Polymorphism of the MUC1 mucin gene is associated with susceptibility to lung adenocarcinoma and poor prognosis.

MUC1 is a highly glycosylated glycoprotein that is often overexpressed in adenocarcinomas. MUC1 has molecular diversity because of a variable number of tandem repeats (from 25-125 repeats) in the extracellular domain of its core protein. MUC1 plays an important role in facilitating invasion and metastasis of malignant cells, and it also inhibits anti-cancer immune activity against malignant cells.

Tacrolimus reduces urinary excretion of leukotriene E(4) and inhibits aspirin-induced asthma to threshold dose of aspirin.

Background: The exact mechanism of aspirin-induced asthma is not clear. It has been postulated that precipitation of asthma attacks by aspirin is linked to inhibition of COX activity and massive release of cysteinyl leukotriene into the airway. Tacrolimus, a macrolide-derived immunosuppressant, is used for immunosuppression in organ transplantation and also for allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

Acetaldehyde induces histamine release from human airway mast cells to cause bronchoconstriction.

Background: Approximately half of the Japanese asthmatics experience exacerbation of asthma after alcohol consumption. We previously reported that this phenomenon is probably caused by histamine release from mast cells by acetaldehyde stimulation. However, no reports have described the effects of acetaldehyde on human airway mast cells.

Cysteinyl leukotrienes induce nuclear factor kappa b activation and RANTES production in a murine model of asthma.

Background: It has been demonstrated that both cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) and cytokines are involved in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma. Nonetheless, the exact mechanism involved in the interaction between these 2 molecules has yet to be determined.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of cysLTs on allergic airway inflammation and allergen-specific cytokine production in a murine model of asthma.

Production of TNF-alpha by peripheral blood mononuclear cells through activation of nuclear factor kappa B by specific allergen stimulation in patients with atopic asthma.

Stimulation by specific allergens induces inflammatory cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with atopic asthma, but the mechanism remains unknown. PBMCs were collected from six patients with atopic asthma with an immunoglobulin E-radioallergosorbent test score to Dermatophagoides farinae of > or = 4 and six nonatopic healthy subjects (score = 0) using a dish adhesion method after density gradient centrifugation. CD23 expression in PBMCs was analyzed by the fluorescence-activated cell sorting method.

Clinical evaluation of anaphylactic reactions to intravenous corticosteroids in adult asthmatics.

Background: Corticosteroids form an important component of the treatment of acute asthma. Systemic anaphylactic reactions to intravenous corticosteroids have been reported, although their incidence is extremely rare.

Objectives: To determine the clinical features and underlying mechanisms of anaphylactic reactions to intravenous corticosteroids in adult asthmatics.

Hypogammaglobulinemia in steroid-dependent asthmatics correlates with the daily dose of oral prednisolone.

Background: Steroid-induced adverse effects including suppression of humoral immunity should be considered in steroid-dependent severe asthma. Only a few studies have determined the exact steroid dose that could potentially suppress humoral immunity in asthmatics.

Methods: Randomly selected 100 adult asthmatics treated with inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) were classified into three groups based on the dose of steroid to determine the serum IgG, IgA and IgM levels by radioimmunoassay.

Carboplatin AUC and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase gene expression in peripheral mononuclear cells of lung cancer patients.

Background: To investigate the association between glutathione-related enzymes and carboplatin (CBDCA) dose, we examined gene expression levels for both subunits of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (heavy; gamma-GCSh, light; gamma-GCS1) in peripheral mononuclear cells (PMN) of lung cancer patients before and after CBDCA administration.

Materials And Methods: PMN and plasma samples were obtained from 10 advanced non-small lung cancer patients before and after CBDCA administration. We analyzed the gene expression levels by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Effects of pranlukast on chemical mediators in induced sputum on provocation tests in atopic and aspirin-intolerant asthmatic patients.

