Airway epithelial type-2 alarmin profiles: Blood eosinophil counts remain in memory.

Epithelial cytokines are involved in the orchestration of T1/T2 inflammatory patterns. We question the persistence of this trait in air-liquid interface (ALI) epithelial cultures and whether this local orientation can be related to systemic patterns (e.g., blood eosinophil counts [BECs]). We investigated alarmin release related to high versus low T2 phenotypes associated with chronic airway diseases. ALIs were reconstituted from 32 control, 40 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 20 asthmatic patients. Interleukin-8 (IL-8; a T1-cytokine), IL-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (T2-alarmins) concentrations were assessed in subnatants at steady state and used to explain blood neutrophil and eosinophil counts. IL-25 and IL-8 levels were highest in asthma ALI-subnatants, whereas IL-33 was sparsely detected. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin levels were similar among groups. All asthma cell cultures were T1-high/T2-high, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and controls tended to be mixed. BECs were independently explained by both disease and in-culture T2-alarmin levels, irrespective of the T2-alarmin considered. The epithelial ALI-T2 signature was more frequently high in patients with a BEC > 300/mm3 . Despite removal from an in vivo environment for ≥2 months, ALIs release disease-specific cytokine "cocktails" into their subnatants, suggesting continued persistence of alarmin orientation in differentiated cell line environments.

Obesity in women with asthma: Baseline disadvantage plus greater small-airway responsiveness.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is known to diminish lung volumes and worsen asthma. However, mechanistic understanding is lacking, especially as concerns small-airway responsiveness. The objective of this study was therefore to compare small-airway responsiveness, as represented by the change in expiratory:inspiratory mean lung density ratios (MLDe/i , as determined by computed tomography [CT]) throughout methacholine testing in obese versus non-obese women with asthma. METHODS: Thoracic CT was performed during methacholine bronchoconstriction challenges to produce standardized response curves (SRC: response parameter versus ln[1 + % PD20], where PD20 is the cumulative methacholine dose) for 31 asthma patients (n = 18 non-obese and n = 13 obese patients). Mixed models evaluated obesity effects and interactions on SRCs while adjusting for age and bronchial morphology. Small airway responsiveness as represented by SRC slope was calculated for each third of the MLDe/i response and compared between groups. RESULTS: Obesity-associated effects observed during experimental bronchoconstriction included: (i) a significant baseline effect for forced expiratory volume in 1 second with lower values for the obese (73.11 ± 13.44) versus non-obese (82.19 ± 8.78; p = 0.002) groups prior to methacholine testing and (ii) significantly higher responsiveness in small airways as estimated via differences in MLDe/i slopes (group×ln(1 + % PD20 interaction; p = 0.023). The latter were pinpointed to higher slopes in the obese group at the beginning 2/3 of SRCs (p = 0.004 and p = 0.021). Significant obesity effects (p = 0.035 and p = 0.008) indicating lower forced vital capacity and greater % change in MLDe/I (respectively) throughout methacholine testing, were also observed. CONCLUSION: In addition to baseline differences, small-airway responsiveness (as represented by the change in MLDe/i ) during methacholine challenge is greater in obese women with asthma as compared to the non-obese.

The Transcriptome Landscape of the In Vitro Human Airway Epithelium Response to SARS-CoV-2.

Airway-liquid interface cultures of primary epithelial cells and of induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived airway epithelial cells (ALI and iALI, respectively) are physiologically relevant models for respiratory virus infection studies because they can mimic the in vivo human bronchial epithelium. Here, we investigated gene expression profiles in human airway cultures (ALI and iALI models), infected or not with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), using our own and publicly available bulk and single-cell transcriptome datasets. SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increased the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (IFI44, IFIT1, IFIT3, IFI35, IRF9, MX1, OAS1, OAS3 and ISG15) and inflammatory genes (NFKBIA, CSF1, FOSL1, IL32 and CXCL10) by day 4 post-infection, indicating activation of the interferon and immune responses to the virus. Extracellular matrix genes (ITGB6, ITGB1 and GJA1) were also altered in infected cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection damaged the respiratory epithelium, particularly mature ciliated cells. The expression of genes encoding intercellular communication and adhesion proteins was also deregulated, suggesting a mechanism to promote shedding of infected epithelial cells. These data demonstrate that ALI/iALI models help to explain the airway epithelium response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and are a key tool for developing COVID-19 treatments.

Rheology predicts sputum eosinophilia in patients with muco-obstructive lung diseases.

