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Papiris SA, Veith M, Papaioannou AI, Apollonatou V, Ferrarotti I, Ottaviani S, Tzouvelekis A, Tzilas V, Rovina N, Stratakos G, Gerogianni I, Daniil Z, Kolilekas L, Dimakou K, Pitsidianakis G, Tzanakis N, Tryfon S, Fragopoulos F, Antonogiannaki EM, Lazaratou A, Fouka E, Papakosta D, Emmanouil P, Anagnostopoulos N, Karampitsakos T, Vlami K, Kallieri M, Lyberopoulos P, Loukides S, Bouros D, Bush A, Balduyck M, Lombard C, Cottin V, Mornex JF, Vogelmeier CF, Greulich T, Manali ED. Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency in Greece: Focus on rare variants. Pulmonology 2024; 30:43-52. [PMID: 36797151 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A1Antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) pathogenic mutations are expanding beyond the PI*Z and PI*S to a multitude of rare variants. AIM to investigate genotype and clinical profile of Greeks with AATD. METHODS Symptomatic adult-patients with early-emphysema defined by fixed airway obstruction and computerized-tomography scan and lower than normal serum AAT levels were enrolled from reference centers all over Greece. Samples were analyzed in the AAT Laboratory, University of Marburg-Germany. RESULTS Included are 45 adults, 38 homozygous or compound heterozygous for pathogenic variants and 7 heterozygous. Homozygous were 57.9% male, 65.8% ever-smokers, median (IQR) age 49.0(42.5-58.5) years, AAT-levels 0.20(0.08-0.26) g/L, FEV1(%predicted) 41.5(28.8-64.5). PI*Z, PI*Q0, and rare deficient allele's frequency was 51.3%, 32.9%,15.8%, respectively. PI*ZZ genotype was 36.8%, PI*Q0Q0 21.1%, PI*MdeficientMdeficient 7.9%, PI*ZQ0 18.4%, PI*Q0Mdeficient 5.3% and PI*Zrare-deficient 10.5%. Genotyping by Luminex detected: p.(Pro393Leu) associated with MHeerlen (M1Ala/M1Val); p.(Leu65Pro) with MProcida; p.(Lys241Ter) with Q0Bellingham; p.(Leu377Phefs*24) with Q0Mattawa (M1Val) and Q0Ourem (M3); p.(Phe76del) with MMalton (M2), MPalermo (M1Val), MNichinan (V) and Q0LaPalma (S); p.(Asp280Val) with PLowell (M1Val); PDuarte (M4), YBarcelona (p.Pro39His). Gene-sequencing (46.7%) detected Q0GraniteFalls, Q0Saint-Etienne, Q0Amersfoort(M1Ala), MWürzburg, NHartfordcity and one novel-variant (c.1A>G) named Q0Attikon.Heterozygous included PI*MQ0Amersfoort(M1Ala), PI*MMProcida, PI*Mp.(Asp280Val), PI*MOFeyzin. AAT-levels were significantly different between genotypes (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Genotyping AATD in Greece, a multiplicity of rare variants and a diversity of rare combinations, including unique ones were observed in two thirds of patients, expanding knowledge regarding European geographical trend in rare variants. Gene sequencing was necessary for genetic diagnosis. In the future the detection of rare genotypes may add to personalize preventive and therapeutic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Papiris
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Medical School, General University Hospital "Attikon", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 1 Rimini Street, Haidari 12462, Greece.
| | - M Veith
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), UKGM, Marburg, Germany
| | - A I Papaioannou
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Medical School, General University Hospital "Attikon", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 1 Rimini Street, Haidari 12462, Greece
| | - V Apollonatou
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Medical School, General University Hospital "Attikon", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 1 Rimini Street, Haidari 12462, Greece
| | - I Ferrarotti
- Center for Diagnosis of Inherited Alpha1-antitrypsin Deficiency, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Pneumonology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Ottaviani
- Center for Diagnosis of Inherited Alpha1-antitrypsin Deficiency, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Pneumonology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, General Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, Greece
| | - V Tzilas
- 5th Pulmonary Department, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", Athens Greece
| | - N Rovina
- 1st Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 115 27, Greece
| | - G Stratakos
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department of the National, Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I Gerogianni
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa Greece
| | - Z Daniil
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa Greece
| | - L Kolilekas
- 7thPulmonary Department, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", Athens Greece
| | - K Dimakou
- 5th Pulmonary Department, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", Athens Greece
| | - G Pitsidianakis
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, University Hospital, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete 71110, Greece
| | - N Tzanakis
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, University Hospital, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete 71110, Greece
| | - S Tryfon
- General Hospital "G. Papanikolaou", Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - F Fragopoulos
- Pulmonary Department, General Hospital of Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - E M Antonogiannaki
- 4th Pulmonary Department, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", Athens Greece
| | - A Lazaratou
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Medical School, General University Hospital "Attikon", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 1 Rimini Street, Haidari 12462, Greece
| | - E Fouka
- A Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "G. Papanikolaou" Hospital, Exochi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D Papakosta
- A Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "G. Papanikolaou" Hospital, Exochi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - N Anagnostopoulos
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department of the National, Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - T Karampitsakos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, General Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, Greece
| | - K Vlami
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Medical School, General University Hospital "Attikon", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 1 Rimini Street, Haidari 12462, Greece
| | - M Kallieri
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Medical School, General University Hospital "Attikon", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 1 Rimini Street, Haidari 12462, Greece
| | - P Lyberopoulos
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Medical School, General University Hospital "Attikon", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 1 Rimini Street, Haidari 12462, Greece
| | - S Loukides
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Medical School, General University Hospital "Attikon", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 1 Rimini Street, Haidari 12462, Greece
| | - D Bouros
- Iatriko Medical Center, Athens, Greece; School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens Greece
| | - A Bush
- Paediatrics and Paediatric Respirology, Imperial College, Imperial Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal Brompton Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Balduyck
- laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (HMNO), Centre de Biologie Pathologie, Faculté de pharmacie et EA 7364 RADEME, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU de Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - C Lombard
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon and Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - V Cottin
- Service de pneumologie, Centre National Coordinateur de Référence des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR754 INRA, IVPC, Lyon, France
| | - J F Mornex
- Service de pneumologie, Centre National Coordinateur de Référence des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR754 INRA, IVPC, Lyon, France
| | - C F Vogelmeier
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), UKGM, Marburg, Germany
| | - T Greulich
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), UKGM, Marburg, Germany
| | - E D Manali
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Medical School, General University Hospital "Attikon", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 1 Rimini Street, Haidari 12462, Greece
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Bakakos A, Loukides S, Usmani OS, Bakakos P. Biologics in severe asthma: the overlap endotype - opportunities and challenges. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:1427-1434. [PMID: 32779950 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1809651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with severe asthma experience a significant burden of symptoms, disease exacerbations and medication side-effects. Severe asthma interferes with the patients' quality of life and has high health-care costs. New targeted biologic therapies have improved the management of severe asthma by significantly reducing exacerbations and maintenance corticosteroid use, and also improving lung function and patient quality of life. AREAS COVERED Not all severe asthmatics are eligible for such therapies. Those with allergic and eosinophilic asthma, usually referred to as 'T2-high' asthma benefit from anti-IgE and anti-IL-5/5 R antibodies respectively, whereas some asthmatics are eligible for both: 'overlap' endotype. In this review, we present briefly the monoclonal antibodies that have been approved in the management of severe asthma and we focus on the 'overlap' endotype. EXPERT OPINION Since these therapies are costly, it is extremely important to choose the right treatment for the right patient especially in the 'overlapping' one. The decision is mainly based on the judgment of the clinician and is often driven by the most easily obtainable biomarker, thus the blood eosinophil count. Comorbidities, patient's input and administration frequency may aid the decision of choosing one over another biologic.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bakakos
- 1st University Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
| | - S Loukides
- 2 University Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
| | - O S Usmani
- Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, & Royal Brompton Hospital , UK
| | - P Bakakos
- 1st University Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
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Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with diverse severity and represents a considerable socio-economic burden. Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) is a biofluid directly obtained from the airway lining fluid non-invasively. We attempted to discriminate severe from mild-to-moderate asthma using EBC metabolomics based on both NMR and UHPLC-MS techniques. 36 patients were included in this study (15 patients with severe and 21 with mild-to-moderate asthma). EBC was collected and analyzed using both NMR and UHPLC-MS techniques for possible metabolites. Using PLS and oPLS analysis for the UHPLC-MS data, no metabolite was found to be sufficient for the discrimination of asthma severity. However, when another PLS-regression model was applied five metabolites were found to discriminate severe from mild-to-moderate asthma. Amino-acid lysine was the only metabolite that discriminated the two study groups using NMR data (p= 0.04, t-test with Welch's correction, AUC 0.66). EBC is an easily available biofluid which directly represents the lower airways but difficult-to-use for metabolomic analysis. Our study presents some encouraging findings for the discrimination of asthma severity subgroups using EBC metabolomics but more well-designed studies with a higher number of patients need to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ntontsi
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Ntontsi P, Loukides S, Bakakos P, Kostikas K, Papatheodorou G, Papathanassiou E, Hillas G, Koulouris N, Papiris S, Papaioannou AI. Clinical, functional and inflammatory characteristics in patients with paucigranulocytic stable asthma: Comparison with different sputum phenotypes. Allergy 2017; 72:1761-1767. [PMID: 28407269 DOI: 10.1111/all.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to induced sputum cell count, four different asthma phenotypes have been recognized (eosinophilic, neutrophilic, mixed and paucigranulocytic). The aim of this study was to detect functional and inflammatory characteristics of patients with paucigranulocytic asthma. METHODS A total of 240 asthmatic patients were categorized into the four phenotypes according to cell counts in induced sputum. All patients underwent pulmonary function tests, and measurement of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). The levels of IL-8, IL-13 and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) were also measured in sputum supernatant. Treatment, asthma control and the presence of severe refractory asthma (SRA) were also recorded. RESULTS Patients were categorized into the four phenotypes as follows: eosinophilic (40%), mixed (6.7%), neutrophilic (5.4%) and paucigranulocytic (47.9%). Although asthma control test did not differ between groups (P=.288), patients with paucigranulocytic asthma had better lung function (FEV1 % pred) [median (IQR): 71.5 (59.0-88.75) vs 69.0 (59.0-77.6) vs 68.0 (60.0-85.5) vs 80.5 (69.7-95.0), P=.009] for eosinophilic, mixed, neutrophilic and paucigranulocytic asthma, respectively, P=.009). SRA occurred more frequently in the eosinophilic and mixed phenotype (41.6% and 43.7%, respectively) and less frequently in the neutrophilic and paucigranulocytic phenotype (25% and 21.7%, respectively, P=.01). FeNO, ECP and IL-8 were all low in the paucigranulocytic, whereas as expected FeNO and ECP were higher in eosinophilic and mixed asthma, while IL-8 was higher in patients with neutrophilic and mixed asthma (P<.001 for all comparisons). Interestingly, 14.8% of patients with paucigranulocytic asthma had poor asthma control. CONCLUSION Paucigranulocytic asthma most likely represents a "benign" asthma phenotype, related to a good response to treatment, rather than a "true" phenotype of asthma. However, paucigranulocytic patients that remain not well controlled despite optimal treatment represent an asthmatic population that requires further study for potential novel targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Ntontsi
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department Attikon Hospital University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - S. Loukides
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department Attikon Hospital University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - P. Bakakos
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department Sotiria Hospital University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - K. Kostikas
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department Attikon Hospital University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - G. Papatheodorou
- Clinical Research Unit Athens Army General Hospital Athens Greece
| | - E. Papathanassiou
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department Attikon Hospital University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - G. Hillas
- Respiratory Medicine Department Evangelismos Hospital Athens Greece
| | - N. Koulouris
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department Sotiria Hospital University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - S. Papiris
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department Attikon Hospital University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - A. I. Papaioannou
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department Attikon Hospital University of Athens Athens Greece
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Tsilogianni Z, Hillas G, Bakakos P, Aggelakis L, Konstantellou E, Papaioannou AI, Papaporfyriou A, Papiris S, Koulouris N, Loukides S, Kostikas K. Sputum interleukin-13 as a biomarker for the evaluation of asthma control. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:1498. [PMID: 27790845 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tsilogianni Z, Hillas G, Bakakos P, Aggelakis L, Konstantellou E, Papaioannou AI, Papaporfyriou A, Papiris S, Koulouris N, Loukides S, Kostikas K. Sputum interleukin-13 as a biomarker for the evaluation of asthma control. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:923-31. [PMID: 26990030 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma control refers to the extent to which the manifestations of asthma have been reduced or eradicated by treatment. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) has a central role in Th2 response and serves as a possible therapeutic target in uncontrolled asthma. Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and sputum eosinophils have modest performance in the evaluation of asthma control. OBJECTIVE To assess the diagnostic performance of sputum IL-13 for the evaluation of asthma control and furthermore to investigate the performance of sputum eosinophils and FeNO. METHODS One hundred and seventy patients with asthma were studied. All subjects underwent assessment of asthma control by asthma control test (ACT), lung function tests, FeNO measurement and sputum induction for cell count identification and IL-13 measurement in supernatants. RESULTS IL-13 (pg/mL) levels in sputum supernatant differed significantly among patients with well-controlled asthma and those with not well-controlled asthma [median IQR 78 (66-102) vs. 213 (180-265), P < 0.001]. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that, for the whole study population, the diagnostic performance of IL-13 was superior to both sputum eosinophils and FeNO levels [area under the curve (AUC) 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.95 vs. AUC 0.65, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.72 vs. AUC 0.65, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.72, respectively]. CONCLUSION The diagnostic performance of sputum IL-13 was superior to both sputum eosinophils and FeNO levels for the identification of well-controlled asthma. Sputum IL-13 levels could serve as a useful biomarker for asthma control assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Tsilogianni
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - G Hillas
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - P Bakakos
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - L Aggelakis
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - E Konstantellou
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - A I Papaioannou
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - A Papaporfyriou
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - S Papiris
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - N Koulouris
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - S Loukides
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - K Kostikas
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Emmanouil P, Loukides S, Kostikas K, Papatheodorou G, Papaporfyriou A, Hillas G, Vamvakaris I, Triggidou R, Katafigiotis P, Kokkini A, Papiris S, Koulouris N, Bakakos P. Sputum and BAL Clara cell secretory protein and surfactant protein D levels in asthma. Allergy 2015; 70:711-4. [PMID: 25728058 DOI: 10.1111/all.12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Clara cell secretory protein (CC16) is associated with Th2 modulation. Surfactant protein D (SPD) plays an important role in surfactant homeostasis and eosinophil chemotaxis. We measured CC16 and SPD in sputum supernatants of 84 asthmatic patients and 12 healthy controls. In 22 asthmatics, we additionally measured CC16 and SPD levels in BAL and assessed smooth muscle area (SMA), reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickness, and epithelial detachment (ED) in bronchial biopsies. Induced sputum CC16 and SPD were significantly higher in patients with severe asthma (SRA) compared to mild-moderate and healthy controls. BAL CC16 and SPD levels were also higher in SRA compared to mild-moderate asthma. CC16 BAL levels correlated with ED, while SPD BAL levels correlated with SMA and RBM. Severity represented a significant covariate for these associations. CC16 and SPD levels are upregulated in SRA and correlate with remodeling indices, suggesting a possible role of these biomarkers in the remodeling process.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Emmanouil
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine; Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; ‘Sotiria’ Hospital of Chest Diseases; Athens Greece
| | - S. Loukides
