Transforming growth factor-beta1 increases airway wound repair via MMP-2 upregulation: a new pathway for epithelial wound repair?

In vivo, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) present at the site of airway injury are thought to contribute to epithelial wound repair. As TGF-beta1 can modulate MMP expression and MMPs play an important role in wound repair, we hypothesized that TGF-beta1 may enhance airway epithelial repair via MMPs secreted by epithelial cells. We evaluated the in vitro influence of TGF-beta1 on wound repair in human airway epithelial cells cultured under conditions allowing differentiation.

[Analysis of eosinophilia and ECP levels in blood and nasal secretions of 119 nasal polyposis patients].

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to determine eosinophilia and ECP (Eosinophilic Cationic Protein) levels in blood and in nasal secretions of patients with nasal polyposis (NP).

Patients: 119 patients with NP were prospectively studied. The control group included 25 patients.

[Analysis of nasal and exhaled nitric oxide concentration in nasal polyposis].

Unlabelled: Nitric oxide (NO) is implicated in the pathophysiology of inflammatory airway diseases. It has been identified as a potential marker of airway inflammation.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the concentrations of nasal NO in upper and lower airways in nasal polyposis patients.

Concomitant type I thyroplasty and thoracic operations for lung cancer: preventing respiratory complications associated with vagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Objectives: We sought to prevent postoperative swallowing disorder, aspiration, and sputum retention in cases of recurrent laryngeal or vagus nerve section occurring during lung cancer resection.

Methods: In 14 of 25 consecutive patients, type I thyroplasty and thoracic operations were performed during the same period of anesthesia. All patients had a preoperative laryngeal computed tomographic scan providing us with indispensable measurements for vocal fold medialization under general anesthesia (ie, without intraoperative phonatory control).

[Nasal soluble levels of ICAM-1 in allergic rhinitis].

Unlabelled: Adhesion molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), play an important role in the development of the inflammatory allergic response in the nose. ICAM-1 expression on nasal epithelial cells during allergic reaction is regarded as a major hallmark of allergic inflammation.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) in nasal epithelial lining fluid (ELF) in patients with allergic rhinitis.

[Parapharyngeal tumors. Apropos of 6 cases].

We conducted a retrospective study of six patients presenting a parapharyngeal tumor and an analysis of data of the literature and recall classification of these tumors and their anatomo-clinics characters, therapeutic and diagnostic problems highlighting. These tumors are rare and have various origins, their treatment is almost always surgical by cervical approach which can be undertaken only after a rigorous exploration, systematically associating computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging. Transoral resection is strongly advised against as it is potentially harmful.

[Treatment of fractures of the orbital floor: reconstruction using Teflon sheets. Analysis of the results after 5 years].

We report our experience with fractures of the orbital floor over the past five years, reporting 80 cases. Different anatomic and clinical forms were defined, particularly trap-door fractures. After a clinical and computed tomography study, we recommend treatment with Teflon implants.