诱导痰气道炎症指标与支气管哮喘病情关系的探讨

目的 探讨气道炎症指标对支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)患者病情监测及治疗的意义.方法 收集2004年1月至2006年1月在北京大学第三医院呼吸科门诊就诊的近半年来未使用口服或吸入激素治疗的哮喘患者87例.进行哮喘症状评分、肺功能检查、诱导痰上清液检测白介素-8(IL-8)浓度及嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)浓度,对所有患者病情分级状况和气道炎症指标进行分析,探讨病情严重程度与气道炎症之间的关系;分析急性发作与气道炎症之间的关系.结果 (1)重度哮喘患者中性粒细胞、IL-8水平较轻中度患者明显增高;(2)急性发作期患者嗜酸性粒细胞(EOS)、ECP较缓解期明显增高;(3)中性粒细胞与第1秒用力呼气量(FEV1)呈负相关(r=-0.522,P＜0.05);中性粒细胞与IL-8呈正相关(r=0.832,P＜0.05);(4)ECP、EOS与FEV1、症状评分均无相关性(r=-0.209,r=-0.189,P均＞0.05;r=-0.289,r=-0.229,P均＞0.05);ECP与EOS呈正相关(r=0.852,P＜0.01);(5)中性粒细胞对重度哮喘的阳性预测值为91%,EOS对哮喘急性发作的阳性预测值为92.5%,ECP对哮喘急性发作的阳性预测值98.5%.结论 (1)中性粒细胞、IL-8与病情严重程度有关,重度哮喘患者中性粒细胞、IL-8明显增高;(2)ECP、EOS与哮喘的急性发作有关,急性发作期哮喘患者ECP、EOS明显增高;(3)气道炎症指标可用于监测哮喘病情和调整哮喘治疗.     

支气管哮喘气道炎症可能机制的探讨

目的探讨支气管哮喘（简称哮喘）患者气道炎症特征及其可能机制,并进一步观察吸入糖皮质激素治疗对气道炎性细胞分类计数、炎症介质等的影响。方法分别选择轻度（轻度组）、中度（中度组）和重度（重度组）持续哮喘患者15例、14例和19例,正常对照组15名,分别行哮喘症状控制评分、肺功能测定、诱导痰炎性细胞分类计数、调节激活正常T细胞表达和分泌细胞因子（RANTES）、嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白（ECP）、白介素8（IL～8）及髓过氧化物酶（MPO）浓度检测,然后规范吸入糖皮质激素治疗4周,随访复查上述指标。结果诱导痰中性粒细胞百分比、IL-8及MPO重度组明显升高,分别为（62．40±22．05）％、594．53±85．11、39．25±10．67与轻度组[（47．23±15．12）％、183．63±120．98、12．47±4．15]、中度组[（46．13±19．23）％、352．76±71．72、22．93±7．353、正常对照组[（31．44±13．31）％、103．26±36．33、10．22±4．13]比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈O．01）;RANTES、嗜酸粒细胞百分比（EOS％）和ECP浓度在各哮喘组间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。EOS％与RANTES、ECP水平呈正相关（r=0．557,P〈0．05;r=0．852,P〈0．01）;中性粒细胞百分比与IL-8、MPO水平呈正相关（r=0．732,P〈0．05;r=0．806,P〈0．05）;经糖皮质激素治疗后,对轻、中、重度哮喘患者合并进行分析表明,治疗后症状评分由（9．8±5．4）分下降至（4．0±3．5）分和肺功能指标第1秒用力呼气容积占预计值百分比由（62．2±23．3）％升高至（75．9±17．5）％显著改善,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。在接受糖皮质激素治疗后,RANTES、EOSO和ECP水平均显著降低。另外MPO水平也显著降低（P〈0．01）;但治疗后在重度组仍显著高于轻、中度组（P〈0．01）。但IL-8、中性粒细胞百分比治疗后?     

