American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Mar 2013
Prevalence and risk factors for liver involvement in individuals with PiZZ-related lung disease.
α1-Antitrypsin deficiency is one of the most common heritable human diseases, predisposing to liver and lung injury. Significant heterogeneity in phenotypic expression is well documented, but less is known of the prevalence, severity, and correlates of chronic liver disease among individuals presenting with lung disease. ⋯ Significant chronic liver disease is common in PiZZ individuals with lung disease and can be screened effectively by a combination of conventional tests of liver function, platelet count, and liver ultrasound.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Mar 2013
Crucial role of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 and mast cells in induction of nonallergic airway hyperreactivity in mice.
Airway hyperreactivity (AHR) is a key feature of bronchial asthma, and inhalation of irritants may facilitate development of nonallergic AHR. Swimmers exposed to hypochlorite (ClO(-))-containing water show a higher risk of developing AHR. We developed a mouse model in which instillation of ClO(-) before ovalbumin (OVA) induces AHR without bronchial inflammatory cells. ⋯ Induction of AHR by exposure to ClO(-)-OVA depends on a neuroimmune interaction that involves TRPA1-dependent stimulation of sensory neurons and mast cell activation.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Mar 2013
Production of serotonin by tryptophan hydroxylase 1 and release via platelets contribute to allergic airway inflammation.
5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is involved in the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation (AAI). It is unclear, however, how 5-HT contributes to AAI and whether this depends on tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) 1, the critical enzyme for peripheral 5-HT synthesis. ⋯ In summary, TPH1 deficiency or inhibition reduces AAI. Platelet- and not mast cell-derived 5-HT is pivotal in AAI, and lack of 5-HT leads to an impaired Th2-priming capacity of BMDC. Thus, targeting TPH1 could offer novel therapeutic options for asthma.