- 2nd Department of Respiratory Medicine; Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; ‘Attikon’ Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - K. Kostikas
- 2nd Department of Respiratory Medicine; Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; ‘Attikon’ Hospital; Athens Greece
| | | | - A. Papaporfyriou
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine; Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; ‘Sotiria’ Hospital of Chest Diseases; Athens Greece
| | - G. Hillas
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine; Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; ‘Sotiria’ Hospital of Chest Diseases; Athens Greece
| | - I. Vamvakaris
- Pathology Department; ‘Sotiria’ Hospital of Chest Diseases; Athens Greece
| | - R. Triggidou
- Pathology Department; ‘Sotiria’ Hospital of Chest Diseases; Athens Greece
| | - P. Katafigiotis
- Pathology Department; ‘Sotiria’ Hospital of Chest Diseases; Athens Greece
| | - A. Kokkini
- Cytology Department; ‘Sotiria’ Hospital of Chest Diseases; Athens Greece
| | - S. Papiris
- 2nd Department of Respiratory Medicine; Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; ‘Attikon’ Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - N. Koulouris
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine; Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; ‘Sotiria’ Hospital of Chest Diseases; Athens Greece
| | - P. Bakakos
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine; Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; ‘Sotiria’ Hospital of Chest Diseases; Athens Greece
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Kontogianni K, Bakakos P, Kostikas K, Hillas G, Papaporfyriou A, Papiris S, Koulouris NG, Loukides S. Levels of prostaglandin E(2) and Cysteinyl-leukotrienes in sputum supernatant of patients with asthma: the effect of smoking. Clin Exp Allergy 2014; 43:616-24. [PMID: 23711123 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking is associated with worse asthma outcomes and may modify airway inflammation. Such modification may be mediated through an effect on prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cyst-LTs). OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the levels of both PGE(2) and Cyst-LTs in sputum supernatants of patients with asthma and to investigate the effect of smoking habit as well as their associations with inflammatory cells, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and lung function. METHODS Ninety-eight patients to asthma (47 smokers) and 40 healthy subjects (20 smokers) were studied. All subjects underwent sputum induction for cell count identification, PGE(2) and Cyst-LTs levels measurement in supernatants, pulmonary function tests and BHR to methacholine. RESULTS Patients with asthma had significantly higher levels of both Cyst-LTs and PGE(2) in sputum supernatants compared to healthy subjects [median (interquartile ranges) 432 (287, 575) vs. 91.5 (73.5, 111) pg/mL and 654 (456,789) vs. 117.5 (92,157) pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.001 for both comparisons]. Smoking asthmatics had significantly higher Cyst-LTs and PGE(2) levels compared to non-smoking asthmatics. Cyst-LTs levels in sputum supernatant of smoking asthmatics presented a significant positive association with sputum eosinophils, while PGE(2) levels were positively associated with sputum neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS The increased concentrations of PGE(2) and Cyst-LTs in sputum supernatants of smoking asthma are consistent with an up-regulation of these two mediators in this specific phenotype of asthma. Furthermore, Cyst-LTs are associated with eosinophilic inflammation, while PGE(2) is associated with the presence of neutrophilic inflammation in smoking asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kontogianni
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Katsoulis K, Ganavias L, Michailopoulos P, Bikas C, Dinapogias E, Kontakiotis T, Kostikas K, Loukides S. Exhaled nitric oxide as screening tool in subjects with suspected asthma without reversibility. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2013; 162:58-64. [PMID: 23816757 DOI: 10.1159/000350221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been evaluated only in certain settings for asthma diagnosis, we investigated whether FeNO values could predict positive methacholine challenge testing (expressed as PD20) in subjects with suspected asthma but without spirometric reversibility. METHODS Subjects with asthma-like symptoms and negative bronchodilation test were initially evaluated to undergo FeNO measurement and methacholine bronchial challenge. Diagnostic performance of FeNO to predict PD20 to methacholine <800 μg was examined by constructing receiver-operating characteristic curves. RESULTS A total of 112 subjects met the inclusion criteria. In all subjects, FeNO >32 ppb was associated with a sensitivity of 0.47 and a specificity of 0.85 for the identification of the PD20 <800 μg (AUC = 0.691, 95% CI = 0.6-0.775, p = 0.00002). In smokers, FeNO >11 ppb was associated with a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.5 for the identification of PD20 <800 μg (AUC = 0.625, 95% CI = 0.45-0.772, p = 0.18), while in atopics a FeNO level >26 ppb was associated with a sensitivity of 0.55 and a specificity of 0.85 (AUC = 0.677, 95% CI = 0.53-0.8, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS In subjects with symptoms compatible with asthma but without spirometric reversibility, specific cutoff levels for FeNO levels significantly predict the positive methacholine challenge, with significant confounding factors being atopy and current smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Katsoulis
- Pulmonary Department, 424 General Army Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Simiakakis M, Kapsimalis F, Chaligiannis E, Loukides S, Sitaras N, Alchanatis M. Lack of effect of sleep apnea on oxidative stress in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39172. [PMID: 22761732 PMCID: PMC3382594 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate markers of systemic oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in subjects with and without OSAS in order to investigate the most important factors that determine the oxidant–antioxidant status. Methods A total of 66 subjects referred to our Sleep laboratory were examined by full polysomnography. Oxidative stress and antioxidant activity were assessed by measurement of the derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and the biological antioxidant capacity (BAP) in blood samples taken in the morning after the sleep study. Known risk factors for oxidative stress, such as age, sex, obesity, smoking, hypelipidemia, and hypertension, were investigated as possible confounding factors. Results 42 patients with OSAS (Apnea-Hypopnea index >15 events/hour) were compared with 24 controls (AHI<5). The levels of d-ROMS were significantly higher (p = 0.005) in the control group but the levels of antioxidant capacity were significantly lower (p = 0.004) in OSAS patients. The most important factors predicting the variance of oxidative stress were obesity, smoking habit, and sex. Parameters of sleep apnea severity were not associated with oxidative stress. Minimal oxygen desaturation and smoking habit were the most important predicting factors of BAP levels. Conclusion Obesity, smoking, and sex are the most important determinants of oxidative stress in OSAS subjects. Sleep apnea might enhance oxidative stress by the reduction of antioxidant capacity of blood due to nocturnal hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Simiakakis
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Athens, Sotiria Hospital for Chest Diseases, Athens, Greece
| | - F. Kapsimalis
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Athens, Sotiria Hospital for Chest Diseases, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
| | - E. Chaligiannis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S. Loukides
- 2nd Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - N. Sitaras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - M. Alchanatis
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Athens, Sotiria Hospital for Chest Diseases, Athens, Greece
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Tseliou E, Bakakos P, Kostikas K, Hillas G, Mantzouranis K, Emmanouil P, Simoes D, Alchanatis M, Papiris S, Loukides S. Increased levels of angiopoietins 1 and 2 in sputum supernatant in severe refractory asthma. Allergy 2012; 67:396-402. [PMID: 22229541 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02768.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway and vascular remodeling may play a prominent role in the clinical severity of severe refractory asthma (SRA). Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) is an essential mediator of angiogenesis by establishing vascular integrity, whereas angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) acts as its natural inhibitor. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the levels of angiopoietins in sputum supernatants of patients with SRA and to investigate the possible associations with mediators and cells involved in both the inflammatory and the vascular remodeling processes. METHODS Thirty-eight patients with SRA, 35 patients with moderate asthma, and 20 healthy subjects were studied. All participants underwent lung function tests, bronchial hyperresponsiveness assessment and sputum induction for cell count identification and Ang-1, Ang-2, VEGF, TGF-β1, Cys-LTs, MMP-2, IL-13, ECP, and IL-8 measurement in supernatants. Airway vascular permeability (AVP) index was also assessed. RESULTS Ang-1 (ng/ml) and Ang-2 (pg/ml) levels were significantly elevated in patients with SRA compared with patients with moderate asthma and control subjects [median, interquartile ranges: 30 (17-39) vs 7.5 (5-11) vs 4.7 (3.8-5.9) respectively, P < 0.001; and 506 (400-700) vs 190 (146-236) vs 96 (89-120) respectively, P < 0.001]. Regression analysis showed a significant positive association between Ang-2 and AVP index, MMP-2, Ang-1, and VEGF in SRA. A weak association was also observed between Ang-1 and sputum eosinophils% in SRA. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that both angiopoietins levels are higher in SRA compared with moderate asthma and healthy subjects. In SRA, Ang-2 is associated with mediators involved in both the inflammatory and the vascular remodeling processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Tseliou
