The G/G genotype of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) single nucleotide (+915G/C) polymorphism coincident with other host and environmental factors is associated with irreversible bronchoconstriction in asthmatics.

Irreversible airflow obstruction may develop in some cases of asthma even in absence of known risk factors such as smoking and environmental insults and despite implementing apparently appropriate therapy. This implies that genetic factors may significantly contribute to determining the severity in the course of the disease. The published reports on genetic predisposition to irreversible bronchoconstriction in asthma, however, are relatively scarce, and disregard its potential association with transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 gene polymorphism despite established role that TGF-beta1 plays in airway remodelling.

Serum concentration of C-reactive protein is not a good marker of bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Introduction: Asthmatic inflammation is responsible for vital features of the disease, including bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). At present we do not have precise markers for monitoring asthmatic inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, seemed to be a factor which could also reflect the level of asthmatic inflammation expressed by BHR.

[TGF-beta1 gene polymorphism in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Gene polymorphism is often responsible for occurrence of some chronic diseases. It has not been clarified, why only 15-20% of smokers suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). TGF-beta1 gene polymorphism has been postulated as one of possible genetic risk factors.

Corticosteroid-induced laryngeal disorders in asthma.

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids have proven to be the most effective agent available in treating bronchial asthma, and such treatment is believed to be very safe. Concerns regarding side effects of inhaled corticosteroids usually focus on potential systemic effects, where local side effects are often overlooked. The purpose of this study was to analyze and assess the influence of inhaled corticosteroids on the vocal cords of patients treated for bronchial asthma.

[Markers of oxidative balance and concentration of selected metals in pollinotics].

It was reported that catalytically active metals are presented in both the soluble and insoluble fractions of ambient air pollution particles. Both catalyses generate and stimulate oxidative stress. There are very few reports on the role of oxidative stress in pollen allergy Theoretical presumptions may suggest that oxidative metabolism can be influenced by the activity of some metals and, on the other hand, pollens could be a carrier of at least catalytic amount of metals.

The overproduction of nitric oxide associated with neutrophilic predominance is relevant to airway mycotic infections in asthmatics undergoing prolonged glucocorticoid treatment.

The complex relationship between the local inflammatory response and the spread of airway mycosis during prolonged glucocorticoid therapy in bronchial asthma patients remains unclear. We assessed the ability of airway leukocytes to produce nitric oxide (NO) in relation to differential inflammatory cell counts, levels of asthma severity, and coexisting airway mycotic infections. The study was carried out on leukocytes from the induced sputa (IS) of 14 patients with asthma complicated by mycotic airway infections undergoing prolonged glucocorticoid therapy (group FcA).

Prevalence of Hymenoptera venom allergy and its immunological markers current in adults in Poland.

Background: The prevalence of insect venom allergy is still being assessed. The aim of our study was to estimate, on the basis of an interviewer-administered questionnaire survey, the frequency of post-sting allergic reactions and venom sensitization.

Material/methods: The study was performed within the framework of the ECRHS.

Comparison of leukocyte populations from bronchoalveolar lavage and induced sputum in the evaluation of cellular composition and nitric oxide production in patients with bronchial asthma.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or induced sputum (IS) techniques may provide leukocytes for the evaluation of airway inflammatory response in bronchial asthma. The aim of the present study was to compare features of leukocyte populations obtained by the two different methods regarding the cell types and their activity in patients with bronchial asthma. The nitric oxide (NO) level released from the cells was measured as a marker of their activity.