重度支气管哮喘患者气道炎症及其与白细胞介素17的关系

目的探讨重度支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)患者气道炎症特征及其可能机制,并进一步观察吸入糖皮质激素治疗对气道炎性细胞分类计数、炎症介质、白细胞介素17(IL-17)和IL-8等细胞因子的影响。方法分别选择轻度(轻度组)、中度(中度组)和重度(重度组)持续哮喘患者16例、14例和18例,正常对照组15名,采用基线评估包括哮喘症状控制评分、肺功能测定和用诱导痰检查方法对痰炎性细胞进行分类计数;采用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法检测痰IL-17和IL-8浓度;采用酶联免疫荧光法测定嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)浓度;采用比色法测定中性粒细胞髓过氧化物酶(MPO)浓度,并用痰液蛋白含量进行校正。然后规范吸入糖皮质激素治疗4周,随访轻、中度和重度哮喘患者各15例复查上述指标。结果痰嗜酸粒细胞(EOS)比值和ECP浓度在每克蛋白中轻度组分别为0.0670±0.0740、(155±91)×10-6g;中度组分别为0.0830±0.0440、(180±83)×10-6g;重度组分别为0.1240±0.1430、(191±87)×10-6g,与正常对照组[0.0000±0.0010、(44±25)×10-6g]比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);但各哮喘组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。中性粒细胞比值在重度组为0.589±0.203,与轻度组(0.455±0.154)、中度组(0.449±0.194)、正常对照组(0.313±0.134)比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。MPO水平在每克蛋白中,重度组为(31±10)U,轻度组为(12±4)U、中度组为(22±7)U,与正常对照组[(10±4)U]比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。IL-17水平在每克蛋白中重度组为(264±137)×10-9g,中度组为(172±65)×10-9g,轻度组为(126±52)×10-9g,与正常对照组[(56±20)×10-9g]比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);IL-8浓度在每克蛋白中,重度组为(531±321)×10-9g,轻度组为(410±181)×10-9g,中度组为(438±148)×10-9g,正常对照组为(83±36)×10-9g,重度组与正常对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);而轻度组与中度组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。IL-17水平与IL-8、中性粒细胞与MPO呈显著相关(r分别为0.525、0.349、0.602,P均<0.01)。经糖皮质激素治疗后,对轻、中、重度30例哮喘患者进行合并分析表明,EOS、ECP、MPO、IL-17和IL-8均显著降低;但两组患者的中性粒细胞比值在治疗后比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);但重度组(0.642±0.157)与轻、中度哮喘组(0.394±0.147)比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论中性粒细胞增多是重度哮喘的气道炎症特征之一,IL-17/IL-8可能参与中性粒细胞向气道内的募集。     

持续性哮喘的气道炎症模式和机制探讨

对60例不吸烟的持续性哮喘患者(观察组)和20例健康查体者(对照组)进行高张盐水诱导痰试验,测定痰悬混液中细胞总数、细胞分类计数和上清液中嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)、白介素-8(IL-8)水平。结果观察组痰液标本嗜酸性粒细胞计数增多22例、正常38例,痰液嗜酸性粒细胞减少者中性粒细胞比率和IL-8水平明显高于嗜酸性粒细胞增多者和对照组(P均<0.01),嗜酸性粒细胞增多者痰ECP含量明显高于嗜酸性粒细胞正常者和对照组(P<0.01),观察组痰液MPO含量高于对照组(P<0.05),其中中性粒细胞和IL-8水平存在相关性(r=0.69,P<0.01)。认为持续性哮喘患者存在两种不同的气道炎症反应模式,非嗜酸性粒细胞性炎症反应更为常见,可能与IL-8介导的中性粒细胞的聚集、活化有关。     

急性发作期老年晚发哮喘患者气道炎症特征分析

目的检测急性发作期老年晚发哮喘(LOA)诱导痰细胞学、嗜酸细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)和白介素-5(IL-5)、白介素-8(IL-8)水平,观察LOA气道炎症特征。方法检测86例急性发作期LOA患者诱导痰中细胞学分类计数、ECP和IL-5、IL-8水平;选择30例健康老年人作为对照。结果以诱导痰中EOS数量≥3%作为临界值,86例急性发作期LOA患者中,79例(81%)诱导痰中嗜酸细胞(EOS)数量增高,为痰EOS增高组;17例(19%)痰中性细胞数量增高,为痰非EOS增高组。痰非EOS增高组诱导痰中性细胞和IL-8水平显著高于痰EOS增高组和健康老年组(P0.01);而痰中EOS数量、ECP和IL-5水平显著低于痰EOS增高组(P0.01),但与健康老年组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论急性发作期LOA患者存在气道嗜酸细胞和中性细胞两种炎症类型,测定患者气道炎症类型有助于指导治疗。     