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department; University of Athens Medical School; ‘Attikon’ Hospital; Athens; Greece
| | - P. Bakakos
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department; University of Athens Medical School; ‘Sotiria’ Chest Hospital; Athens; Greece
| | - K. Kostikas
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department; University of Athens Medical School; ‘Attikon’ Hospital; Athens; Greece
| | - G. Hillas
- Research Unit; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine; ‘Sotiria’ Chest Hospital; Athens; Greece
| | - K. Mantzouranis
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department; University of Athens Medical School; ‘Sotiria’ Chest Hospital; Athens; Greece
| | - P. Emmanouil
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department; University of Athens Medical School; ‘Sotiria’ Chest Hospital; Athens; Greece
| | - D. Simoes
- G.P Livanos and M. Simou Laboratories; Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Services; ‘Evangelismos’ Hospital; University of Athens; Medical School; Athens; Greece
| | - M. Alchanatis
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Department; University of Athens Medical School; ‘Sotiria’ Chest Hospital; Athens; Greece
| | - S. Papiris
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department; University of Athens Medical School; ‘Attikon’ Hospital; Athens; Greece
| | - S. Loukides
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department; University of Athens Medical School; ‘Attikon’ Hospital; Athens; Greece
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Loukides S, Kontogianni K, Hillas G, Horvath I. Exhaled breath condensate in asthma: from bench to bedside. Curr Med Chem 2011; 18:1432-43. [PMID: 21428897 DOI: 10.2174/092986711795328418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The need for non-invasive assessment of airway inflammation is imperative, since inflammatory airway diseases, such as asthma and COPD, are characterized by variation in their clinical presentation throughout their course. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection represents a rather appealing method that can be used to conveniently and noninvasively collect a wide range of volatile and non-volatile molecules from the respiratory tract, without affecting airway function or inflammation. Although promising, EBC is currently used only as a research tool, due to the lack of appropriate standardization and the absence of reference values. A large number of mediators of inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress, including adenosine, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, isoprostanes, leukotrienes, prostanoids, nitrogen oxides, peptides and cytokines, have been studied in EBC. This review focuses mainly on the presentation of the above biomarkers in asthma as well as on the effect of various factors on their concentrations. Concentrations of such mediators have been shown to be related to the underlying asthma and its severity and to be modulated by therapeutic interventions. Despite the encouraging positive results up-to-date, the introduction of EBC in everyday clinical practice requires the work-out of some methodological pitfalls, the standardization of EBC collection, and finally the identification of a reliable biomarker which is reproducible, has normal values and provides information for the underlying inflammatory process and the response to treatment. So far none of the parameters studied in EBC fulfils the aforementioned requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Loukides
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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13
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Kostikas K, Koutsokera A, Papiris S, Gourgoulianis KI, Loukides S. Exhaled breath condensate in patients with asthma: implications for application in clinical practice. Clin Exp Allergy 2008; 38:557-65. [PMID: 18352973 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.02940.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) analysis, a rather appealing and promising method, can be used to evaluate conveniently and non-invasively a wide range of molecules from the respiratory tract, and to understand better the pathways propagating airway inflammation. A large number of mediators of inflammation, including adenosine, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, isoprostanes, leukotrienes, prostanoids, nitrogen oxides, peptides and cytokines, have been studied in EBC. Concentrations of such mediators have been shown to be related to the underlying asthma and its severity and to be modulated by therapeutic interventions. Despite the encouraging positive results to date, the introduction of EBC in everyday clinical practice requires the resolution of some methodological pitfalls, the standardization of EBC collection and finally the identification of a reliable biomarker that is reproducible has normal values and provides information regarding the underlying inflammatory process and the response to treatment. So far, none of the parameters studied in EBC fulfils the aforementioned requirements with one possible exception: pH. EBC pH is reproducible, has normal values, reflects a significant part of asthma pathophysiology and is measurable on-site with standardized methodology although some methodological aspects of measurement of pH in EBC (e.g. the effect of ambient CO(2), sample de-aeration, time for pH measurement) require further research. However, EBC pH has not been evaluated prospectively as a guide for treatment, in a manner similar to exhaled NO and sputum eosinophils. EBC represents a simple and totally non-invasive procedure that may contribute towards our understanding of asthma pathophysiology. Besides the evaluation of new biomarkers, the standardization of the already existing procedures is warranted for the introduction of EBC in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kostikas
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly Medical School, Larissa, Greece
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15
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Gaki E, Papatheodorou G, Ischaki E, Grammenou V, Papa I, Loukides S. Leukotriene E(4) in urine in patients with asthma and COPD--the effect of smoking habit. Respir Med 2006; 101:826-32. [PMID: 16965907 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2006.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2006] [Revised: 06/04/2006] [Accepted: 06/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Leukotriene E(4) (LTE(4)) is implicated in asthma pathophysiology and possibly in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as one of the causes of persistent bronchoconstriction and mucus hypersecretion. Cigarette smoking stimulates cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) production. We investigated whether LTE(4) is equally increased in asthma and COPD and whether smoking significantly affects LTE(4) levels. Secondary outcomes involved correlations with inflammatory and functional parameters. We studied 40 patients with COPD [20 smokers], 40 asthmatics [20 smokers] and 30 healthy subjects [15 smokers]. Spirometry (FEV(1)% pred., FEV(1)/FVC) was performed, urine was collected for measurement of LTE(4) and creatinine, induced sputum was collected for differential cell counts and serum for ECP. LTE(4)/creatinine levels (pg/mg) [mean (sd)] were increased in asthmatic patients compared to COPD and controls, [125.6(54.5) vs. 54.5(19) vs. 55.9(18.9)pg/mg, respectively, P<0.0001 for asthma]. Smoking significantly affects LTE(4) levels only in asthmatic patients [164 (48) vs. 87 (26.3), P<0.0001 for smokers]. The only significant correlation was between eosinophils in induced sputum and LTE(4)/creatinine levels in asthmatics. In conclusion, patients with asthma presented higher LTE(4) values compared to normals and patients with COPD. Smoking significantly affects LTE(4) values only in asthmatics indicating a different underlying CysLTs inflammatory process in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gaki
- Pneumonology Department, Athens Veterans Hospital, Athens, Greece
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16
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Psathakis K, Mermigkis D, Papatheodorou G, Loukides S, Panagou P, Polychronopoulos V, Siafakas NM, Bouros D. Exhaled markers of oxidative stress in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Eur J Clin Invest 2006; 36:362-7. [PMID: 16634841 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2006.01636.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expired breath condensate (EBC) has never been used to explore the level of oxidative stress in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the levels of H2O2 and 8-isoprostane, as biomarkers of oxidative stress, in the EBC of patients with IPF. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated 16 patients with IPF and 15 healthy subjects as the control group. The levels of H2O2 and 8-isoprostane were measured in the EBC of all subjects and were compared between the IPF and control groups. In patients with IPF, H2O2 and 8-isoprostane were further correlated with pulmonary function tests (PFTs), the resting pO2 and the differential cell count from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). RESULTS The mean (95%CI) concentration of H2O2 was increased in the patients with IPF compared with the normal subjects (0.36, 0.24-0.47 microM vs. 0.16, 0.10-0.23 microM, P=0.003). The mean (95%CI) concentration of 8-isoprostane was also increased in the patients with IPF compared with the controls (74, 38-110 pg mL-1 vs. 33, 28-39 pg mL-1, P=0.02). In the patients with IPF, the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide was negatively correlated with the levels of H2O2 in EBC (P=0.03, r=-0.58). No other correlation was found between the oxidative stress markers in the EBC and PFT values, pO2 or BALF cell count. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that H2O2 and 8-isoprostane are increased in the EBC of patients with IPF. H2O2 may be correlated with the severity of the disease in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Psathakis
- Department of Pneumonology and the Clinical Research Unit, Army General Hospital of Athens, and Department of Pneumonology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece.
