In situ evidence of pulmonary endothelial activation in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and systemic sclerosis.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the in situ pulmonary endothelial activation in lung lesions of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and systemic sclerosis (SScl).

Methods: We examined the endothelial expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin using immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of lung lesions of GPA, interstitial lung disease associated with SScl and controls.

Results: A significantly enhanced expression of ICAM-1 and E-selectin was observed in GPA and SScl pulmonary endothelium compared to controls.

Changes in plasma free fatty acid levels in septic patients are associated with cardiac damage and reduction in heart rate variability.

Free fatty acids (FFAs) have been shown to produce alteration of heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy and diabetic individuals. Changes in HRV have been described in septic patients and in those with hyperglycemia and elevated plasma FFA levels. We studied if sepsis-induced heart damage and HRV alteration are associated with plasma FFA levels in patients.