IL-17RB on the surface of eosinophils were increased from (7 426±2 824)/106 white blood cells to (19 446±5 593)/106 white blood cells (P<0.001). The expression of IL-17RA/RB on eosinophils were significantly increased from (4 508±1 360)/106 white blood cells to (9 025±3 166)/106 white blood cells (P<0.001). The plasma level of IL-25 increased from (650±45) pg/ml to (851±43) pg/ml (7 hours after allergen challenge) and (813±56) pg/ml (24 hours after allergen challenge) (P<0.001). The intracellular IL-25 expression of eosinophils was also upregulated from (10 398±1 909)/106 white blood cells to (147 684±46 222)/106 white blood cells (P<0.05). In vitro study, IL-25 (1 ng/ml) stimulated eosinophils for 2 hours promoted its expression of peroxidase [(12.5±4.2) ng/ml compared to control (1.26±0.4) ng/ml, P<0.05). The intracellular expression of IL-5 and IL-13 in eosinophils were also increased after stimulated by IL-25. IL-25 (1 pg/ml) stimulation compared to control could increase eosinophil migration in eotaxin [(36±3) vs. (69±5), P<0.05).ConclusionIL-25 and its receptor play a critical role in eosinophilic aggregation, activation and mobilization during allergic inflammation in allergic asthmatics.
Objective To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of the Flow-through chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap for one-stage repair and revascularization in complex defects of the extremities. Methods Between May 2014 and June 2017, 6 patients with soft tissue defects on the limbs combined with dead space, bone defects, or tendon and joint exposure, were reconstructed with the Flow-through chimeric ALTP flap. All 6 patients were male. The patients’ mean age was 44 years (range, 26-60 years). The mechanisms of injury were traffic accidents in 4 cases, wringer injury in 1 case, and bruise injury caused by heavy object in 1 case. The defects located at the lower extremity in 5 cases and at the upper extremity in 1 case. The area of the wound ranged from 7 cm×4 cm to 26 cm×10 cm. There were 3 cases of bone defect, 3 cases of joint and tendon exposure, 2 cases of chronic osteomyelitis, and 2 cases of main artery injury. The muscle flap was inserted into the deep dead space, with perforator flap for superficial defect. The area of perforator flap ranged from 10 cm×5 cm to 28 cm×11 cm and the area of muscle flap ranged from 5 cm×2 cm to 20 cm×5 cm. The defects on the donor sites were closed directly. Results All the flaps were survival without infection and vascular crisis. The wounds of recipient and donor sites healed at first intention. The patients were followed up 3- 24 months (mean, 10 months). Good color and texture of flaps was achieved. The reconstructed main artery patency was achieved and the end of the affected limb was well transported. Only linear scar left on the donor site on thigh with no malfunction. Conclusion The Flow-through chimeric ALTP flap can construct three-dimensional soft tissue defects without sacrificing the recipient vessels. The Flow-through chimeric ALTP flap is an reliable and ideal method for reconstruction of complex wounds in the limbs with dead space and with or without recipient major vessels injury.