Expansion of FOXP3-positive CD4+CD25+ T cells associated with disease activity in atopic dermatitis.

Background: FOXP3-positive CD4+CD25+ T cells are known to have an immunoregulatory function by means of preventing T-cell reactivity to both self- and non-self-antigens. However, the role of these cells in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases is not clear.

Objective: To evaluate the quantity and quality of circulating FOXP3-positive T cells in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Developmental changes of FOXP3-expressing CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells and their impairment in patients with FOXP3 gene mutations.

FOXP3 is required for the generation and function of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells. To elucidate the biological role of Treg cells, we used a monoclonal anti-FOXP3 antibody to examine the frequencies of Treg cells during child development. The percentages of CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) T cells were constant shortly from after birth through adulthood.

Safety and usefulness of a novel eMotion electric mesh nebulizer in children with asthma.

Background: A new electronic mesh nebulizer, eMotion is known to have higher performance compared to conventional nebulizers. However, there are some concerns about whether too much delivered dose might cause side effects with higher frequency.

Methods: To evaluate the safety and usefulness of the nebulizer, we measured changes in heart rates and lung functions of 73 asthmatic children when they inhaled 1 microg/kg of procaterol with eMotion or a conventional nebulizer, Junior BOY.

Theophylline metabolism in acute asthma with MxA-indicated viral infection.

Background: Although viral infection might alter theophylline metabolism in acute asthma, there are some difficulties in detecting infection due to various kinds of viruses in a clinical setting.

Methods: To evaluate the usefulness of assessment of MxA protein in acute asthma exacerbated by viral infection, MxA protein expression in lymphocytes was assayed by flow cytometric analysis in whole peripheral blood in 21 children (aged 0-6 years) receiving continuous theophylline infusion for management of asthma attack. Serum theophylline levels were measured at 24 and 72 h after initiating theophylline infusion.

End-stage renal failure in a child with X-linked ichthyosis.

We describe an 8-year-old boy who presented with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) associated with X-linked ichthyosis (XLI). At birth, the patient exhibited scaly skin, cryptorchidism, and steroid sulfatase (STS) deficiency. DNA analysis showed deletion of exons 1-10 of the STS gene.