法舒地尔对支气管哮喘小鼠肺组织Rho激酶-1表达及气道炎症的影响

目的 观察Rho激酶-1抑制剂法舒地尔对支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)小鼠肺组织Rho激酶-1表达及气道炎症的影响,探讨Rho激酶-1在哮喘气道炎症中的作用机制.方法 将24只BalB/c小鼠采用随机数字表法分为对照组、哮喘组和干预组,每组8只.哮喘组、干预组小鼠分别给予卵清白蛋白(OVA)致敏和激发.每次雾化前1 h,干预组给予法舒地尔(10 mg/kg)腹腔注射.末次激发后收集BalF,离心后计数细胞总数及嗜酸粒细胞(EOS)数量.ELISA法测定BalF上清液中嗜酸粒细胞趋化因子(Eotaxin)、白细胞介素(IL)-5和IL-13水平.肺组织HE染色.采用逆转录PCR和免疫组织化学测定各组小鼠肺组织中Rho激酶-1 mRNA和蛋白的表达水平.结果 (1)哮喘组BalF中细胞总数及EOS数量分别为(1.45±0.12)× 10~9/L和(0.52 ±0.06)× 10~9/L,明显高于对照组[分别为(0.58±0.06)×10~9/L和(0.01±0.01)×10~9/L](q值分别为25.909和35.002,均P＜0.01)和干预组[分别为(0.89 ±0.09)×10~9/L和(0.20±0.04)×10~9/L](q值分别为16.676和21.537,均P＜0.01).(2)哮喘组Eotaxin、IL-5及IL-13水平分别为(45±8)ng/L、(157 ±23)ng/L和(429±46)ng/L,明显高于对照组[分别为(10 ±3)ng/L、(26±6)ng/L和(126 ±20)ng/L](q值分别为18.246、23.009、25.826,均P＜0.01);干预组分别为(20±5)ng/L、(57 ±14)ng/L和(254±28)ng/L,明显低于哮喘组(q值分别为13.119、17.503、8.449,均P＜0.01).(3)对照组小鼠气道周围无炎症细胞浸润,哮喘组小鼠气道黏膜水肿,气道壁及管周有大量以EOS为主的炎症细胞浸润,干预组气道炎症反应较哮喘组减轻.(4)哮喘组肺组织Rho激酶-1 mRNA和蛋白的表达水平明显高于对照组(q值分别为25.614和8.156,均P＜0.01),干预组Rho激酶-1 mRNA和蛋白表达水平低于哮喘组(q值分别为20.379和4.135,均P＜0.01).(5)Rho激酶-1 mRNA表达量与BalF中EOS数量、Eotaxin、IL-5和IL-13水平呈正相关(r值分别为0.709、0.600、0.613、0.650,均P＜0.01).结论 Rho激酶-1参与过敏原诱导的哮喘小鼠气道炎症的发生,应用法舒地尔抑制其表达和活性可能改善哮喘气道炎症.     

