[Tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor during specific bronchial challenge in allergic asthma patients].

Allergic asthma is characterized by bronchial inflammation and repair processes at the same time, that cause increased airway obstruction. Recent evidences suggest that monocytes and macrophages may play important role in allergic inflammation. Activated by proinflammatory factors they can express tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI).

Endothelial cells and angiogenesis intensity in lung cancer.

We focused our studies on single endothelial cells (ECs) scattered in extracellular matrix in lung cancer tumors. Neovascularization was evaluated in 100 tumors obtained from patients operated for lung cancer, in relation to histological type, tumor differentiation and clinical stage of the disease. Angiogenic objects (single endothelial cells and microvessels) were identified by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against von Willebrand factor.

[Expression of adhesion molecules LFA-1 (CD11a and ICAM-1 (CD54) on lymphocytes and chemokines IL-8 and MCP-1 concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage of patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Chemokines and cellular adhesion molecules are crucial determinants of the migration of immune effector cells to the tissues asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a complex of conditions, which have airflow limitation in common. The aim of this study was to determine the numbers and percentages of lymphocytes expressing adhesion molecules: LFA-1, ICAM-1 together with assessment of chemokines concentrations: IL-8 and MCP-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) of patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 12 patients with asthma, 14 patients with COPD, and 6 subjects of control group took part in this study.

[The effect of local specific bronchial immunotherapy (LIT) on specific and non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with bronchial asthma sensitive to housedust mites].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of LIT with mite allergens given by dry powder inhalation on bronchial hyperreactivity after histamine and allergen inhalation in patients suffering from atopic mite asthma. The study was conducted in a group of 17 asthmatics (9 patients Hypoinhal Dermatophagoides, 8 patients placebo). A decrease in specific (early asthmatic reaction during specific bronchial provocation test) and non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity has been revealed in the group treated with Hypoinhal Dermatophagoides.

[The effect of specific immunotherapy on bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with bronchial asthma].

The aim of the paper was to answer the question, weather specific immunotherapy affected bronchial hyperreactivity in asthmatic patients. The authors used their own results of specific immunotherapy studies and those found in the literature. From these data the following conclusions were formulated: 1.

[The effect of sputum induction on spirometry parameters in patients with bronchial asthma].

Evaluation of differential cell count and biochemical parameters in sputum seems to be a valuable method in asthma studies. The purpose of the paper was to evaluate the effects of sputum induction alone and after fenoterol and salmeterol premedication, on spirometry in asthma patients. The another aim of the study was to observe the correlation between bronchial hyperreactivity and decreases in FEV1 and MEF50 in asthmatics during sputum induction.

[Interleukin-13 in the nasal lavage of pollinosis patients after specific intranasal challenge].

The unique properties of interleukin-13 have drawn the attention of investigators to its role in atopic diseases and in the mechanism of specific immunotherapy. The aim of this paper was to determine whether the presence of interleukin-13 will, apart from interleukina-4, be found in the nasal lavage after specific challenge and if the levels of these cytokines will differ. The studies included 13 patients in whom grass and rye pollen allergy was confirmed by the case history, skin tests and the presence of specific IgE in the blood serum.

[Clinical evaluation of 12 week salmeterol therapy in allergic asthma patients].

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of salmeterol in asthma therapy. The study was performed on a group of 16 allergic asthma patients sensitive to house dust mite allergens. After a run-in period the patients were treated with salmeterol, 2 x 50 micrograms, for a period of 12 weeks.

[Evaluation of the inhaled glucocorticosteroid effects on non specific bronchial reactivity with particular reference to the late inflammatory phase in atopic asthma patients. II. The effect of regular administration of budesonide R on specific and non-specific bronchial reactivity].

The purpose of the study was to determine whether regular administration of budesonide R decreases inflammation, specific and non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity in allergic asthma patients. The studies were carried out on 16 patients suffering from mild to moderate allergic asthma, sensitive to D. pteronyssinus allergen.

[Evaluation of the enhaled glucocorticosteroid effect on non-specific and specific bronchial reactivity with particular reference to the late inflammatory phase in atopic asthma patients. I. The effect of a single dose of budesonide R on specific and non-specific bronchial reactivity].