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Horváth I, Hunt J, Barnes PJ, Alving K, Antczak A, Baraldi E, Becher G, van Beurden WJC, Corradi M, Dekhuijzen R, Dweik RA, Dwyer T, Effros R, Erzurum S, Gaston B, Gessner C, Greening A, Ho LP, Hohlfeld J, Jöbsis Q, Laskowski D, Loukides S, Marlin D, Montuschi P, Olin AC, Redington AE, Reinhold P, van Rensen ELJ, Rubinstein I, Silkoff P, Toren K, Vass G, Vogelberg C, Wirtz H. Exhaled breath condensate: methodological recommendations and unresolved questions. Eur Respir J 2005; 26:523-48. [PMID: 16135737 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.05.00029705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 835] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Collection of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a noninvasive method for obtaining samples from the lungs. EBC contains large number of mediators including adenosine, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, isoprostanes, leukotrienes, nitrogen oxides, peptides and cytokines. Concentrations of these mediators are influenced by lung diseases and modulated by therapeutic interventions. Similarly EBC pH also changes in respiratory diseases. The aim of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Task Force on EBC was to identify the important methodological issues surrounding EBC collection and assay, to provide recommendations for the measurements and to highlight areas where further research is required. Based on the currently available evidence and the consensus of the expert panel for EBC collection, the following general recommendations were put together for oral sample collection: collect during tidal breathing using a noseclip and a saliva trap; define cooling temperature and collection time (10 min is generally sufficient to obtain 1-2 mL of sample and well tolerated by patients); use inert material for condenser; do not use resistor and do not use filter between the subject and the condenser. These are only general recommendations and certain circumstances may dictate variation from them. Important areas for future research involve: ascertaining mechanisms and site of exhaled breath condensate particle formation; determination of dilution markers; improving reproducibility; employment of EBC in longitudinal studies; and determining the utility of exhaled breath condensate measures for the management of individual patients. These studies are required before recommending this technique for use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Horváth
- National Korányi Institute for Pulmonology, Dept of Pathophysiology, Budapest PO Box 1, Piheno u. 1. H-1529, Hungary.
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18
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Stathopoulos GP, Veslemes M, Georgatou N, Antoniou D, Giamboudakis P, Katis K, Tsavdaridis D, Rigatos SK, Dimitroulis I, Bastani S, Loukides S, Vergos K, Marossis K, Grigoratou T, Kalatzi E, Charalambatou M, Paspalli A, Michalopoulou P, Stoka M, Gerogianni A. Front-line paclitaxel–vinorelbine versus paclitaxel–carboplatin in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a randomized phase III trial. Ann Oncol 2004; 15:1048-55. [PMID: 15205198 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdh260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This randomized phase III trial of advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was designed to compare a standard treatment such as carboplatin (CRP)-paclitaxel (PCT) with a new combination, vinorelbine (VRL)-PCT-two agents acting in microtubules. PATIENTS AND METHODS Three hundred and sixty patients (stage IIIa, IIIb and IV) were included and evaluated for response rate, survival and toxicity. Arm A patients were treated with the control combination of CRP 6 AUC and PCT 175 mg/m(2) repeated every 3 weeks for six cycles, and arm B with the investigational combination of VRL 25 mg/m(2) and PCT 135 mg/m(2) repeated every 2 weeks for nine cycles. The patients were well balanced with respect to gender, disease stage and performance status. Arm A received 849 cycles (mean 4.59 per patient) and arm B 951 cycles (mean 5.39 per patient). RESULTS Complete and partial response rates were 45.95% and 42.86% for arms A and B, respectively. Median survival was 11 and 10 months, 1-year survival 42.7% and 37.85% and 2-year survival 10.12% and 19% for arms A and B, respectively. Toxicity was similar in all patients, except for neutropenia, which was significantly greater in arm B. CONCLUSIONS PCT combined with VRL produces similar (non-significant) response rates, survival and toxicity (except for neutropenia, as noted above) to standard CRP-PCT treatment in untreated advanced-stage NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Stathopoulos
- First Department of Medical Oncology, Errikos Dynan Hospital, Athens.
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Katsenos S, Kostikas K, Lachanis S, Sabaziotis D, Psathakis K, Loukides S. Simultaneous pulmonary and intrathoracic lymph nodal granulomatosis of unknown significance (GLUS). Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2004; 61:120-3. [PMID: 15510713 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2004.710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A case of a 30-year-old male with a fever, dry cough and associated abnormal findings in imaging modalities (bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and nodular parenchymal opacities) is described. After a further and scrutinized work-up, the diagnosis of GLUS syndrome was made. Clinical, etiological, pathological and therapeutical aspects of the disease are discussed, demonstrating the paramount importance of the use of the immunohistochemical methods in the diagnosis of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Katsenos
- Department of Pneumonology, 401 General Army Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Abstract
Inhaled prostaglandin (PG)E2 has been found to cause bronchodilation in asthmatics, although it does not have bronchodilative effects in normal subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of PGE2 in the expired breath condensate of patients with asthma, the possible contribution of smoking habit to its levels and the possible relationship between PGE2 and the degree of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, as assessed by the provocation dose of histamine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (PD20). A total of 30 mild asthmatics (15 smokers, all steroid-naive, FEV1 88+/-6 (%+/-SD)) and 20 healthy control subjects (10 smokers) were studied. Histamine challenge testing was performed in all subjects and the PD20 was determined. The results showed that asthmatic smokers had significantly higher values of PGE2 compared to asthmatic nonsmokers and control subjects (40+/-21 versus 14.5+/-4.5 versus 11.7+/-3 pg x mL(-1), respectively). Further analysis showed that PGE2 levels were significantly higher in asthmatic smokers compared to smoker and nonsmoker controls (40+/-21 versus 11.6+/-2 versus 11.7+/-4 pg x mL(-1), respectively). No significant difference was observed between asthmatic nonsmokers and both control smokers and control nonsmokers. No significant correlation was found between PGE2 levels and PD20 in all groups of asthmatics, irrespective of smoking habit. In conclusion, the elevation of prostaglandin E2 in the expired breath condensate of patients with asthma is mainly attributed to smoking habit and prostaglandin E2 levels do not predict the degree of bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kostikas
- Pneumonology and Clinical Research Dept, Athens Army General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Psathakis K, Lachanis S, Kotoulas C, Koutoulidis V, Panagou P, Tsintiris K, Loukides S. The prevalence of congenital bronchial atresia in males. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2004; 61:28-34. [PMID: 15366333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital bronchial atresia is a rare anomaly, which usually occurs in adulthood as an incidental finding on routine chest radiograph. METHODS The purpose of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the cases that were diagnosed in our hospital, from January 1995 to March 2003, to estimate the prevalence of this disorder and to determine the diagnostic studies of choice, according to the existing literature. Since the main portion of the male population of our country is referred to our hospital for screening soon after their enrollment in the army, epidemiological data can be easily estimated for many congenital anomalies occuring in adulthood, such as bronchial atresia. RESULTS We found seven patients with Congenital Bronchial Atresia and the prevalence of this disorder was estimated at 1.2 cases per 100,000 in males. The chosen diagnostic procedure is computed tomography of the chest with high-resolution scans. Bronchoscopy would only exclude serious alternative diagnosis and prevent unnecessary surgical interventions. CONCLUSIONS Congenital bronchial atresia is a rare anomaly, with a mild clinical course. The diagnosis is made radiologically, the HRCT of the chest being the procedure of choice. Bronchoscopy should be performed to exclude any endobronchial lesion due to a different disease entity and to prevent unnecessary surgical intervention in an otherwise asymptomatic individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Psathakis
