Outpatient management of patients following pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolus is a common reason for hospitalization and requires close follow-up and management in the office setting. The main issues facing the clinician include determination of the appropriate anticoagulation regimen, how long to anticoagulate, and whether an evaluation for hypercoagulable states is indicated. The decisions will depend on individual patient factors and assessment of the risks and benefits for that patient.

Adenosine promotion of cellular migration in bronchial epithelial cells is mediated by the activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase A.

Migration of neighboring cells into the injury is important for rapid repair of damaged airway epithelium. We previously reported that activation of the A(2A )receptors (A(2A)ARs) mediates adenosine-stimulated epithelial wound healing, suggesting a role for adenosine in migration. Because A(2A)AR increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in many cells, we hypothesized that cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is involved in adenosine-mediated cellular migration.

TGF-beta1 and serum both stimulate contraction but differentially affect apoptosis in 3D collagen gels.

Apoptosis of fibroblasts may be key for the removal of cells following repair processes. Contraction of three-dimensional collagen gels is a model of wound healing and remodeling. Here two potent inducers of contraction, TGF-beta1 and fetal calf serum (FCS) were evaluated for their effect on fibroblast apoptosis in contracting collagen gels.

Malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducts decrease bronchial epithelial wound repair.

Most people who abuse alcohol are cigarette smokers. Previously, we have shown that malondialdehyde, an inflammation product of lipid peroxidation, and acetaldehyde, a component of both ethanol metabolism and cigarette smoke, form protein adducts that stimulate protein kinase C (PKC) activation in bronchial epithelial cells. We have also shown that PKC can regulate bronchial epithelial cell wound repair.

Alcohol intake is associated with altered pulmonary function.

Little is known about the effect of moderate alcohol intake on lung function in the general population. Because moderate alcohol intake appears to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, we hypothesized that moderate alcohol intake is associated with better pulmonary function. To test this hypothesis, we examined the association between alcohol intake and pulmonary function, measured by spirometry, in a representative sample of U.

Pathogenesis of COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized and defined by limitation of expiratory airflow. This can result from several types of anatomical lesions, including loss of lung elastic recoil and fibrosis and narrowing of small airways. Inflammation, edema, and secretions also contribute variably to airflow limitation.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha hyper-responsiveness to endotoxin in whole blood is associated with chronic bronchitis in farmers.

Many farmers experience chronic bronchitis, airflow obstruction, and asthma. It is thought that these respiratory problems may be related to workplace inhalation of organic dust containing endotoxin. The purpose of this study was to determine whether whole blood cytokine responsiveness to endotoxin is associated with airflow disorders (i.

Ethanol treatment reduces bovine bronchial epithelial cell migration.

Background: Chronic ethanol abuse is associated with significant lung disease. Excessive alcohol intake increases risk for a variety of respiratory tract diseases, including pneumonia and bronchitis. Damage to airway epithelium is critical to the pathogenesis of airway disorders such as chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Ethanol increases phosphodiesterase 4 activity in bovine bronchial epithelial cells.

Ethanol exposure in airway epithelium increases cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity. Activation of PKA and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG) has been shown to increase ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in bovine bronchial epithelial cells (BBECs). We have shown that biologically relevant concentrations of ethanol stimulate increases in CBF in a nitric oxide-dependent manner, mediated through elevated cAMP levels and subsequent PKA activation.

Agricultural lung disease.

Agricultural work is associated with high rates of injury, disability, and illness. Agricultural workers are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses including respiratory disorders, dermatologic conditions, and cancer. The recognition of ODTS led to increased understanding of acute illness in farmers and grain workers.

Effect of cigarette smoke on fibroblast-mediated gel contraction is dependent on cell density.

Cigarette smoke exposure has been associated with a variety of diseases, including emphysema. The current study evaluated the interaction of cell density and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on fibroblast contraction of collagen gels. Protein levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, fibronectin, PGE(2), and TGF-beta1 mRNA were quantified.

Activation of protein kinase A accelerates bovine bronchial epithelial cell migration.

Bronchial epithelial cell migration is required for the repair of damaged airway epithelium. We hypothesized that bronchial epithelial cell migration during wound repair is influenced by cAMP and the activity of its cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase A (PKA). We found that, when confluent monolayers of bronchial epithelial cells are wounded, an increase in PKA activity occurs.

Interleukin-4- and interleukin-13-enhanced transforming growth factor-beta2 production in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells is attenuated by interferon-gamma.

Cytokines derived from lymphocytes are believed to play key roles in a variety of diseases, including airway diseases such as asthma. The current study was designed to evaluate the hypothesis that cytokines derived from Th2 cells, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, might contribute to tissue remodeling by modulating the production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. In addition, the ability of interferon (IFN)-gamma, a cytokine derived from Th1 cells that can antagonize many effects of IL-4 and IL-13, was also assessed for its effects on TGF-beta production.