Iron-binding proteins in sputum of chronic bronchitis patients with Haemophilus influenzae infections.

Airway inflammation during infection is associated with increased transudation of serum proteins and increased production of protein by the airway epithelium. We therefore, assessed whether Haemophilus influenzae infections in patients with chronic bronchitis are associated with increased levels of transferrin and lactoferrin in the sputum compared to uninfected patients. Sputum sol phase and serum samples from 14 infected and 13 uninfected patients with chronic bronchitis and from 12 bronchial asthma patients were included in the study.

Nedocromil sodium in obstructive airways disease: effect on symptoms and plasma protein leakage in sputum.

In patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there is chronic airway inflammation with increased leakage of plasma proteins into the airway lumen, which can be reduced by inhaled glucocorticosteroids. Nedocromil sodium is an anti-inflammatory drug, and we questioned whether it also affects the leakage of plasma proteins. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study we investigated the effect of 12 weeks of treatment with nedocromil on forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), provocative concentration of histamine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20), peak flow, symptom scores, and plasma protein leakage in sputum, in 31 patients with obstructive airways disease and sputum production (mean (range) FEV1 61% of predicted (42-87%); geometric mean (range) PC20 0.

Interleukin-8 in airway inflammation in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

We have investigated whether IL-8 is present in airway secretions from patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to obtain information on its possible role in airway inflammation in obstructive airways disease. In the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 11 clinically stable patients with asthma the levels of IL-8 were increased compared to 10 healthy subjects (median: controls 21.5 pg/ml, asthma 244 pg/ml: p < 0.

Plasma protein leakage and local secretion of proteins assessed in sputum in asthma and COPD. The effect of inhaled corticosteroids.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are characterized by chronic airway inflammation with cell infiltration, increased plasma exudation and abnormal local secretion of proteins. We have analysed whether sputum differs in this respect between asthma (n = 9) and COPD (n = 9), and whether inflammatory markers in sputum are affected by treatment. In non-smoking asthma patients there was more plasma protein leakage, based on the relative coefficient of excretion Q alpha 2macroglobulin/QIgG (P = 0.

Importance of total serum IgE for improvement in airways hyperresponsiveness with inhaled corticosteroids in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Dutch CNSLD Study Group.

Airways hyperresponsiveness is a hallmark of asthma, and many patients with COPD also demonstrate hyperresponsiveness. Inhaled corticosteroids improve hyperresponsiveness, but the extent of improvement may vary considerably between patients. This study was designed to determine which patient characteristics predict these differences in response.