晚发型重度难治性哮喘气道炎症表型与激素疗效的临床研究

目的探讨成人晚发型重度难治性哮喘患者的气道炎症类型及对激素治疗的反应,以期阐明该型哮喘的发病机制和治疗策略。方法连续收集正常对照者(A组)、确诊的成人晚发型轻中度(B组)、重度哮喘患者(C组),分别采集哮喘患者治疗前以及激素治疗后的诱导痰液,进行炎性细胞分类计数,采用酶联免疫吸附测定法检测痰中IL-17、IL-8、IL-6、IL-5浓度及中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶水平,并记录患者治疗前后的肺功能、哮喘控制评分等基线情况。比较三组患者间的不同以及治疗前后的差别,并采用相关分析及多元直线回归方程筛选与气道炎症和哮喘控制评分相关的指标。结果在全部146例哮喘患者中,重度哮喘所占比例将近1/3。与轻中度哮喘相比,重度哮喘患者有着较低的特应质比例、FEV1值和哮喘控制评分,但年龄及体质指数均较高。诱导痰细胞检查显示,治疗前的重度哮喘诱导痰嗜酸细胞比例低于轻中度哮喘(4.59%vs.7.74%,P0.01),而中性粒细胞比例则明显增加(63.22%vs.22.8%,P0.01)。轻中度哮喘的气道炎症类型以嗜酸性粒细胞型为主,重度哮喘则以中性粒细胞型为最多(P0.01)。与正常对照和轻中度哮喘相比,重度哮喘患者诱导痰中的炎症介质IL-17、IL-8、IL-6及中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶浓度亦显著升高(P0.01)。相关分析显示,哮喘患者痰中性粒细胞比例与IL-17浓度正相关(r=0.545,P0.01)。而直线回归分析提示,哮喘控制评分与IL-17和体质指数呈负回归关系(P0.01)。激素治疗可明显降低轻中度哮喘诱导痰内嗜酸性粒细胞和中性粒细胞比例及炎症介质浓度,提高哮喘控制评分和FEV1(P0.01),而重度哮喘仅有诱导痰嗜酸细胞计数及IL-5浓度的降低,余炎性介质浓度、中性粒细胞比例及哮喘控制评分无改善(P0.05)。结论成人晚发型重度哮喘是不同于轻中度哮喘的一种特殊亚型,其气道炎症成分复杂,以中性粒细胞为主,激素治疗仅可改善以嗜酸性粒细胞为主的炎症成分,但对中性粒细胞性炎症则无作用。对该型哮喘应探索新的治疗途径。     

哮喘患者诱导痰中IL-17A、IL-8及MMP-9水平变化及糖皮质激素对其的影响

目的探讨哮喘患者气道炎症特点及糖皮质激素的作用机制。方法将33例哮喘患者（哮喘组）按病情程度分为轻、中度19例及重度14例,予规范吸入糖皮质激素治疗4周,行诱导痰炎性细胞分类并计数,采用ELISA法检测痰上清液炎性介质白细胞介素-17A（IL-17A）、IL-8、基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）水平,并与15例查体健康者（对照组）进行比较。对诱导痰细胞分类、1秒钟用力呼气量占预计值百分比（FEVl％）及炎性介质水平进行相关分析。结果重度哮喘者诱导痰中性粒细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞比值及上清液IL-17A、IL-8、MMP-9水平显著高于对照组及轻、中度者;轻-中度者除MMP-9无显著升高外,余各指标均显著高于对照组（P均〈0．01）。诱导痰中性粒细胞及嗜酸性粒细胞比值与FEV1％呈显著负相关;中性粒细胞比值与IL-8、MMP-9呈正相关;IL-17A水平与中性粒细胞比值、IL-8呈正相关。糖皮质激素治疗后重度者中性粒细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞比值及MMP-9水平仍显著高于轻-中度者。结论中性粒细胞浸润性气道炎症是重度持续性哮喘的重要特征;IL-17A、IL-8与MMP-9可能在其中发挥重要作用。吸入糖皮质激素能抑制炎症细胞的趋化效应,阻止炎症释放,稳定细胞溶酶体膜,减轻组织损伤。     

EOS、总IgE与儿童哮喘严重程度和肺功能的相关性

目的 分析血嗜酸性粒细胞(EOS)、总IgE与儿童哮喘严重程度和肺功能的相关性。方法 选择2018年1月至2021年1月我院收治并确诊的55例支气管哮喘患儿,根据病情严重程度分为轻度组18例、中度组22例、重度组15例。对比不同病情严重程度组儿童血清EOS、总IgE、FeNO及肺功能第1秒用力呼气容积占预测值百分比(FEV₁%pred)、呼气峰值流速(PEF)和用力肺活量(FVC)水平变化;观察给予吸入性糖皮质激素(ICS)治疗前后,哮喘组儿童上述指标变化情况;采用Spearman秩相关和Pearson相关性分析血清EOS、总IgE与儿童哮喘FeNO、病情严重程度及肺功能的相关性。结果 哮喘组儿童FeNO及血EOS%、总IgE水平升高,肺功能指标FEV₁%pred、PEF、FVC明显降低(P<0.05);重度哮喘组上述指标高于/低于中度组,中度组高于/低于轻度组(P<0.05)。ICS治疗后,哮喘组儿童FeNO及血EOS%、总IgE水平较治疗前降低,肺功能指标升高,治疗前后差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。儿童哮喘血EOS%...     

