MicroRNA-223 controls the expression of histone deacetylase 2: a novel axis in COPD.

Unlabelled: Reduced activity of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) has been described in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the mechanisms resulting in decreased expression of this important epigenetic modifier remain unknown. Here, we employed several in vitro experiments to address the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) on the regulation of HDAC2 in endothelial cells. Manipulation of miRNA levels in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) was achieved by using electroporation with anti-miRNAs and miRNA mimics.

Kinetics of microRNA Expression in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Samples.

Levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly assessed in biological fluids, for example, in samples obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). "Post-collection kinetics" of miRNA expression levels, however, have not been investigated to date. In these experiments, we analyzed the dynamic expression profile of 5 different miRNAs (miR-17, miR-19b, miR-20b, miR-125a, and miR-223-3p) in BAL within the first 24 h following collection by routine bronchoscopy.

A new heterotopic transplant animal model of intestinal fibrosis.

Background: Severe mucosal tissue damage requiring efficient wound healing is a main feature of inflammatory bowel disease but excessive tissue repair promotes fibrosis. The clinical investigation of fibrosis is confined to the limited amount of biological material available from patients. This makes the establishment of a new animal model, a highly desirable goal.

Effects of a short-term rehabilitation program on airway inflammation in children with cystic fibrosis.

Background: Respiratory therapy in cystic fibrosis (CF) consists of airway clearance, infection control, and reduction of airway inflammation. It is well recognized that physical activity as well as daily chest physiotherapy, enhance airway clearance. We investigated the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation, including physical activity and chest physiotherapy, on airway inflammation in children with CF.

Extracorporeal photopheresis in a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis.

Extracorporeal photopheresis has anti-inflammatory properties. The development of pulmonary fibrosis includes inflammatory episodes. This study evaluates effects of extracorporeal photopheresis in experimental pulmonary fibrosis.

Extended nitric oxide measurements in exhaled air of cystic fibrosis and healthy adults.

In cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is not raised, but rather is normal or even decreased when measured at a single expiratory flow. FeNO measurements at several flow rates allow differentiation between alveolar and bronchial nitric oxide (NO) production. Extended FeNO measurements therefore should be useful to localize the FeNO deficit in CF airways.

Moderate altitude but not additional endurance training increases markers of oxidative stress in exhaled breath condensate.

Oxidative stress occurs at altitude, and physical exertion might enhance this stress. In the present study, we investigated the combined effects of exercise and moderate altitude on redox balance in ten endurance exercising biathletes, and five sedentary volunteers during a 6-week-stay at 2,800 m. As a marker for oxidative stress, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) was analyzed by the biosensor measuring system Ecocheck, and 8-iso prostaglandin F2alpha (8-iso PGF2alpha) was determined by enzyme immunoassay in exhaled breath condensate (EBC).

Attenuation of airway obliteration by ciprofloxacin in experimental posttransplant bronchiolitis obliterans.

Background: Ciprofloxacin is widely used to treat respiratory tract infections. Like other fluoroquinolones, ciprofloxacin has immunomodulatory effects; however, it is unknown whether these effects are beneficial in the setting of lung transplantation. We investigated potential immunomodulatory effects of ciprofloxacin in a model of posttransplant bronchiolitis obliterans.