American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2014
A Novel TNF-mediated Mechanism of Direct Epithelial Sodium Channel Activation.
Alveolar liquid clearance is regulated by Na(+) uptake through the apically expressed epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and basolaterally localized Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in type II alveolar epithelial cells. Dysfunction of these Na(+) transporters during pulmonary inflammation can contribute to pulmonary edema. ⋯ These results demonstrate a novel TNF-mediated mechanism of direct ENaC activation and indicate a physiological role for the lectin-like domain of TNF in the resolution of alveolar edema during inflammation.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2014
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria among Cystic Fibrosis Patients in the United States: Screening Practices and Environmental Risk.
Persons with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at greater risk of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections than the general population. However, among patients with CF, geographic variation in prevalence is poorly understood. ⋯ NTM prevalence varies significantly among patients with CF by geographic area, and is largely influenced by environmental factors. However, NTM culture practices vary greatly, with some high-prevalence states screening less than 25% annually. Routine screening for all patients with CF is needed for timely detection.