支气管哮喘患者血清白细胞介素18和33水平的变化及其临床意义

目的 检测支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)急性发作期患者糖皮质激素治疗前后血清IL-18和IL-33水平的变化,探讨IL-18和IL-33在哮喘发病机制中的作用.方法 选择2009年6月至2010年10月大连医科大学附属第二医院呼吸内科收治的中～重度哮喘急性发作患者30例作为哮喘组,体检中心的23例健康体检者作为对照组,两组受试者均无吸烟史.哮喘组患者均静脉滴注甲泼尼龙(40 ～80 mg/d)治疗3～5d,同时配合雾化吸入布地奈德治疗1～2周.分别检测哮喘组治疗前后及对照组血清IL-18和IL-33的水平,同时检测免疫球蛋白E(IgE)、嗜酸粒细胞(EOS)数量及肺功能[包括FEV1占预计值％(FEV1％)]等,比较哮喘组治疗前后IL-18和IL-33水平的变化及其与对照组之间的差异,分析其与IgE、EOS和FEV1％等指标的相关性.结果 哮喘组治疗前血清IL-18和IL-33水平[分别为(300±181)ng/L和(208 ±95) ng/L]均高于对照组[分别为(158±45) ng/L和(143±32) ng/L],差异有统计学意义(t值分别为3.67和3.51,均P＜0.05),与IgE和EOS变化一致(t值分别为5.76和5.24,均P＜0.05).哮喘组治疗后血清IL-18和IL-33水平[分别为(183±83)ng/L和(148±77) ng/L]均低于治疗前,差异有统计学意义(t值分别为5.42和12.09,均P＜0.05),与IgE和EOS变化一致(t值分别为11.87和4.56,均P＜0.05),但哮喘组治疗后FEV1％水平为(81±16)％,高于治疗前的(54±14)％,差异有统计学意义(t=-7.81,P＜0.05).Pearson相关分析显示,IL-18和IL-33分别与IgE和EOS呈正相关(均P＜0.05);而与FEV1％呈负相关(均P＜0.05).结论 IL-18和IL-33在哮喘急性发作过程中具有促进炎症反应的作用.     

Relationship between the perception of dyspnoea and airway inflammatory markers

Poor dyspnoea perception in asthmatic patients seems to be associated with increased risk of asthma exacerbation. We have studied the relationship between basel ne dyspnoea perception and inflammatory markers in sputum in eight patients with mild asthma and in 13 patients with moderate to severe asthma.The perception of dyspnoea was scored on the Borg scale. Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) was measured by fluoroimmunoassay and by an interleukin (IL)-5 sandwich ELISA. The baseline Borg score was significantly higher in patients with severe asthma than in patients with mild to moderate asthma (4.1 +/- 0.29 vs. 2.28 +/- 0.28, P<0.05).The proportion of eosinophil and ECP levels in the sputum were significantly higher in patients with moderate to severe asthma. IL-5 in sputum was significantly increased in moderate to severe asthmatic patients compared to mild asthmatic patients. A significant relationship was found between the baseline perception score and FEV1/FVC (r = -0.53, P<0.01), sputum eosinophils (r = 0.70, P<0.01) and sputum ECP (r = 0.62, P<0.01).These findings suggest that the baseline perception score is related to inflammatory markers in sputum, and that the perception of dyspnoea as well as airway inflammatory markers may be considered to evaluate asthma severity.     

