American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Jun 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialKeratinocyte Growth-Factor Promotes Epithelial Survival and Resolution in a Human Model of Lung Injury.
Increasing epithelial repair and regeneration may hasten resolution of lung injury in patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In animal models of ARDS, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) reduces injury and increases epithelial proliferation and repair. The effect of KGF in the human alveolus is unknown. ⋯ KGF treatment increases BAL surfactant protein D, a marker of type II alveolar epithelial cell proliferation in a human model of acute lung injury. Additionally, KGF increases alveolar concentrations of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-1Ra, and mediators that drive epithelial repair (MMP-9) and enhance macrophage clearance of dead cells and bacteria (GM-CSF). Clinical trial registered with ISRCTN 98813895.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Jun 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialPredictors of COPD Exacerbation Reduction in Response to Daily Azithromycin Therapy.
Daily azithromycin decreases acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), but long-term side effects are unknown. ⋯ Azithromycin is most effective in preventing AECOPD requiring both antibiotic and steroid treatment. Adjusting for confounders, we saw no difference in efficacy by sex, history of chronic bronchitis, oxygen use, or concomitant COPD therapy. Greater efficacy was seen in older patients and milder Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages. We found little evidence of treatment effect among current smokers. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT0011986 and NCT00325897).
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Jun 2014
Endothelial progenitor cells and a SDF-1α analogue synergistically improve survival in sepsis.
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been associated with human sepsis but their role is incompletely understood. Stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α facilitates EPC recruitment and is elevated in murine sepsis models. Previous studies have demonstrated that the SDF-1α analog CTCE-0214 (CTCE) is beneficial in polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice. ⋯ EPCs and CTCE represent important potential therapeutic strategies in sepsis.