- Pneumonology Dept., Army General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Horváth I, Loukides S, Wodehouse T, Csiszér E, Cole PJ, Kharitonov SA, Barnes PJ. Comparison of exhaled and nasal nitric oxide and exhaled carbon monoxide levels in bronchiectatic patients with and without primary ciliary dyskinesia. Thorax 2003; 58:68-72. [PMID: 12511725 PMCID: PMC1746449 DOI: 10.1136/thorax.58.1.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is associated with chronic airway inflammation resulting in bronchiectasis. METHODS The levels of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), carbon monoxide (eCO) and nasal NO (nNO) from bronchiectatic patients with PCD (n=14) were compared with those from patients with non-PCD bronchiectasis without (n=31) and with cystic fibrosis (CF) (n=20) and from normal subjects (n=37) to assess the clinical usefulness of these measurements in discriminating between PCD and other causes of bronchiectasis. RESULTS Exhaled NO levels were lower in patients with PCD than in patients with non-PCD non-CF bronchiectasis or healthy subjects (median (range) 2.1 (1.3-3.5) ppb v 8.7 (4.5-26.0) ppb, p<0.001; 6.7 (2.6-11.9) ppb, p<0.001, respectively) but not lower than bronchiectatic patients with CF (3.0 (1.5-7.5) ppb, p>0.05). Nasal levels of nNO were significantly lower in PCD patients than in any other subjects (PCD: 54.5 (5.0-269) ppb, non-PCD bronchiectasis without CF: 680 (310-1000) ppb, non-PCD bronchiectasis with CF: 343 (30-997) ppb, control: 663 (322-1343) ppb). In contrast, eCO levels were higher in all patient groups than in control subjects (PCD: 4.5 (3.0-24.0) ppm, p<0.01, other bronchiectasis without CF: 5.0 (3.0-15.0) ppm, p<0.001; CF: 5.3 (2.0-23.0) ppm, p<0.001 v 3.0 (0.5-5.0) ppm). Low values in both eNO and nNO readings (<2.4 ppb and <187 ppb, respectively) identified PCD patients from other bronchiectatic patients with a specificity of 98% and a positive predictive value of 92%. CONCLUSION The simultaneous measurement of eNO and nNO is a useful screening tool for PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Horváth
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College, London, UK
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Abstract
Production of nitric oxide (NO) is generally increased during inflammatory diseases including asthma. The eventual fate of NO is oxidation to nitrite (NO2) and nitrate (NO3), both of which are end-products of NO metabolism. Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) is increased in exhaled breath condensate of asthmatic subjects and may be used as a non-invasive marker of oxidative stress. NO has in some cases been shown to attenuate oxidant-induced lung injury. Total NO2/NO3 concentration and H2O2 levels were measured in expired breath condensate in 50 clinically stable asthmatics [all males, all atopics, mean age 22 (3) SD yrs, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) 91 (10)% predicted, PD20 to histamine 0.262 (0.16) mg 20 on inhaled steroids, 20 smokers, all steroid-naive] and in 10 normal, non-atopic subjects [all males, age 23 (4) yrs, FEV1 101 (14)% predicted, PD20 to histamine 1.3 (0.55) mg]. NO2/NO3 levels were significantly higher in patients with asthma than in normal subjects (1.08, 95% CI 0.86-1.3 microM vs. 0.6; 95% CI 0.46-0.8, P < 0.001). Patients who were on inhaled steroids had significantly ower values compared to steroid-naive (0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.87 microM vs. 133, 95% CI 1-1.65 microM, P < 0.001). Similar results were observed between smokers and non-smokers (1.11, 95% CI 0.74-1.47 microM vs. 1.77, 95% CI 1.1-24 microM, P < 0.0001). There was a significant positive correlation between NO2/NO3 levels and H2O2 concentration in expired breath condensate (r = 0.48, P < 0.0001). No correlation was observed between NO2/NO3 levels, airway obstruction and bronchial hyper-reactivity as assessed by PD20 to histamine. Total NO2/NO3 levels in expired breath condensate are raised in patients with stable asthma and are significantly related to oxidative stress as assessed by H2O2 concentration. Measurement of expired breath NO2/NO3 and H2O2 levels may be clinically useful in the management of oxidation and inflammation mediated lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ganas
- Thoracic Medicine Department, Athens Army General Hospital, Greece
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Poulakis N, Androutsos G, Voucouti N, Paterakis G, Loukides S, Kontozoglou T, Bastas A, Bitsakou C, Provata A, Polyzogopoulos D, Tasiopoulou A. Cytokine production by monocytes/macrophages is normal in patients with alveolar proteinosis: a report of two cases. Respiration 2001; 68:224-5. [PMID: 11287842 DOI: 10.1159/000050498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Panagou P, Loukides S, Tsipra S, Kalogeropoulos N. Suppressive BALF lymphocyte phenotype in a patient with prolonged stable alveolar proteinosis. Respiration 2000; 65:79-82. [PMID: 9523372 DOI: 10.1159/000029230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The case history of a 25-year-old man suffering from idiopathic alveolar proteinosis is described. The patient showed a prolonged stable mild disease and a distinct suppressive phenotypic profile of BALF lymphocytes. Specifically, a low T4/T8 ratio and a high percentage of CD11b+ T8 lymphocytes was found. Correlations with disease expression are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Panagou
- Pulmonary Department, Army General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Zervas E, Loukides S, Papatheodorou G, Psathakis K, Tsindiris K, Panagou P, Kalogeropoulos N. Magnesium levels in plasma and erythrocytes before and after histamine challenge. Eur Respir J 2000; 16:621-5. [PMID: 11106202 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-3003.2000.16d09.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have assessed the protective effect of nebulized magnesium sulphate on bronchial hyperreactivity. This study investigated the effect of histamine challenge on intracellular (erythrocytes) and extracellular (plasma) levels of magnesium and the possible relationship between degree of bronchial hyperreactivity and levels of Mg in plasma and erythrocytes. The authors studied 42 mildly asthmatic patients (10 on inhaled steroids) and 20 healthy subjects. Histamine challenge was performed by the dosimeter method and provocative dose causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (PD20) (FEV1) was calculated. Mg levels were measured with a calmagite colourimetric assay, both at baseline and when FEV1 had fallen by 20%. The results showed that Mg levels in plasma did not significantly change after histamine challenge (from 2.06+/-0.02 mg x dL(-1) to 2.08+/-0.02 mg x dL(-1) respectively, p=0.14). Conversely there was a statistically significant decrease in Mg levels in erythrocytes between these two time points (from 1.84+/-0.02 fmmol x cell to 1.78+/-0.02 fmmol x cell p<0.0001). Similar results were observed when the subgroups were studied separately. There was no significant correlation between PD20, the difference in both magnesium concentrations (baseline-PD20 time) or the initial values of Mg levels in erythrocytes and plasma. To conclude, histamine challenge reduces magnesium levels in erythrocytes while plasma levels remain unchanged. This histamine-induced decrease in magnesium levels occurs regardless of the diagnosis of asthma, and it is not correlated with the degree of bronchial hyperreactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Zervas
- Thoracic Medicine Dept., Athens Army General Hospital, Greece
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28
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Loukides S, Karameris A, Lachanis S, Panagou P, Kalogeropoulos N. Eosinophilic granuloma of the lung presenting as an endobronchial mass. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2000; 55:208-9. [PMID: 10948667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A 19-yr-old male presented with left lung parahilar consolidation and clinical signs of pneumonia. These symptoms were secondary to an endobronchial mass in the apical segment of the lower lobe. At thoracotomy an apical segment bronchial sleeve resection successfully extirpated what later proved to be an endobronchial eosinophilic granuloma. To the authors' knowledge this is the first case report of an endobronchial eosinophilic granuloma in an adult.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Loukides
- Dept of Thoracic Medicine, Athens Army General Hospital, Greece