支气管哮喘患者诱导痰中基质细胞衍生因子的表达及其作用

目的 测定支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)患者在糖皮质激素(简称激素)治疗前后诱导痰中基质细胞衍生因子-1(SDF-1)和白细胞介素(IL)-17的水平,探讨SDF-1在哮喘发病机制中的作用.方法 收集2009年6月至2010年9月郑州大学第一附属医院门诊及住院的慢性持续期的哮喘患者99例(按病情严重程度分为轻、中、重度组)及健康体检者30名,哮喘患者在回答哮喘控制问卷(ACQ)后,两组研究对象分别进行肺功能检测和诱导痰检查,记录FEV1占预计值%,行诱导痰炎症细胞分类计数,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测诱导痰中SDF-1和IL-17水平;所有哮喘患者均参照支气管哮喘指南给予规范的吸入激素为主的治疗,4周后测定诱导痰中SDF-1、IL-17的水平及炎症细胞比率.结果 轻、中、重度持续组的ACQ评分及FEV1占预计值%差异均有统计学意义(F值分别为79.271和457.448,均P<0.01).治疗前哮喘组诱导痰嗜酸粒细胞比率、IL-17水平及SDF-1水平均高于健康对照组(均P<0.01);重度哮喘患者诱导痰中两种炎症细胞比率及SDF-1和IL-17水平均高于轻度哮喘患者(均P<0.05).哮喘患者FEV1占预计值%与诱导痰中嗜酸粒细胞、中性粒细胞比率均呈负相关(r值分别为-0.316和-0.409,均P<0.05);诱导痰中SDF-1与嗜酸粒细胞比率及中性粒细胞比率呈正相关(r值分别为0.875和0.716,均P<0.01);诱导痰中IL-17与嗜酸粒细胞及中性粒细胞比率呈正相关(r值分别为0.878和0.846,均P<0.01);诱导痰中SDF-1与IL-17水平呈正相关(r=0.872,P<0.01).治疗后哮喘患者诱导痰中两种炎症细胞比率及SDF-1和IL-17水平均低于治疗前患者(均P<0.01);治疗后未控制组哮喘患者诱导痰中性粒细胞比率、SDF-1水平和IL-17水平明显高于完全控制组(均P<0.05).结论 SDF-1和IL-17通过募集炎症细胞,特别是中性粒细胞参与了哮喘气道炎症的发生,SDF-1可作为哮喘患者临床病情判定和疗效观察的参考指标.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate concentrations of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and IL-17 in induced sputum supernatants from asthmatic patients before and after treatment with glucocorticosteroids. Methods Induced sputum was collected from 30 healthy controls and 99 patients with chronic persistent asthma from 2009-2010. Sputum samples were obtained before and after 4 week treatment with inhaled glucocorticosteroids. The sputum concentrations of SDF-1 and IL-17 were measured by ELISA. Results The FEV1% and the asthma control score of patients with severe asthma were decreased as compared with patients with moderate persistent and mild persistent asthma (F=457.448 and 79.271, all P<0.01). The concentrations of SDF-1 ,IL-17 and the percentage of eosinophils were increased in asthma group compared with control subjects (all P<0.01),but the percentage of sputum neutrophils was lower than that in the healthy controls(P<0.01). The percentage of sputum neutrophils and eosinophils and the level of SDF-1 and IL-17 in patients with severe persistent asthma were significantly higher than those in patients with mild persistent asthma (all P<0.05). The percentage of sputum neutrophils and eosinophils were negatively correlated with FEV1%(r=-0.409 and -0.316,all P<0.05). The levels of IL-17 and SDF-1 were positively correlated with the percentage of sputum neutrophils and eosinophils (all P<0.01). The levels of IL-17 were positively correlated with the levels of SDF-1(r=0.872, P<0.01).After glucocorticosteroid therapy, the percentage of eosinophils and neutrophils, the levels of IL-17 and SDF-1 decreased significantly in all patients(all P<0.01), while the percentage of sputum neutrophils and the levels of IL-17and SDF-1 in uncontrolled patients increased significantly compared with the controlled and partly controlled groups(all P<0.05). Conclusions SDF-1 and IL-17 may contribute to airway inflammation in asthma by chemotactic activity towards neutrophils. The concentration of SDF-1 may be used to evaluate the inflammation and the therapeutic effects.     

Eosinophilic inflammation in sputum of poorly controlled asthmatics.

