Increased activity of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A in non-severe asthma.

Background: Given increased risk of cardiovascular events in asthma we hypothesized that lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A (Lp-PLA), an enzyme involved in atherosclerosis, is associated with proinflammatory and prothrombotic blood alterations in this disease.

Methods: In 164 adult asthmatics (63 with severe asthma) we measured plasma Lp-PLA activity using the PLAC test. We determined its relations to inflammation and prothrombotic blood alterations.

Increased blood levels of cellular fibronectin in asthma: Relation to the asthma severity, inflammation, and prothrombotic blood alterations.

Background: Recently, we have reported that asthma is characterized by prothrombotic blood alterations, which were related to the low-grade inflammatory state. Inflammation, however, may also lead to vascular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma levels of cellular fibronectin (cFN), a marker of vascular injury in asthmatics, and to analyze their impact on described previously prothrombotic blood alterations.

Impaired fibrinolysis and lower levels of plasma α-macroglobulin are associated with an increased risk of severe asthma exacerbations.

Recently we have reported that asthma is associated with enhanced plasma thrombin formation, impaired fibrinolysis and platelet activation. In the present study we investigated whether described prothrombotic blood alterations might predispose to thromboembolic events or asthma exacerbations. In 164 adult asthmatics we assessed clinical events during 3-year follow-up and analyzed their associations with measured at baseline prothrombotic blood parameters.

Prothrombotic State in Asthma Is Related to Increased Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines, IL-6 and TNFα, in Peripheral Blood.

Recently, we have reported that asthma is associated with enhanced plasma thrombin formation and impaired fibrinolysis. The mechanisms underlying the prothrombotic state in this disease are unknown. Our aim was to investigate whether prothrombotic alterations in asthmatics are associated with inflammation.

Incidence of aspirin hypersensitivity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and diagnostic value of urinary leukotriene E4.

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyposis (NP) may be associated with hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, representing a syndrome of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).

Objectives: The aim of the study was to validate a simple measurement of urinary leukotriene E4 (uLTE4) excretion for the diagnosis of AERD in patients with CRS and indication for surgery.

Patients And Methods: Subjects requiring functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) were recruited from the Department of Otolaryngology (n = 24).