Glucocorticoid receptor expression in human bronchial epithelial cells: effects of smoking and COPD.

Previously, we found that inflammatory mediators modulated the number and binding affinity of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in human bronchial epithelial cell lines. In this study we investigated whether smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), both characterized by airway inflammation with increased levels of inflammatory mediators, affect GR characteristics in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC). A statistically significant difference was found between the dissociation constant (Kd) values in HBEC from smoking (Kd = 0.

Expression of aminopeptidase N and dipeptidyl peptidase IV in the healthy and asthmatic bronchus.

Background: Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and chronic inflammation of the airways. Since peptides are able to produce many of the pathophysiological features which are characteristic of asthma, peptide-mediated inflammation is thought to play a role in this disease. The effects of peptides are modulated by peptidases, which are able to degrade peptides, mostly resulting in their inactivation.

Modulation of glucocorticoid receptor expression in human bronchial epithelial cell lines by IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and LPS.

Bronchial epithelium plays a major role in the regulation of inflammatory reactions in the airways. It is thought to be a possible target for glucocorticoid therapy. Glucocorticoid responsiveness requires the presence of specific glucocorticoid receptors (GR).

Expression of lipocortins in human bronchial epithelial cells: effects of IL-1beta , TNF-alpha, LPS and dexamethasone.

In this study, we investigated the expression of lipocortin I and II (annexin I and I in the human bronchial epithelium, both in vivo and in vitro. A clear expression of lipocortin I and II protein was found in the epithelium in sections of bronchial tissue. In cultured human bronchial epithelial cells we demonstrated the expression of lipocortin I and II mRNA and protein using Northern blotting, FACScan analysis and ELISA.