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Loukides S, Katsoulis K, Tsarpalis K, Panagou P, Kalogeropoulos N. Serum concentrations of lignocaine before, during and after fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Respiration 2000; 67:13-7. [PMID: 10705256 DOI: 10.1159/000029456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lignocaine is commonly used for local anesthesia during fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB). Several studies have reported the peak serum concentration of lignocaine in relation to time, but most of them did not specify the administered dose of lignocaine gel and its possible correlation with peak serum concentration. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to record the plasma concentrations of lignocaine before, during and after FOB and to evaluate whether the doses for nasal and tracheobronchial anesthesia have any correlation with the peak serum concentrations of the drug. METHODS Twelve patients with no comorbid conditions undergoing FOB were studied. Lignocaine was administered as a 2% solution using a larynx syringe, 2% gel (mean dose 182.5 +/- 15 mg) and finally 2% solution through the bronchoscope (mean dose 339 +/- 12 mg). Total dose was 622 +/- 20 mg. Venous blood samples were taken before the beginning of local anesthesia and then at 5, 10, 20, 60, 90 and 120 min thereafter. RESULTS Our results showed that peak plasma concentrations of lignocaine were observed in 8 patients 20 min after the beginning of local anesthesia, in 3 patients 30 min afterwards and in 1 patient 60 min afterwards (2.15 +/- 0.4 microg/ml, 1.9 +/- 0.3 microg/ml, 1. 81 microg/ml, respectively). None of our patients exceeded the critical level of toxicity (5 microg/ml). Both the total and tracheobronchial doses of lignocaine were significantly correlated with peak serum concentration (r = 0.63, p = 0.05 and r = 0.64, p = 0.02, respectively). No correlation was found between the dose for nasal anesthesia and peak serum concentration. No adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion our data show that although the amount of lignocaine used in this study exceeded the recommended highest dose (400 mg) in all patients, no toxic levels were observed. Peak plasma concentrations were found within 20-30 min from the beginning of local anesthesia. The dose for the anesthesia of nasal mucosa represented a significant percentage of the total dose, but did not correlate with the peak serum concentration of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Loukides
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Athens Army General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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30
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Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Interstitial inflammation is a major aggravating factor in fibrosing lung disease associated with scleroderma (FASSc) and cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA). Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) production is increased in asthma and bronchiectasis and reflects the degree of inflammation. We investigated whether measuring levels of exhaled NO is valuable in assessing disease activity in patients with CFA and patients with FASSc. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS NO levels were measured in 11 patients with CFA (mean age +/- SEM, 58 +/- 12 years old; 5 were male) and 17 patients with FASSc (mean age, 48 +/- 9 years old; 5 were male), and they were compared to BAL cell counts and lung function. Patients with CFA and FASSe had elevated NO levels (11.2 +/-1.0 parts per billion [ppb] and 9.8 +/- 1.0 ppb, respectively; p > 0.05), whereas in a group of 13 nonsmoking normal subjects, the NO levels were not elevated (6.9 +/- 0.5 ppb; p < 0.05). Patients with FASSc (n = 8) who had active BAL (defined as either lymphocytes > 14%, neutrophils > 4%, or eosinophils > 3%) had significantly higher NO levels (13.2 +/- 1.8 ppb), and neutrophil (16.5 +/- 4.0%) and lymphocyte (26.8 +/- 3.4%) BAL cell counts than did patients with FASSc who had inactive BAL (6.7 +/- 1.2 ppb; 1.3 +/- 1.0% and 7.5 +/- 1.3%, respectively; p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between exhaled NO and lymphocyte cell count in patients with FASSc (r = 0.58; p < 0.05). All patients with CFA had active BAL; however, those treated with corticosteroids (12.9 +/- 1.0% ppb, p < 0.05) had lower NO levels (9.0 +/- 1 ppb) and higher BAL lymphocyte cell couits (16.6 +/- 2.0%) than did those not treated with corticosteroids (7.2 +/- 1.7%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that exhaled NO may be a useful addition to BAL cell counts in disease monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Paredi
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine at the National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to report the clinical and laboratory characteristics of bacterial pneumonia related to measles infection, and also to assess any correlation between severity and time of onset. Four hundred and twenty-four previously healthy young males (age 22+/-2.1 yrs) were hospitalized with typical symptoms and signs of measles. One hundred and twelve (26%) developed bacterial pneumonia on admission (n=41), during their hospital stay (n=20) or days after their discharge (n=51): groups A, B and C, respectively. Single lobar consolidation was the most common finding, accounting for 89% of cases. Pleural effusion was uncommon and associated in half of the cases with empyema. A microbiological diagnosis was made in 81 cases. Streptococcus pneumoniae (65 cases) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (9 cases) were the most commonly identified organisms. Patients from group C had significantly higher values of white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and lower values of arterial oxygen tension (14+/-0.8 x 10(9) x L(-1), 88+/-4 mm and 6.3+/-0.4 kPa (47+/-3 mmHg), respectively) than the other two groups. There were no deaths during the hospitalization period. The mean duration of hospital stay was 13+/-2.4 days and was longer in the presence of K. pneumoniae infection (19+/-1.6 days). Six patients from group C were admitted to the intensive care unit. In conclusion, these data suggest that bacterial pneumonia associated with measles is not unusual in hospitalized adults, and it seems to be more severe when it occurs days after the onset of rash.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Loukides
- Pulmonary Department, 401 Army General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Panagou P, Loukides S, Tsipra S, Syrigou K, Anastasakis C, Kalogeropoulos N. Evaluation of nasal patency: comparison of patient and clinician assessments with rhinomanometry. Acta Otolaryngol 1998; 118:847-51. [PMID: 9870632 DOI: 10.1080/00016489850182567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The correlation between the objective measurement of nasal resistance and nasal airflow sensation is usually regarded as poor. The aim of the study was to assess the relation between objective indices of nasal patency, as assessed by the occlusion method (RN) and the Youlten peak nasal inspiratory flow meter (PNIF), with subjective sensations of nasal blockade by either the patient or the clinician in groups of patients with rhinitis, asthma, rhinitis and asthma, nasal septal deformity and ill normal controls. We studied nasal airway patency in 254 subjects (37 women, 217 men), mean age 21 years (range 14-78) by RN and PNIF. Nasal resistance was also measured by the application of Ohm's law for parallel resistors (NRO) by estimating the unilateral resistance separately. Subjective sensation of nasal blockade was assessed either by the patient on a 10-point Borg scale (SUB), or the clinician (CLN) on a 6-point scale (3 for each side of the nose). The latter was done in a controlled fashion with the aid of reference sensations. Adjusting for age, height, smoking status and airway calibre, we found good correlation between RN and CLN (r=0.57, p=10(-4)), whereas the association between RN and SUB was moderate and of borderline significance (r=0.42. p=0.05). By logistic regression analysis, we found that the only independent predictors of abnormal nasal resistance at a cut-off value of 0.30 kPa/l/s were the nasal scores as assessed by the clinician (r-=0.26, odds=2.45). We conclude that PNIF measurement and SUB scores are of limited use as indices of nasal patency, although the latter showed an improved association in comparison to older studies. As there is a necessity for some sort of objective measurement to assess nasal patency, the described clinician evaluation may be clinically useful in place of PNIF, but due to its somewhat subjective nature and its inability to detect milder levels of nasal obstruction it cannot be recommended as an alternative to rhinomanometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Panagou
- Thoracic Medicine Department, Army General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Horvath I, Loukides S, Wodehouse T, Kharitonov SA, Cole PJ, Barnes PJ. Increased levels of exhaled carbon monoxide in bronchiectasis: a new marker of oxidative stress. Thorax 1998; 53:867-70. [PMID: 10193374 PMCID: PMC1745084 DOI: 10.1136/thx.53.10.867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchiectasis is a chronic inflammatory lung disease associated with increased production of oxidants due mostly to neutrophilic inflammation. Induction of heme oxygenase (HO-1) by reactive oxygen species is a general cytoprotective mechanism against oxidative stress. HO-1 catabolises heme to bilirubin, free iron and carbon monoxide (CO). Exhaled CO measurements may therefore reflect an oxidative stress and be clinically useful in the detection and management of inflammatory lung disorders. METHODS The levels of exhaled CO of 42 non-smoking patients with bronchiectasis treated or not treated with inhaled corticosteroids were compared with CO levels in 37 normal non-smoking subjects. RESULTS Levels of exhaled CO were raised in patients with bronchiectasis, both those treated with inhaled corticosteroids (n = 27, median 5.5 ppm, 95% CI 5.16 to 7.76) and those not treated with inhaled corticosteroids (n = 15, median 6.0 ppm. 95% CI 4.74 to 11.8), compared with normal subjects (n = 37, median 3.0 ppm, 95% CI 2.79 to 3.81, p = 0.0024). There was no correlation between exhaled CO and HbCO levels (r = 0.42, p = 0.12) in normal subjects (n = 7), nor between the urine cotinine concentration and exhaled CO levels (r = 0.2, p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS Increased levels of exhaled CO may reflect induction of HO-1 and oxidative stress in bronchiectasis. Measurement of exhaled CO may be useful in the management of bronchiectasis and possibly other chronic inflammatory lung disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Horvath
