Polymorphisms in the CYP1A2 gene and theophylline metabolism in patients with asthma.

Background: Cytochrome p450 (CYP) 1A2 gene polymorphisms are thought to be involved in theophylline metabolism.

Objective: We analyzed the effect of genetic polymorphisms in the 5'-flanking region to the first intron of the CYP1A2 gene on theophylline metabolism in 75 Japanese patients with asthma and 159 healthy Japanese volunteers.

Methods: Genetic polymorphisms were detected at 4 sites of the CYP1A2 gene, -2964(G/A) and -1569(T/del) in the 5'-flanking region and 155(T/G) and 731(A/C) in the first intron.

[A case of Wegener's granulomatosis complicated with cytomegalovirus pneumonia during the treatment with immunosuppressants].

Wegener's granulomatosis was diagnosed in a 60-year-old man on the basis of an increase in serum C-ANCA and of pathological findings obtained by computed tomography-guided lung biopsy. The treatment with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide reduced his symptoms and laboratory data including serum C-ANCA. However, the treatment decreased the peripheral blood lymphocyte count and the patient subsequently complained of a sudden onset of dyspnea.

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).