The effect of a single dose of 320 micrograms of budesonide R on specific and non-specific bronchial response was evaluated. The study was carried out on a group of 12 patients suffering from mild allergic asthma, sensitive to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pteronyssinus).

[The efficacy of a new medication -- intranasal glucocorticoid mometasone furoate (Nasonex) -- in seasonal allergic rhinitis].

The aim of this open study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new topical corticosteroid Nasonex (mometasone furoate) in allergic, seasonal rhinitis. The investigations were carried out on 30 patients with proven grass pollen allergy. Nasonex was administered intranasally during the pollen season, in a single dose 200 micrograms.

[Efficacy and tolerance of allergenic extracts Allergovit and Novo-Helisen depot in immunotherapy of allergic diseases].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerance and immunogenity of allergenic extracts: Allergovit and Novo-Hellisen depot (produced by Allergopharma--Germany), used for sIT in pollinosis and house dust mite allergy. The treatment was carried out on 40 patients for three years. The evaluation included the results of a physical examination, the score of symptoms from self-observations and the consumption of antiallergic medicines.

[Clinical evaluation of Polish allergen extracts Catalet C and Catalet D in patients with pollinosis].

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the clinical efficacy, individual tolerance and side effects of allergen extracts, a weed pollen vaccine Catalet C and a tree pollen vaccine Catalet D. The study was carried out on a group of 41 patients aged from 15 to 46 years in comparison with a placebo group (36 patients). A good tolerance, no serious side effects and a high clinical efficacy, manifested in diminution of pollinosis symptoms in more than 80% of patients was noted.

[An immunologic evaluation of Polish pollen extract Catalet "C" and Catalet "D" in patients with pollinosis].

In a group of 41 hay fever and/or seasonal asthma patients, sensitive to weed or tree pollens the influence of specific immunotherapy (sIT) on the level of IgE, specific IgE and IgG4, and HR induced by anti-IgE and specific allergens was evaluated. It was shown that both allergenic extracts, Catalet C and Catalet D, are really immunogenic, which is manifested in a decrease in specific IgE and in a marked increase in specific IgG4, after 2 years of sIT. In comparison with the placebo, the sensitivity of blood basophils to both specific allergens and non-specific factors significantly decreased.

[Effect of ketotifen, nedocromil sodium and budesonide on non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine in patients with asthma].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ketotifen, nedocromil sodium and budesonide on non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity in asthmatic patients. The study was performed on a group of 40 patients treated with these drugs for a period of 4-12 weeks. Bronchial provocation with histamine was carried out in all patients before and after therapy.

[Effect of cetirizine, selective H1 antagonist of histamine on skin and bronchial reactivity and cellular histamine release in allergic diseases].

The study aimed at evaluating an effect of cetirizine--selective antagonist of histamine H1 receptor--on skin and bronchial reaction to histamine, and histamine release from the cells by pollen antigen and anti-IgE. Skin reactivity was tested thrice in 33 patients treated with Zyrtec (Polfa) for the chronic urticaria or allergic rhinitis. Reaction of the bronchi to histamine was tested with a technique described by Ryan et al in 10 asthmatic patients.

[Value of ambroxol in treatment of bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis].

Ambroxol (Bronchopront-Mack) was administered to 73 patients with the bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis with expectoration disorders. The drug was given in the dosage forms of slow release capsules, syrup, drops, intramuscular injections and inhalations for about 14 days. All patients have been carefully examined clinically, PEF has been measured, and sputum physico-chemical properties have been tested prior to and 10 days after treatment.

[Clinical evaluation of broncho-vaxom efficiency].

Broncho-vaxom was administered to 40 patients with recurrent respiratory infections, allergic-infectious bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis. Broncho-vaxom was administered in the dose of one capsule for the first month, and 1 capsule for 10 days in the third, fourth, and fifth month. A favourable clinical effect has been achieved in over 50% of the treated patients manifested by the decrease in the number and severity of respiratory infections and reductions in antibiotics use.

[Usefulness of testing histamine release from isolated human basophils in anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic drug assessment].

Histamine release from isolated human basophils test was used to evaluate an activity of: histamine receptors H1 and H2 blockers, agonists of beta-receptors, calcium channel blocking agents, hydrocortisone, and disodium cromoglycate (Intal). The study involved 84 patients hospitalized for the bronchial asthma. Basophils were isolated with Day's technique modified by Shov and Norn.