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
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Abstract
Airway inflammation is important in the development and progression of many lung diseases, including bronchiectasis. Activation of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages induces a respiratory burst resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We have measured exhaled H2O2 in patients with documented bronchiectasis and investigated whether the concentration of H2O2 is related to the disease severity, as defined by lung function. We also investigated whether the concentrations of expired H2O2 were different in bronchiectatic patients who received inhaled corticosteroids compared with steroid-naïve patients. In 37 patients with bronchiectasis (mean age, 45 +/- 2.5 yr; FEV1, 59 +/- 3% pred), mean H2O2 concentration in exhaled breath condensate was significantly elevated as compared with the values in 25 age-matched (mean age, 42 +/- 2 yr) normal subjects (0.87 +/- 0.01 versus 0.26 +/- 0.04 microM, p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between H2O2 and FEV1 (r = -0.76, p < 0.0001). Patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids had values of H2O2 similar to those of steroid-naïve patients (0.8 +/- 0.1 versus 0.9 +/- 0.1, p > 0.05). We conclude that H2O2 is elevated in exhaled air condensate of patients with bronchiectasis and is correlated with disease severity. Measurement of H2O2 may be used as a simple noninvasive method to monitor airway inflammation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Loukides
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Paredi P, Loukides S, Ward S, Cramer D, Spicer M, Kharitonov SA, Barnes PJ. Exhalation flow and pressure-controlled reservoir collection of exhaled nitric oxide for remote and delayed analysis. Thorax 1998; 53:775-9. [PMID: 10319060 PMCID: PMC1745326 DOI: 10.1136/thx.53.9.775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expiratory flow rate, soft palate closure, and dead space air may influence exhaled levels of nitric oxide (NO). These factors have not been evaluated in the reservoir collection of NO. METHODS Exhaled NO was collected into a reservoir during a single flow and pressure controlled exhalation. RESULTS NO collected in a reservoir containing silica gel was stable for 24 hours. Nasally delivered 4.8% argon measured by mass spectrometry did not contaminate exhaled argon levels (0.1 (0.02)%) in five volunteers during exhalation against a resistance (10 (0.5) cmH2O), hence proving an effective soft palate closure. Exhaled NO in the reservoir was 11 (0.2) ppb, 8.6 (0.1) ppb, 7.1 (0.6) ppb, and 6.6 (0.4) ppb in five normal subjects and 48.3 (18) ppb, 20.3 (12) ppb, 16.9 (0.3) ppb and 10.1 (0.4) ppb in 10 asthmatic subjects at four studied expiratory flows (5-6, 7-8, 10-11, and 12-13 l/min, respectively), with NO levels equal to direct measurement (7.3 (0.5) ppb and 17.4 (0.5) ppb for normal and asthmatic subjects respectively, p < 0.05) at the flow rate 10-11 l/min. Elimination of dead space proved necessary to provide NO levels comparable to the direct measurement. Exhaled NO collected into the reservoir without dead space during flow controlled exhalation against mild resistance provided close agreement (mean (SD) difference -0.21 (0.68), coefficient of variation 4.58%) with direct measurement in 74 patients (NO range 1-69 ppb). CONCLUSIONS Flow and pressure controlled collection of exhaled NO into a reservoir with silica gel provides values identical to the direct measurement and may be used to monitor asthma at home and where analysers are not on site.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Paredi
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
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Maziak W, Loukides S, Culpitt S, Sullivan P, Kharitonov SA, Barnes PJ. Exhaled nitric oxide in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1998; 157:998-1002. [PMID: 9517624 DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm.157.3.97-05009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction and a neutrophilic inflammation. Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) may be a marker of disease activity in a variety of lung diseases. We measured exhaled NO in patients with documented COPD and investigated whether the concentration of exhaled NO is related to the severity of disease as defined by lung function. We also investigated whether concentration of exhaled NO was different in COPD patients who received inhaled steroids compared with steroid-naive patients. We studied 13 current smokers with COPD, eight exsmokers with COPD, 12 patients with unstable COPD (exacerbation or severe disease), and 10 smokers with chronic bronchitis without airflow limitation. Exhaled NO levels were significantly higher in patients with unstable COPD (12.7 +/- 1.5 ppb) than in other groups (p < 0.01). Exhaled NO levels were significantly higher in smokers with COPD than in smokers with chronic bronchitis (4.3 +/- 0.5 versus 2.5 +/- 0.5 ppb, p < 0.05), and were even higher in patients with COPD who had stopped smoking (6.3 +/- 0.6 ppb, p < 0.01). Exhaled NO levels showed a significant negative correlation with their lung function assessed by % predicted FEV1 values (r = -0.6, p < 0.001). Exhaled NO levels in patients treated with inhaled steroids were significantly higher compared with steroid-naive patients (8.2 +/- 1.2 ppb versus 5 +/- 0.4 ppb, p < 0.05), but the first group included more severe patients as assessed by lung function. We conclude that exhaled NO could serve as a useful, practical marker for monitoring disease activity in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Maziak
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom
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Loukides S, Lachanis S, Katsoulis K, Panagou P, Bougas K, Papavergos T. Unilateral hypertranslucency of the left hemithorax due to aneurysm of the thoracic aorta. Thorax 1997; 52:299-300. [PMID: 9093355 PMCID: PMC1758511 DOI: 10.1136/thx.52.3.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A 19 year old man presented with a six months history of dyspnoea on exertion. Chest radiographs, isotopic lung scans, and computed tomographic scans of the chest showed unilateral translucency of the left lung, absence of ventilation and perfusion in the same lung, and a 3.5 cm aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta which compressed the left mainstem bronchus.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Loukides
- Pulmonary Department, 401 Army General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Loukides S, Polyzogopoulos D. The effect of diabetes mellitus on the outcome of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbated due to respiratory infections. Respiration 1996; 63:170-3. [PMID: 8739488 DOI: 10.1159/000196539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last 2 years, 597 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbated due to respiratory infections were treated in our department. Eighty-eight (14.7%) of them suffered from diabetes mellitus (DM). Thirty-four had insulin-dependent DM and 54 non-insulin-dependent DM. In these groups, we studied the duration of hospitalization, their clinical features, chest X-rays, blood tests (white blood cells, erythrocyte sedimentation rate), blood gases and the sputum culture for bacteria. The paired t test was used for statistical analysis. Our results showed that the mean duration of hospitalization in patients with DM was 10.76 +/- 2.7 days (X +/- SD), whereas for patients without DM it was 8.53 +/- 1.9 days. Patients with insulin-dependent DM had a mean hospitalization of 15.63 +/- 3.6 days, which was statistically significant in relation to the group without DM (p < 0.0001). As for the chest X-rays, clinical features, blood tests and blood gases, no statistically significant differences were found among the groups. The sputum culture for bacteria showed that in patients with insulin-dependent DM the isolation of gram-negative bacteria was 51.6%, which was statistically significant in relation to the group without DM, where it was 27.3% (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, a significant percentage of patients with COPD suffers from DM. Patients with insulin-dependent DM and COPD with respiratory infections were found to have longer periods of hospitalization and a larger percentage of gram-negative bacteria in the sputum culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Loukides
- Pulmonary Department 401, Army General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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