Influence of specific immunotherapy on the activity of human T lymphocyte Kv1.3 voltage-gated potassium channels in insect venom allergic patients.

Kv1.3 channels play an important role in T lymphocytes function. CD4(+) and CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells are two broad categories of T cells that are critically involved in the immunoresponse to allergens and that are also a major target for allergen immunotherapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of venom immunotherapy (VIT) on the activity of Kv1.3. channels on noncultured subsets: CD4(+) and CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells of insect venom allergic patients. Eleven patients with allergic reactions to bee or wasp venoms participated in the study. The patients were provided VIT according to the ultrarush protocol. CD4(+) and CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of VIT-treated patients by an immunomagnetic method. We used the whole-cell patch clamp technique to investigate the whole potassium chord conductance (gK) of Kv1.3. channels in CD4(+) and CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells of venom-sensitive patients before and during the course of VIT. The conductance of Kv1.3. channels on CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells decreased during the course of VIT. On day 0 it was 0.054 ± 0.07 [nS], and on day 70 it was 0.008 ± 0.09 [nS] (P = 0.03). The observed decrease of the gK of the Kv1.3 channels in the subpopulation of activated T cells may contribute to T cell tolerance and functional unresponsiveness of these cells to allergen in the early stages of VIT.

[The conductivity of potassium ion channels in lymphocytes T of patients with pollinosis]. / Przewodnictwo kanalów potasowych limfocytów T u chorych na alergiczny sezonowy niezyt nosa.

Ion channels, as integral membrane protein structures controlling a passive ion transport across cell membranes, contribute importantly to cellular signaling processes. The voltage gated potassium channels Kv1.3 within the membranes of lymphocyte T take part of physiological reactions in these cells. The measure of their activity is potassium conductance /gK/ that can be modified by various factors , including disease states. In our previous studies we showed that T lymphocytes (TL) from patients with pollinosis exhibited higher value of the whole-cell potassium conductance (gK) than in control group. In the present study we decided to find the conductance difference between pollinotics during pollen season and in remission. We applied the whole-cell patch-clamp technique to evaluate gK in human T-lymphocytes from: /A/ 14 pollinotics during pollen season, /B/ 24 patients with pollinosis remission, /C/ 42 healthy volunteers formed a control group. The gK did not differ significantly between pollinotics during and out of season [3.94+/-3.45 nS (n=123): 3.38+/-2.01 nS (n=112), respectively, p>0.05]. This values were higher than those in controls (C) [1.87+/-1.17 nS (n=222), p<0.0001--A vs C, p<0.0001--B vs C, respectively]. We confirmed that patients with pollinosis have higher conductance value, surprisingly we did not find any differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic pollinotics.

[Asthma with aspirin intolerance]. / Astma z nietolerancja na aspiryne.

We described asthma with sensitivity to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). It was presented clinical picture, diagnosis and pathomechanism of this syndrome. Specially was described the cyclooxygenase theory and genetic risk of aspirin induced asthma as well as tolerability of the new COX-2 inhibitors.

[The effect of inhaled low molecular weight heparin on cell composition in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum levels of soluble receptor IL-2 in bronchial asthma patients]. / Wplyw inhalacji drobnoczasteczkowej heparyny na sklad komórkowy popluczyn oskrzelowo-pecherzykowych i stezenie rozpuszczalnego receptora dla IL-2 w surowicy chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

The 17 asthmatics were studied. The patients were administered LMWH inhalations during two weeks in a day dose 5000 IU anti-Xa. The cell composition in BALF and serum levels of sIL-2R were estimated before and two weeks after treatment. We found that LMWH changed significantly cell BALF profile, decreased the number of inflammatory cells (p < 0.005) but did not change serum sIL-2R concentrations (p < 0.13). Baseline serum levels of sIL-2R were normal (73.9 +/- 26.6 U/ml) according to producer's norm.