BACKGROUND: Mucus is known to play a pathogenic role in muco-obstructive lung diseases, but little is known about the determinants of mucus rheology. The purpose of this study is to determine which sputum components influence sputum rheology in patients with muco-obstructive lung diseases. METHODS: We performed a cross sectional prospective cohort study. Spontaneous sputum was collected from consecutive patients with muco-obstructive lung diseases. Sputum rheology was assessed using the Rheomuco® rheometer (Rheonova, Grenoble); the elastic modulus G', viscous modulus G″, and the critical stress threshold σc were recorded. Key quantitative and qualitative biological sputum components were determined by cytology, nucleic acid amplification tests and mass spectrometry. RESULTS: 48 patients were included from January to August 2019. Among them, 10 had asthma, 14 COPD and 24 non-CF bronchiectasis (NCFB). The critical stress threshold σc predicted a sputum eosinophilia superior to 1.25% with 89.19% accuracy (AUC = 0.8762). G' and G″ are positively correlated with MUC5AC protein concentration ((rho = 0.361; P = .013) and (rho = 0.335; P = .021), respectively). σc was positively correlated with sputum eosinophilia (rho = 0.394; P = .012), MUC5B (rho = 0.552; P < .001) and total protein (rho = 0.490; P < .001) concentrations. G' and G″ were significantly higher in asthma patients (G' = 14.49[7.18-25.26]Pa, G'' = 3.0[2.16-5.38]Pa) compared to COPD (G' = 5.01[2.94-6.48]Pa, P = .010; G'' = 1.45[1.16-1.94]Pa, P = .006) and to NCFB (G' = 4.99[1.49-10.49]Pa, P = .003; G'' = 1.46[0.71-2.47]Pa, P = .002). CONCLUSION: In muco-obstructive lung diseases, rheology predicts sputum eosinophilia and is correlated with mucin concentrations, regardless of the underlying disease. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: (registrar, website, and registration number), where applicable NCT04081740.

Using intracellular SCGB1A1-sorted, formalin-fixed club cells for successful transcriptomic analysis.

As opposed to surface marker staining, certain cell types can only be recognized by intracellular markers. Intracellular staining for use in cell sorting remains challenging. Fixation and permeabilization steps for intracellular staining and the presence of RNases notably affect preservation of high-quality mRNA. We report the work required for the optimization of a successful protocol for microarray analysis of intracellular target-sorted, formalin-fixed human bronchial club cells. Cells obtained from differentiated air-liquid interface cultures were stained with the most characteristic intracellular markers for club cell (SCGB1A1+) sorting. A benchmarked intracellular staining protocol was carried out before flow cytometry. The primary outcome was the extraction of RNA sufficient quality for microarray analysis as assessed by Bioanalyzer System. Fixation with 4% paraformaldehyde coupled with 0.1% Triton/0.1% saponin permeabilization obtained optimal results for SCGB1A1 staining. Addition of RNase inhibitors throughout the protocol and within the appropriate RNA extraction kit (Formalin-Fixed-Paraffin-Embedded) dramatically improved RNA quality, resulting in samples eligible for microarray analysis. The protocol resulted in successful cell sorting according to specific club cell intracellular marker without using cell surface marker. The protocol also preserved RNA of sufficient quality for subsequent microarray transcriptomic analysis, and we were able to generate transcriptomic signature of club cells.

Will the asthma revolution fostered by biologics also benefit adult ICU patients?

PURPOSE: Asthma exacerbations are inflammatory events that rarely result in full hospitalization following an ER visit. Unfortunately, certain patients require prolonged support, including occasional external lung support through ECMO or ECCOR (with subsequent further exposure to other life-threatening issues), and some die. In parallel, biologics are revolutionizing severe asthma management, mostly in T2 high patients. METHODS: We extensively reviewed the current unmet needs surrounding ICU-admitted asthma exacerbations, with a focus on currently available drugs and the underlying biological processes involved. We explored whether currently available T2-targeting drugs can reasonably be seen as potential players not only for relapse prevention but also as candidate drugs for a faster resolution of such episodes. The patient's perspective was also sought. RESULTS: About 30% of asthma exacerbations admitted to the ICU do not resolve within five days. Persistent severe airway obstruction despite massive doses of corticosteroids and maximal pharmacologically induced bronchodilation is the main cause of treatment failure. Previous ICU admission is the main risk factor for such episodes and may eventually be considered as a T2 surrogate marker. Fatal asthma cases are hallmarked by poorly steroid-sensitive T2-inflammation associated with severe mucus plugging. New, fast-acting T2-targeting biologics (already used for preventing asthma exacerbations) have the potential to circumvent steroid sensitivity pathways and decrease mucus plugging. This unmet need was confirmed by patients who reported highly negative, traumatizing experiences. CONCLUSIONS: There is room for improvement in the management of ICU-admitted severe asthma episodes. Clinical trials assessing how biologics might improve ICU outcomes are direly needed.