Despite full effective treatment, asthmatic patients often present with poorly controlled asthma. Airway eosinophilia is associated with asthma, but its relationship with asthma control is still undetermined. To investigate the relationship between airway eosinophilia and asthma control, cellular and biochemical markers of airway inflammation were measured in 19 subjects with poorly controlled asthma, 16 subjects with asthma under control and eight normal volunteers. The severity of asthma was mild-to-moderate persistent in 23 patients (14 poorly controlled) and severe prednisone-dependent in 12 subjects (five poorly controlled). Induced sputum was analysed for total and differential cell counts, leukotriene E4 (LTE4), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and interleukin (IL)-8. Sputum eosinophils, LTE4, ECP and RANTES levels (but not IL-8) were significantly higher in patients with poorly controlled asthma as compared to patients with controlled asthma. By contrast, sputum cells and sputum inflammatory markers were not different among groups of patients with different severity of asthma. These results suggest that sputum eosinophilia is associated with poorly controlled asthma rather than with the severity of asthma.     

Apoptotic eosinophils in sputum from asthmatic patients correlate negatively with levels of IL-5 and eotaxin

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic inflammation of the airways is a key characteristic of asthma. A defect in eosinophil apoptosis might contribute to the chronic tissue eosinophilia associated with asthma. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to examine whether the occurrence of apoptotic eosinophils in induced sputum from asthmatic patients correlate with interleukin (IL)-5 and eotaxin. METHODS: Thirty stable and 30 exacerbated asthmatic patients were recruited. Twenty healthy subjects were enrolled as a control group. Induced sputum was obtained from asthmatic patients and from control subjects. The number of apoptotic eosinophils in sputum was assessed by flow cytometry. In sputum supernatant, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was measured by sensitive radioimmunoassay, and IL-5 and eotaxin by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. RESULTS: Levels of eosinophils, apoptotic eosinophils, IL-5, ECP and eotaxin from asthmatic patients were higher than those from healthy subjects. Thirty exacerbated asthmatics showed higher proportions of eosinophils (median 29.3%, range 13.4%-40.9%), more detectable levels of IL-5 (50.44, 32.99-67.01 pg/ml) and eotaxin (644.6, 197.4-937.7 pg/ml) in their sputum than the patients with stable asthma (P<0.05). There were significant inverse correlations between the levels of sputum IL-5 and the proportion of sputum eosinophil apoptosis in patients with exacerbated and stable asthma (r=-0.85 and -0.79, P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Also inverse correlations were found between the levels of eotaxin and the proportion of sputum eosinophil apoptosis in exacerbated (r=-0.85, P<0.01), or stable asthma (r=-0.69, P<0.05). Additional positive correlations between the levels of sputum IL-5 and eotaxin in either exacerbatated (r=0.93, P<0.01) or stable asthma (r=0.82, P<0.05) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Apoptosis of eosinophils might be suppressed by proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as IL-5 and eotaxin leading to their accumulation in the lung. Stimulation of eosinophils in airway with IL-5 and eotaxin may play a crucial role in allergic inflammation.     

Immunohistochemically stained activated eosinophils in sputum in patients with asthma

BACKGROUND: Eosinophils play an important role in asthmatic airway inflammation. Monoclonal antibody EG2 has been considered to identify activated eosinophils. OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to investigate whether immunohistochemically stained EG2+ eosinophils in sputum reflect the severity of asthma. METHODS: Sputum was obtained in 23 asthmatic patients, of whom 13 patients were examined before and after antiasthma treatment including steroid preparations. We used immunohistochemical staining to detect EG2+ (activation marker) eosinophils and fluoroimmunoassay to detect eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). RESULTS: Moderate to severe asthmatics had a significantly higher proportion of eosinophils and EG2+ eosinophils and higher levels of ECP compared to mild asthmatics (40.9 +/- 5.8 vs. 6.4 +/- 1.2%, 35.5 +/- 5.6 vs. 2.7 +/- 1.0%, 1.470.2 +/- 251.5 vs. 210.6 +/- 52.0 microgram/l, respectively; p < 0.01). Significant increases in proportions of eosinophils, EG2+ eosinophils and ECP in the sputum from patients with exacerbated asthma were evident. The proportions of eosinophils, EG2+ eosinophils, and the levels of ECP were reduced following treatment with antiasthmatic drugs. FEV(1) and FEV(1)/FVC were significantly correlated with EG2+ eosinophils. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that EG2+ eosinophils in sputum are closely related to the clinical status in patients with asthma.     