[Elastase and alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor complex in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid in patients with bronchial asthma and sarcoidosis]. / Kompleks elastazy i inhibitora alpha 1-proteinaz w materiale z plukania oskrzelowo-pecherzykowego u chorych na astme oskrzelowa i sarkoidoze.

Forty-three patients were enrolled into this study, twenty-eight with sarcoidosis in various radiological stages (I, II, III) and activity of disease (active or non-active) and fifteen with bronchial asthma. Elastase and alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor complex (E-alpha 1IP) concentrations and percentage of neutrophils in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured in all groups of patients. There were no significant differences in E-alpha 1IP levels in patients with various activity of sarcoidosis. We noticed significant differences between radiological stages of sarcoidosis. E-alpha 1IP concentration in the pulmonary stage was significantly higher than in stage I hilar adenopathy and stage II hilar adenopathy plus pulmonary opacities. E-alpha 1IP concentrations in BALF were significantly higher in patients with bronchial asthma in comparison to patients with sarcoidosis.

[Endothelin, endothelial cells and von Willebrand factor in peripheral blood of asthmatic patients]. / Endotelina, czynnik von Willebranda i komórki sródblonka we krwi obwodowej u chorych na astme.

As recent studies prove, endothelial cells and particularly one of their products, endothelin, are not only active agents taking part in sustaining homeostasis in the peripheral blood system, but are also involved in immunological responses and angiogenesis. This is especially true about endothelin, which is a powerful spasmogen and comitogen, in particular for the smooth muscles of the bronchi. Endothelial cells play an important role in angiogenesis of the lungs, observed in asthmatic patients. The marker of the condition of endothelium is von Willebrand factor (vWF). The aim of this research was to study the three elements (endothelial cells, endothelin, vWF) in peripheral blood of asthmatic patients. The study group consisted of 27 asthmatic patients (moderate and severe asthma) and 15 healthy individuals. Immunological method employing specific monoclonal antibodies was used to assess endothelial cells; immunoenzymatic method was used to assess endothelin and vWF. The concentration of endothelin in the blood of asthmatic patients was much higher than in the control group (1.02 +/- 2.13 vs 0.45 +/- 0.14), but the difference was not statistically significant. The numbers of circulating endothelial cells were significant higher in asthmatics than in healthy individuals (1.3 +/- 0.7 vs 0.48 +/- 0.3) and the concentrations of vWF were the same in both groups (105.3 +/- 18.7 vs 102.8 +/- 32.2). Additionally, positive correlation was found between endothelin and endothelial cells, endothelin and vWF, as well as endothelial cells and vWF. The results suggest that endothelium and endothelin play an active part in the process of remodeling in asthma and may serve as a tool in the prognosis of remodeling.

[Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid neopterin levels in patients with bronchial asthma]. / Stezenia neopteryny w surowicy i popluczynach oskrzelowo-pecherzykowych u chorych na astme oskrzelowa (doniesienie wstepne).

Neopterin is an activation marker of macrophages. These cells become activated in bronchial asthma. The aim of the study was to measure serum and BALF neopterin levels in patients with bronchial asthma. The study included 15 patients with moderate, stable bronchial asthma. Serum neopterin levels were normal, while those in BALF were increased. The results of the study seem to indicate that in patients with moderate stable bronchial asthma alveolar macrophages are activated, as shown by increased levels of neopterin in BALF.

[Macrophages and the expression of endothelin in sulphur dioxide induced bronchitis in rats]]. / Makrofagi i endotelina w zapaleniu oskrzeli wywolanym inhalacjami SO2 u szczurów.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of SO2 on bronchial mucosa in rats. Our interest was focused on macrophages function and expression of endothelin. 20 animals were used in the study; 5 of them constituted the control group, 15 of them were submitted to long term SO2 irritation. In animals exposed to SO2 the BALF evaluation revealed the increase of inflammatory cells concentration: neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes. Electron microscope examination demonstrated that macrophages from study group were activated in comparison with healthy rats. Immunoreactive endothelin was found in bronchial specimens and mainly in alveolar macrophages (we used a computer-assisted system of image analysis). The expression of endothelin was significantly increased in study group in comparison with control group.

[Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in the age of spiral computed tomography ]. / Rozpoznawanie zatoru tetnicy plucnej w dobie spiralnej tomografii komputerowej.

Diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) we can use many investigations. We are presenting analysis of pulmonary artery investigations performed using spiral CT during 18 months in the J. Jonston hospital in Lubin. There were 38 PE cases diagnosed. They were complicating following states: surgical intervention, lower limbs profound thrombophlebitis, COPD, chronic circulatory insufficiency, neoplastic disease, oral contraceptive drugs and unknown. PE affected 0.1% surgical departments patients (that means 0.2% subjected to operation), and 0.4% internal diseases departments patients. 16 cases, i.e. 42% were connected with operative procedures. The largest group of internal medicine departments patients with PE were those suffering from severe chronic airway obstruction (9 cases per 27), chronic circulatory insufficiency (3 per 27), lower limbs profound thrombophlebitis (4 per 27). This data shows, as important problem is PE differential diagnostics of patients suffering from severe internal diseases especially and an important role of spiral computer tomography in it.

[Effect of IFN-gamma on IGE dependent leukotriene generation by peripheral blood leukocytes in patients with chronic allergic rhinitis in vitro]. / Wplyw IFN-gamma na produkcje leukotrienu C4 przez leukocyty krwi obwodowej chorych na przewlekly alergiczny niezyt nosa--badania in vitro.

Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is a cytokine characterized by different biologic and immunologic activities. Leukotrienes are proinflammatory mediators released both in immediate and late allergic reactions. These facts suggest that leukotrienes and IFN-gamma might cooperate in allergic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of IFN-gamma on leukotriene C4 (LTC4) production by peripheral blood leukocytes isolated from the patients suffering from perennial allergic rhinitis caused by allergy to mites. Eleven patients entered the study. LTC4 released from leukocytes stimulated by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen alone, and after preincubation with IL-3 was examined. The influence of preincubation of leukocytes with IFN-gamma in concentrations of 1,10 and 100 ng/ml on mentioned allergen stimulation procedures was also investigated. The concentration of LTC4 in supernatants was measured by CAST-ELISA method. The difference between concentration of LTC4 released in medium with and without IL-3 represented the effect of priming. We observed that IFN-gamma suppressed release of LTC4 only from leukocytes incubated with IL-3 in dose-dependent fashion. On the basis of these data we can postulate that IFN-gamma inhibits IL-3 dependent cell priming, but has no influence on LTC4 secretion per se.

[Soluble interleukin 2 receptor (SIL-2R) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with sarcoidosis and atopic bronchial asthma]. / Rozpuszczalny receptor dla interleukiny 2 w popluczynach oskrzelowo--pecherzykowych (BALF) u chorych na sarkoidoze i astme oskrzelowa atopowa.

The aim of the study was assessment of sIL-2R in BALF in asthma and sarcoidosis patients. Forty three patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty eight with sarcoidosis (S) in different stages (I, II, III) and activity of disease: active (AS) or nonactive (NAS) and fifteen with atopic bronchial asthma (AO). BALF sIL-2R levels were measured in both groups. The level of sIL-2R was similar in sarcoidosis patients independently to activity of disease. Significantly lower level of sII-2R in BALF was observed in patients with AO in comparison to S, SII and NAS (p < 0.005). We didn't find significant differences in sIL-2R levels between AO and SI, SIII, AS.

[Airways remodeling in bronchial asthma--heparin as a potential factors suppressing the remodeling]. / Przebudowa dróg oddechowych w astmie oskrzelowej--heparyna jako mozliwy czynnik ograniczajacy remodelling.

In this study we have described current opinions concerning the pathogenesis of airways remodeling in bronchial asthma. The participation of different cells and their mediators in airways remodeling induction and multiplication have been presented as well as the potential role of heparin in suppression of this processes.