Poor Concordance between Sequential Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy and Surgical Lung Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Diffuse Interstitial Lung Diseases.

Rationale: The diagnostic concordance between transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC)-versus surgical lung biopsy (SLB) as the current gold standard-in interstitial lung disease (ILD) cases requiring histology remains controversial. Objectives: To assess diagnostic concordance between TBLC and SLB sequentially performed in the same patients, the diagnostic yield of both techniques, and subsequent changes in multidisciplinary assessment (MDA) decisions. Methods: A two-center prospective study included patients with ILD with a nondefinite usual interstitial pneumonia pattern (on high-resolution computed tomography scan) confirmed at a first MDA. Patients underwent TBLC immediately followed by video-assisted thoracoscopy for SLB at the same anatomical locations. After open reading of both sample types by local pathologists and final diagnosis at a second MDA (MDA2), anonymized TBLC and SLB slides were blindly assessed by an external expert pathologist (T.V.C.). Kappa-concordance coefficients and percentage agreement were computed for: TBLC versus SLB, MDA2 versus TBLC, MDA2 versus SLB, and blinded pathology versus routine pathology. Measurements and Main Results: Twenty-one patients were included. The median TBLC biopsy size (longest axis) was 7 mm (interquartile range, 5-8 mm). SLB biopsy sizes averaged 46.1 ± 13.8 mm. Concordance coefficients and percentage agreement were: TBLC versus SLB: κ = 0.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.44), percentage agreement = 38% (95% CI, 18-62%); MDA2 versus TBLC: κ = 0.31 (95% CI, 0.06-0.56), percentage agreement = 48% (95% CI, 26-70)%; MDA2 versus SLB: κ = 0.51 (95% CI, 0.27-0.75), percentage agreement = 62% (95% CI, 38-82%); two pneumothoraces (9.5%) were recorded during TBLC. TBLC would have led to a different treatment if SLB was not performed in 11 of 21 (52%) of cases. Conclusions: Pathological results from TBLC and SLB were poorly concordant in the assessment of ILD. SLBs were more frequently concordant with the final diagnosis retained at MDA.

Patient distrust in pharmaceutical companies: an explanation for women under-representation in respiratory clinical trials?

BACKGROUND: Patient skepticism concerning medical innovations can have major consequences for current public health and may threaten future progress, which greatly relies on clinical research. The primary objective of this study is to determine the variables associated with patient acceptation or refusal to participate in clinical research. Specifically, we sought to evaluate if distrust in pharmaceutical companies and associated psychosocial factors could represent a recruitment bias in clinical trials and thus threaten the applicability of their results. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter survey consisted in the administration of a self-questionnaire to patients during a pulmonology consultation. The 1025 questionnaires distributed collected demographics, socio-professional and basic health literacy characteristics. Patients were asked to rank their level of trust for pharmaceutical companies and indicate their willingness to participate in different categories of research (pre or post marketing, sponsored by an academic institution or pharmaceutical company). Logistic regression was used to determine factors contributing to "trust" versus "distrust" group membership and willingness to participate in each category of research. RESULTS: One thousand patients completed the survey, corresponding to a response rate of 97.5%. Data from 838 patients were analyzed in this study. 48.3% of respondents declared that they trusted pharmaceutical companies, while 35.5% declared distrust. Being female (p = 0.042), inactive in the employment market(p = 0.007), and not-knowing the name of one's disease(p = 0.010) are factors related to declared distrust. Distrust-group membership is associated with unwillingness to participate in certain categories of trials such as pre-marketing and industry-sponsored trials. CONCLUSION: Distrust in pharmaceutical companies is associated with a specific patient profile and with refusal to participate in certain subcategories of trials. This potential recruitment bias may explain the under-representation of certain categories of patients such as women in pre-marketing drug trials.

Bronchial Epithelial Calcium Metabolism Impairment in Smokers and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Decreased ORAI3 Signaling.