Background: Leukotrienes (LTs) are important in asthma, and LT modifiers modulate antigen-induced asthma. Overproduction of LT by suppression of cyclooxygenase activity is involved in patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA).

Methods: House dust mite (HDM) inhalation provocation tests were performed in HDM-sensitive asthmatic inpatients without AIA (HDM group; n = 6), and aspirin oral provocation tests were performed in AIA patients (ASA group; n = 7).

Effects of amphotericin B gargles on oral colonization of Candida albicans in asthmatic patients on steroid inhalation therapy.

Background: Early use of inhaled steroids is recommended for bronchial asthma. The side effects are rare, but oral discomfort and candidiasis are clinically important complications. Most previous studies reported that the use of spacer and water gargling was necessary to prevent oral complications.

Airway hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary function in adult asthma.

Background: Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a very important factor in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma.

Objectives: To examine the relationship between airway obstruction and AHR in adult asthma.

Methods: This study was a retrospective study in 161 adult asthmatic patients.

Screening for acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 genotype in alcohol-induced asthma by using the ethanol patch test.

Background: We have previously reported that alcohol-induced asthma in Japanese patients is caused by increased blood acetaldehyde concentration resulting from abnormalities of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) enzyme activity on the basis of ALDH2 genotype differences.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the ethanol patch test could predict the ALDH2 genotype in Japanese asthmatic subjects.

Methods: An ethanol patch test on the upper arm and a questionnaire survey addressing the past history of alcohol-induced asthma were administered to 148 adult Japanese asthmatic subjects.

Preoperative steroid therapy inhibits cytokine production in the lung parenchyma in asthmatic patients.

Objectives: During or after surgery, asthma attacks due to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) are likely to occur in patients with bronchial asthma. Preoperative administration of corticosteroid for prevention of perioperative asthma attacks is useful. We examined the mechanism of prevention of perioperative asthma attacks by the preoperative administration of corticosteroid in vitro.

Effects of pranlukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 antagonist, combined with inhaled beclomethasone in patients with moderate or severe asthma.

Background: Although inhaled steroids are used as the first line of therapy in asthmatic patients, symptoms of asthma do not improve completely in some patients.

Objective: To investigate the effects of pranlukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 antagonist, in patients with moderate/severe asthma, when combined with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP).

Methods: Protocol 1: After a 2-week observation period, 41 patients with moderate asthma were divided into those receiving BDP at 1,600 microg/day or 800 microg/day + pranlukast (450 mg/day).

Effects of pranlukast on aspirin-induced bronchoconstriction: differences in chemical mediators between aspirin-intolerant and tolerant asthmatic patients.

Background: Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase activity and modifies production of the arachidonate cascade in aspirin-induced asthma. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of leukotriene (LT) receptor antagonist on aspirin challenge on eosinophil activity and chemical mediators released into the airway of asthmatic patients.

Methods: Aspirin oral provocation test was performed in aspirin-intolerant asthmatic patients (AIA; N = 7) and aspirin-tolerant asthmatic patients (ATA; N = 7).

Efficacy and safety of long-term treatment of asthmatic patients with pranlukast, a cysteinyl-leukotriene-receptor antagonist: four-year followup study.

Background: There are few studies that have examined the long-term efficacy and safety of pranlukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, in asthmatic patients.

Methods: Sixty-three asthmatic patients were entered in this 4-year study [group 1, mild or moderate (N = 22); group 2, severe without using oral prednisolone (N = 22); group 3, severe with using oral prednisolone (N = 19)]. Pranlukast was administered at 225 mg twice daily to 14 subjects in group 1 (group 1p), 14 in group 2 (group 2p), and 11 in group 3 (group 3p), chosen for pranlukast additional therapy at random.

Tacrolimus inhibits cytokine production and chemical mediator release following antigen stimulation of passively sensitized human lung tissues.

Background: The immunosuppressive effects of tacrolimus are mediated by inhibition of cytokine production by inflammatory cells. The role of tacrolimus on cytokine production and release of chemical mediators in asthma is not known at present.

