MMP-8, MMP-9 and Neutrophil Elastase in Peripheral Blood and Exhaled Breath Condensate in COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by progressive and irreversible airflow limitation associated with chronic inflammation involving cytokines and metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMP-8, MMP-9 and neutrophil elastase (NE) are known to be implicated in COPD but the factors influencing activation and suppression remain unclear. This study aimed to compare MMP-8, MMP-9 and NE in the peripheral blood of COPD patients and controls and to likewise assess exhaled breath condensate (EBC) for these MMPs.

T-bet and interleukin-27: possible TH1 immunomodulators of sarcoidosis.

Background: Sarcoidosis has often been termed an "immune paradox" as there is peripheral anergy to common recall antigens despite pronounced TH1-dominant inflammation at disease sites, such as the lung, with up-regulation of interferon γ, IL-27 and transcription factors. Peripheral blood may reflect the anergic state, while exhaled breath condensate (EBC) analysis may offer insights into the lung disease.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the expression of TH1 cytokines and transcription factors (IFNγ, IL-27 and T-bet) in the peripheral blood and/or EBC of sarcoidosis patients and healthy controls.

Asbestos and the lung in the 21st century: an update.

The asbestos-related disorders (ARDs) are currently of significant occupational and public health concern. Asbestos usage has been banned in most developed countries, but asbestos is still used in many developing countries and the number of cases of ARDs worldwide is rising. Many countries are now experiencing an epidemic of ARDs that is the legacy of occupational exposure in the 1960s-1980s because of the long latency period between asbestos exposure and manifestation of disease.

[(TTTTA), polymorphism in the promoter of the CYP11A1 gene in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome].

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy which is characterized by ovarian androgen excess. PCOS has a strong genetic component but the pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for hyperandrogenemia are still unknown. The CYP11A1 encodes the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme that catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of steroidogenesis.