The airway epithelium represents a fragile environmental interface potentially disturbed by cigarette smoke (CS), the major risk factor for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CS leads to bronchial epithelial damage on ciliated, goblet, and club cells, which could involve calcium (Ca2+) signaling. Ca2+ is a key messenger involved in virtually all fundamental physiological functions, including mucus and cytokine secretion, cilia beating, and epithelial repair. In this study, we analyzed Ca2+ signaling in air-liquid interface-reconstituted bronchial epithelium from control subjects and smokers (with and without COPD). We further aimed to determine how smoking impaired Ca2+ signaling. First, we showed that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) depletion of Ca2+ stores was decreased in patients with COPD and that the Ca2+ influx was decreased in epithelial cells from smokers (regardless of COPD status). In addition, acute CS exposure led to a decrease in ER Ca2+ release, significant in smoker subjects, and to a decrease in Ca2+ influx only in control subjects. Furthermore, the differential expression of 55 genes involved in Ca2+ signaling highlighted that only ORAI3 expression was significantly altered in smokers (regardless of COPD status). Finally, we incubated epithelial cells with an ORAI antagonist (GSK-7975A). GSK-7975A altered Ca2+ influx and ciliary beating, but not mucus and cytokine secretion or epithelial repair, in control subjects. Our data suggest that Ca2+ signaling is impaired in smoker epithelia (regardless of COPD status) and involves ORAI3. Moreover, ORAI3 is additionally involved in ciliary beating.

CCSP counterbalances airway epithelial-driven neutrophilic chemotaxis.

Club cell secretory protein (CCSP) knockout mice exhibit increased airway neutrophilia, as found in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We therefore investigated whether treating COPD airway epithelia with recombinant human CCSP (rhCCSP) could dampen exaggerated airway neutrophilia.Control, smoker and COPD air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) were treated with and without rhCCSP. The chemotactic properties of the supernatants were assessed using Dunn chambers. Neutrophil chemotaxis along recombinant human interleukin 8 (rhIL8) gradients (with and without rhCCSP) was also determined. rhCCSP-rhIL8 interactions were tested through co-immunoprecipitation, Biacore surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and in silico modelling. The relationship between CCSP/IL8 concentration ratios in the supernatant of induced sputum from COPD patients versus neutrophilic airway infiltration assessed in lung biopsies was assessed.Increased neutrophilic chemotactic activity of CSE-treated ALI cultures followed IL8 concentrations and returned to normal when supplemented with rhCCSP. rhIL8-induced chemotaxis of neutrophils was reduced by rhCCSP. rhCCSP and rhIL8 co-immunoprecipitated. SPR confirmed this in vitro interaction (equilibrium dissociation constant=8 µM). In silico modelling indicated that this interaction was highly likely. CCSP/IL8 ratios in induced sputum correlated well with the level of small airway neutrophilic infiltration (r2=0.746, p<0.001).CCSP is a biologically relevant counter-balancer of neutrophil chemotactic activity. These different approaches used in this study suggest that, among the possible mechanisms involved, CCSP may directly neutralise IL8.

Goblet cell hyperplasia as a feature of neutrophilic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) is a pathological finding classically reported across asthma severity levels and usually associated with smoking. Multiple biological mechanisms may contribute to excessive mucus production. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to decipher the clinical meanings and biological pathways related to GCH in non-smokers with asthma. METHODS: Cough and sputum assessment questionnaire (CASA-Q) responses at entry and 1 year later were compared to clinical and functional outcomes in 59 asthmatic patients. GCH was assessed through periodic-acid shift (PAS) staining on endobronchial biopsies obtained at entry in a subset of 32 patients. RESULTS: Periodic-acid shift-staining analysis revealed a double wave distribution discriminating patients with (>10% of the epithelial area) or without GCH. CASA-Q scores were mostly driven by overall asthma severity (P < 0.0001). CASA-Q scores remained stable at 1 year and were independently associated with BAL eosinophil content irrespective of the presence of GCH. GCH was unrelated to the presence of bronchiectasis at CT, GERD or chronic rhinosinusitis, but correlated well with neutrophilic inflammatory patterns observed upon BAL cellular analysis (P = 0.002 at multivariate analysis). BALF bacterial loads were unrelated to GCH or to CASA-Q. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Goblet cell hyperplasia is disconnected from chronic cough and sputum when assessed by a specific questionnaire. GCH is related to neutrophilic asthma whereas symptoms are related to airway eosinophilia. The clinical counterpart of GCH is unlikely assessed by the CASA-Q.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Modeling and Personalized Medicine.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare and heterogeneous genetic disorder that affects the structure and function of motile cilia. In the airway epithelium, impaired ciliary motion results in reduced or absent mucociliary clearance that leads to the appearance of chronic airway infection, sinusitis, and bronchiectasis. Currently, there is no effective treatment for PCD, and research is limited by the lack of convenient models to study this disease and investigate innovative therapies. Furthermore, the high heterogeneity of PCD genotypes is likely to hinder the development of a single therapy for all patients. The generation of patient-derived, induced pluripotent stem cells, and their differentiation into airway epithelium, as well as genome editing technologies, could represent major tools for in vitro PCD modeling and for developing personalized therapies. Here, we review PCD pathogenesis and then discuss how human induced pluripotent stem cells could be used to model this disease for the development of innovative, patient-specific biotherapies.