Objectives: We compared the effects of tacrolimus on interleukin (IL)-5 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production and chemical mediator release from excised human lung tissue with those of steroids.

Correlation between airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation in a young adult population: eosinophil, ECP, and cytokine levels in induced sputum.

Background: Eosinophil counts and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in the airway are elevated in asthmatic patients. However, few studies have examined the correlation between various cytokines in the sputum and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in young adults with or without asthma.

Objective: We examined the correlation between AHR and eosinophil counts or ECP, and levels of several cytokines in the sputum.

Airway foreign body with clinical features mimicking bronchial asthma.

A 56-year-old Japanese male with persistent cough, stridor and diffuse wheezing for 6 months had obstructive pulmonary dysfunction and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to inhaled methacholine. Because of a poor response to glucocorticoid therapy and neutrophilia in the peripheral blood and sputum, chest computed tomography was performed and a plate-like tumor in the truncus intermedius was identified. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy demonstrated a plate-like green-colored tumor firmly impacted into the truncus intermedius and diffuse inflammatory changes spreading to both main bronchi.

Hexamethylene diisocyanate causes contraction of canine tracheal smooth muscles through activation of muscarinic receptors.

Background: Asthma caused by occupational exposure to hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) is well known; however, the exact pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods: Experiments were performed using a standard canine tracheal smooth muscle (CTSM) strip preparation in an isolated bath to determine the effect of HDI on tracheal smooth muscle contraction. HDI concentration-response curves were constructed and the effects of different receptor antagonists on HDI-induced smooth muscle contraction were determined.

Two patients with occupational asthma who returned to work with dust respirators.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of dust respirators in preventing asthma attacks in patients with occupational asthma (asthma induced by buckwheat flour or wheat flour).

Methods: The effect of the work environment was examined in two patients with occupational asthma with and without the use of a commercially available mask or a dust respirator. Pulmonary function tests were performed immediately before and after work and at 1 hourly intervals for 14 hours after returning to the hospital.

Sensitivity to the house dust mite and airway hyperresponsiveness in a young adult population.

Background: The pathogenic mechanisms of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma are unknown and only a few studies have examined the importance of sensitivity to antigens in AHR in young adults.

Objective: We investigated the correlation between AHR and sensitivity to specific antigens, atopy, history of childhood asthma and spirometry in a young adult population.

Methods: Based on the results of interviews with 447 students at our university, 308 non-smoker students were classified into six groups.

Inhibitory effects of azelastine hydrochloride in alcohol-induced asthma.

Background: Alcohol-induced bronchoconstriction is due to high blood concentrations of acetaldehyde, a metabolic product of ethanol, which lead to the release of histamine from basophils and mast cells.

Objective: We examined the inhibitory effects of azelastine hydrochloride, which inhibits histamine release and blocks H1 receptors, in alcohol-induced asthma.

Methods: Subjects were 13 Japanese asthmatic patients.

Effects of sodium and chloride ions on blood pressure in deoxycorticosterone acetate-treated rats.

The effects of sodium (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-) on blood pressure were studied in rats treated with deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA). Four groups were prepared, each consisting of male Wistar rats that underwent heminephrectomy and administration of DOCA: the control group was maintained with tap water, the NaCl group with tap water containing 1% sodium chloride, the NaCit group with tap water containing 1.67% sodium citrate (including an equivalent dose of Na+ to 1% NaCl), and the ChoCl group with tap water containing 1.

Increased superoxide dismutase activity in aged human cerebrospinal fluid and rat brain determined by electron spin resonance spectrometry using the spin trap method.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in CSF of patients was determined by electron spin resonance spectrometry using the spin trap method. Variation in SOD activity was found among patients. SOD activity in CSF of subjects increased with age and this was identified as Cu,Zn-SOD activity by electrophoresis.