Measurement of soluble perforin, a marker of CD8+ T lymphocyte activation in epithelial lining fluid.

Background: CD8(+) T lymphocytes in the peripheral airways have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. However, the significance of CD8(+) T lymphocyte activation in COPD is not well understood. A biomarker of CD8(+) T lymphocyte activation in patients with COPD is required.

Increased levels of N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine in epithelial lining fluid from peripheral airways in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study.

It has been reported that small airway inflammation is closely associated with the severity of airflow limitation in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). We tested a new method of measurement of biochemical constituents in ELF (epithelial lining fluid) obtained separately from the central or peripheral airways using a bronchoscopic microsampling technique. The present study was designed to determine the validity of measuring CML [N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine] levels in ELF for the assessment of small airway inflammation in COPD.

[Potential mechanisms of airway remodeling initiated by activated thrombin in asthma].

Background: High expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces subepithelial fibrosis associated with angiogenesis in asthma. Thrombin is recognized as a new candidate mediating airway remodeling. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the potential mechanisms of airway remodeling initiated by activated thrombin in asthma.

Phase II study of docetaxel and carboplatin in elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Mainly single-agent chemotherapy has been considered as standard treatment for elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Docetaxel monotherapy is regarded as a standard treatment for elderly patients with advanced NSCLC, and recent subset analyses have suggested that platinum-based chemotherapy can be safely used in the elderly. This phase II study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of docetaxel and carboplatin in elderly patients with advanced NSCLC.

A technological advance comparing epithelial lining fluid from different regions of the lung in smokers.

Cigarette smoking causes inflammatory responses in the airways. However, not all smokers exhibit the development of airflow limitation. This study was designed to determine the implications of small airways inflammation in the development of airflow limitation in smokers by our newly explored method.

Comparison of N-epsilon-(Carboxymethyl)Lysine levels and percentage of eosinophils in induced sputum for assessment of small airway involvements in asthma.

Background: N-epsilon-(Carboxymethyl)Lysine (CML), a major advanced glycation end product, is expressed in the lower respiratory tract. In this study, we compared the validity of measuring CML levels and percentage of eosinophils in induced sputum for assessment of airway functions, and evaluated the clinical implications of sputum CML levels in the asthmatic airways.

Material/methods: We examined CML levels and percentage of eosinophils in induced sputum from 37 asthmatic patients and 15 normal controls, and evaluated the relationships between these parameters and clinical profiles of asthmatic patients.

Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in pulmonary endothelial cell injury by exercise challenge in asthmatic patients.

This study was designed to examine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in pulmonary endothelial cell injury by exercise in asthmatics. Post-exercise circulating thrombomodulin (TM) levels were significantly increased in asthmatics. Moreover, the increase in TM levels with exercise was significantly correlated with VEGF level in induced sputum from asthmatics (r = 0.

[A HTLV-I carrier initially treated for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia].

A 65-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with complaints of dyspnea on effort Chest radiography and CT revealed bilateral interstitial infiltration. Transbronchial lung biopsy specimens revealed organisms of Pneumocystis carinii. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim improved the patient's radiograph and CT, and although a positive reaction was obtained for anti-HTLV-I antibody, the hematological findings and clinical symptoms did not suggest that she had an ATL.