Human bronchial epithelium orchestrates dendritic cell activation in severe asthma.

The innate immune response is impaired in asthma, with increased epithelial release of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)8, interleukin (IL)-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). We hypothesised that dendritic cells might modulate the hyperresponsive epithelium in severe asthma.For this purpose, we investigated epithelial-dendritic crosstalk in normal and diseased conditions, and because ultrafine particulate matter may affect asthmatic airways, we investigated its impact on this crosstalk. Air-liquid interface cultures of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) of control subjects (cHBEC) or severe asthma patients (saHBEC) were co-cultured with monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC).Increased release of CXCL8, TSLP and IL-33 from saHBEC contrasted with cHBEC producing CXCL10 and CCL2. Regarding moDC activation, saHBEC co-cultures induced only upregulation of CD86 expression, while cHBEC yielded full moDC maturation with HLA-DR, CD80, CD86 and CD40 upregulation. Particulate matter stimulation of HBEC had no effect on cHBEC but stimulated CXCL8 and IL-33 release in saHBEC. Particulate matter impaired epithelium signalling (TSLP, IL-33 and CXCL8) in saHBEC co-cultures despite C-C chemokine ligand 2 induction.Crosstalk between HBEC and moDC can be established in vitro, driving a T1-type response with cHBEC and a T2-type response with saHBEC. Normal or asthmatic status of HBEC differentially shapes the epithelial-dendritic responses. We conclude that control moDC cannot rescue the hyperresponsive airway epithelium of severe asthmatics.

Epithelial ciliated beating cells essential for ex vivo ALI culture growth.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial epithelium plays a key role in orchestrating innate and adaptive immunity. The fate of ex vivo airway epithelial cultures growing at the air liquid interface (ALI) derived from human endobronchial biopsies or brushings is not easy to predict. Calibrating and differentiating these cells is a long and expensive process requiring rigorous expertise. Pinpointing factors associated with ALI culture success would help researchers gain further insight into epithelial progenitor behavior. METHODS: A successful ALI culture was defined as one in which a pseudostratified epithelium has formed after 28 days in the presence of all differentiated epithelial cell types. A 4-year prospective bi-center study was conducted with adult subjects enrolled in different approved research protocols. RESULTS: 463 consecutive endobronchial biopsies were obtained from normal healthy volunteers, healthy smokers, asthmatic patients and smokers with COPD. All demographic variables, the different fiber optic centers and culture operators, numbers of endo-bronchial biopsies and the presence of ciliated cells were carefully recorded. Univariate and multivariate models were developed. A stepwise procedure was used to select the final logistic regression model. ALI culture success was independently associated with the presence of living ciliated cells within the initial biopsy (OR = 2.18 [1.50-3.16], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This finding highlights the properties of the cells derived from the epithelium dedifferentiation process. The preferential selection of samples with ciliated beating cells would probably save time and money. It is still unknown whether successful ALI culture is related to indicators of general cell viability or a purported stem cell state specifically associated with ciliated beating cells.

Airway lipoxin A4/formyl peptide receptor 2-lipoxin receptor levels in pediatric patients with severe asthma.