咳嗽变异性哮喘患者诱导痰中神经生长因子和白细胞介素-4水平及气道炎症特征初探

目的 通过观察咳嗽变异性哮喘(CVA)患者诱导中神经生长因子(NGF)和IL-4水平,初步探讨咳嗽变异性哮喘的气道炎症特征.方法 选咳嗽变异性哮喘患者36例及健康体检者23例,对受试者进行痰诱导,查诱导痰中细胞分类计数,酶联免疫吸附法检测诱导痰中NGF和IL-4水平.结果 (1)咳嗽变异性哮喘患者诱导痰中嗜酸性粒细胞百分数为8%,显著高于健康体检者(1%),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.001).其中13例患者应用糖皮质激素联合长效β2受体激动剂(布地奈德/福莫特罗,每吸160μg/4.5μg,2吸/d)治疗1个月后,咳嗽症状明显好转,诱导痰中嗜酸性粒细胞百分数为2%,显著低于治疗前(5%),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);但仍高于健康体检者.(2)咳嗽变异性哮喘患者诱导痰中NGF和IL-4浓度高于健康体检者,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).其中13例患者经上述治疗后诱导痰中NGF和IL-4浓度下降,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);但仍高于健康体检者.(3)相关性分析:诱导痰中嗜酸性粒细胞计数与诱导痰上清中NGF、IL-4浓度呈正相关(r分别为0.397、0.332,P＜0.01).诱导痰上清中NGF与IL-4浓度呈正相关(r=0.728,P＜0.01).结论 神经-免疫机制与咳嗽变异性哮喘嗜酸性粒细胞性炎症密切相关,NGF和IL-4参与并介导了这一炎症.糖皮质激素联合长效β2受体激动剂吸入治疗,能显著降低诱导痰中NGF、IL-4和嗜酸性粒细胞水平,减轻嗜酸性粒细胞性炎症.

Abstract：

Objective To observe sputum cytology counts, the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and IL-4 in cough variant asthma (CVA) patients and the change of their levels after using glucocorticoids combined with β2-adrenergic agonists one month, and to investigate CVA's characteristics of airway inflammation. Methods Totally 36 patients with untreated CVA were selected, as well as 23 healthy controls. Coughed up sputum cells were obtained and HE strained for differential cell counting in each enrolled patient. In induced sputum's supernatant, the levels of NGF and IL-4 were determined by ELISA.Results Before treatment, CVA patients had a median eosinophils (EOS) percentage of 8%, which was significantly higher than that after treatment (2%, P＜0.05) and in healthy control group (1%, P＜0. 001). The levels of NGF and IL-4 in induced sputum of CVA group were (9. 50 ± 1.69) ng/L and (257.37 ± 53.57) ng/L. After treatment, they were (8.78±1.02) ng/L and (228.60 ±52.93)ng/L in CVA group, (6.98±0.69) ng/L and (166.44±24.75) ng/L in healthy control group. The levels of NGF and IL-4 before and after treatment in the CVA group , as compared with the healthy control group, had statistically significant differences (all P＜0.001). In CVA group before and after treatment, the level of NGF and IL-4 paired difference was significant (P＜0.001). The percentage of induced sputum EOS correlated with sputum supernatant concentrations of NGF and IL-4 (P ＜ 0.01). In induced sputum supernatant, the concentrations of NGF and IL-4 were significant correlated (P＜0.01). Conclusions Glucocorticoid joint long-term β2 agonist inhaled treatment significantly reduced NGF, IL-4 and EOS levels and reduced eosinophilic inflammation, which are closely related with the nerve-immune mechanism, NGF as well as IL-4 participated the inflammation. Induced sputum examination is non-invasive, economical,simple, easily accepted by patients, and repeatable, widely used in clinical.     

哮喘和慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者糖皮质激素治疗前后痰液炎性标志物 …

探讨哮喘和慢性阻塞性疾病患者吸入糖皮质激素治疗后痰液中细菌因子和嗜酸细胞阳离子蛋白浓度及糖皮质激素对其影响。方法采用荧光酶联免疫法检测糖皮质激素治疗前后痰液中白细胞介素（ＩＬ）－５、ＩＬ－８、ＥＣＰ浓度及嗜酸细胞和嗜中性粒细胞计数。