IL-17 Promotes Nitric Oxide Production in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Introduction: Lung cancer is the second most frequent malignancy worldwide, but its aetiology is still unclear. Inflammatory cytokines and Th cells, including Th17, are now emerging as being involved in NSCLC pathways, thus postulating a role of IL-17 in tumour angiogenesis by stimulating the vascular endothelial growth factor and the release of nitric oxide. Despite the fact that many biomarkers are used for chest malignancy diagnosis, data on FeNO levels and inflammatory cytokines in NSCLC are still few.

Inflammatory cytokines and VEGF measured in exhaled breath condensate are correlated with tumor mass in non-small cell lung cancer.

Inflammation mediated by the immune system is known to be important in carcinogenesis and, specifically, T helper 17 cells have been reported to play a role in tumor progression by promoting neo-angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and in serum were related to tumor size in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Il-6, IL-17, TNF-α and VEGF levels were measured in EBC and serum of 15 patients with stage I-IIA NSCLC and in 30 healthy controls by immunoassay.

Clinical and functional prediction of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea.

Introduction: Upper airway inflammation and narrowing are characteristics of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Inflammatory markers have been found to be increased in exhaled breath and induced sputum of patients with OSA.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate if the measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (F(ENO) ), as marker of airway inflammation, together with the forced mid-expiratory/mid-inspiratory airflow ratio (FEF(50) /FIF(50) ), as marker of upper airway narrowing, may help to predict OSA.

Unexplained chronic cough and vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Background: Chronic cough is characterized by sensory neuropathy. Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) deficiency (Cbl-D) causes central and peripheral nervous system damage and has been implicated in sensory neuropathy and autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Objective: We evaluated whether Cbl-D has a role in chronic, unexplained cough.

Chronic cough and irritable larynx.

Background: Perennial rhinitis (PR), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), or both, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are the most frequent triggers of chronic cough (CC). Extrathoracic airway receptors might be involved in all 3 conditions because asthma is often associated with PR/CRS and gastroesophageal refluxate might reach the upper airway. We previously found that most patients with rhinosinusitis, postnasal drip, and pharyngolaryngitis show laryngeal hyperresponsiveness (LHR; ie, vocal cord adduction on histamine challenge) that is consistent with an irritable larynx.

Increased oral nitric oxide in obstructive sleep apnoea.

Background: Hypoxia and snoring-related mechanical trauma contribute to airway inflammation in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Increased exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), an airway inflammation marker, has been reported in OSA patients. We propose the measure of NO in the oral cavity (oNO) as marker of oropharyngeal inflammation in OSA.