BACKGROUND: Lipoxins are biologically active eicosanoids with anti-inflammatory properties. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) signaling blocks asthmatic responses in human and experimental model systems. There is evidence that patients with respiratory diseases, including severe asthma (SA), display defective generation of lipoxin signals despite glucocorticoid therapy. OBJECTIVE: We investigated airway levels of formyl peptide receptor 2-lipoxin receptor (FPR2/ALXR), LXA4, and its counterregulatory compound, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), in patients with childhood asthma. We addressed the potential interplay of the LXA4-FPR2/ALXR axis and glucocorticoids in the resolution of inflammation. METHODS: We examined LXA4 and LTB4 concentrations in induced sputum supernatants from children with intermittent asthma (IA), children with SA, and healthy control (HC) children. In addition, we investigated FPR2/ALXR expression in induced sputum cells obtained from the study groups. Finally, we evaluated in vitro the molecular interaction between LXA4 and glucocorticoid receptor-based mechanisms. RESULTS: We found that children with SA have decreased LXA4 concentrations in induced sputum supernatants in comparison with children with IA. In contrast to decreases in LXA4 concentrations, LTB4 concentrations were increased in children with asthma independent of severity. LXA4 concentrations negatively correlated with LTB4 concentrations and with exacerbation numbers in children with SA. FPR2/ALXR expression was reduced in induced sputum cells of children with SA compared with that seen in HC subjects and children with IA. Finally, we describe in vitro the existence of crosstalk between LXA4 and glucocorticoid receptor at the cytosolic level mediated by G protein-coupled FPR2/ALXR in peripheral blood granulocytes isolated from HC subjects, children with IA, and children with SA. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence for defective LXA4 generation and FPR2/ALXR expression that, associated with increased LTB4, might be involved in a reduction in the ability of inhaled corticosteroids to impair control of airway inflammation in children with SA.

CCSP G38A polymorphism environment interactions regulate CCSP levels differentially in COPD.

Impaired airway homeostasis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could be partly related to club cell secretory protein (CCSP) deficiency. We hypothesize that CCSP G38A polymorphism is involved and aim to examine the influence of the CCSP G38A polymorphism on CCSP transcription levels and its regulatory mechanisms. CCSP genotype and CCSP levels in serum and sputum were assessed in 66 subjects with stable COPD included in a 1-yr observational study. Forty-nine of them had an exacerbation. In an in vitro study, the impact on the CCSP promoter of 38G wild-type or 38A variant was assessed. BEAS-2B cells were transfected by either the 38G or 38A construct, in the presence/absence of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Cotransfections with modulating transcription factors, p53 and Nkx2.1, identified by in silico analysis by using ConSite and TFSEARCH were conducted. A allele carrier COPD patients had lower serum and sputum CCSP levels, especially among active smokers, and a decreased body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE) score. In vitro, baseline CCSP transcription levels were similar between the wild and variant constructs. CSE decreased more profoundly the CCSP transcription level of 38A transfected cells. The opposite effect was observed with p53 cotransfection. LPS stimulation induced CCSP repression in 38A promoter transfected cells. Cotransfection with Nkx2.1 significantly activated the CCSP promoters irrespective of the polymorphism. Circulating CCSP levels are associated with smoking and the CCSP G38A polymorphism. CSE, LPS, and the Nkx2.1 and p53 transcription factors modulated the CCSP promoter efficiency. The 38A polymorphism exaggerated the CCSP repression in response to p53 and CSE.

Rising total costs and mortality rates associated with admissions due to COPD exacerbations.

BACKGROUND: To examine trends in mortality, costs and in-hospital management and outcomes of severe COPD exacerbations admitted in France. METHODS: Patients hospitalized from 2007 to 2012 with COPD exacerbation as the primary diagnosis were identified from the exhaustive French medico-administrative hospitalizations database records. Four groups of severe COPD exacerbations were defined: hospitalisation in a general ward (GW) without acute respiratory failure (ARF), GW with ARF, ICU without invasive mechanical ventilation (MV), and ICU with MV. RESULTS: A 15.48 % increase in admissions from 113 276 in 2007 to 133 497 in 2012 was recorded. Age (+9.9 months), gender (-2.5 % of male) and length of stay (-0.29 day) slightly changed while the number of ICU admissions increased markedly (+41.78 %). In-hospital mortality rates increased (+8.06 %, p < .001) and followed seasonal variations peaking in winter. Total hospitalizations costs increased from 602 to 678 millions euros (+12.6 %). Pneumonia-related mortality increased (+37.2 %). A progressive replacement of chest X-ray by CT scan was observed (-41.3 % vs +31.7 %) while fewer spirometries (-13.7 %) and bronchoscopies (-22.6 %) were performed. CONCLUSION: The incidence of severe COPD exacerbations and the proportion of ICU-managed patients are still increasing in France. Rising total costs and mortality rates especially related to pneumonia advocate for rethinking COPD management plans. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.