Dynamic indicators of the airway inflammation activity in teenagers with bronchial asthma

Interleukin (IL)-18 was originally regarded to induce T helper cell (Th)1-related cytokines. In general, factors favoring interferon (IFN)-γ production are believed to abolish allergic diseases. Thus, we tested the role of IL-18 in regulation of bronchial asthma. To avoid a background response of host-derived T cells, we administered memory type Th1 or Th2 cells into unsensitized mice and examined their role in induction of bronchial asthma. Administration of antigen (Ag) induced both airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in mice receiving memory Th2 cells. In contrast, the same treatment induced only airway inflammation but not AHR in mice receiving memory Th1 cells. However, these mice developed striking AHR when they were coadministered with IL-18. Furthermore, mice having received IFN-γ–expressing Th1 cells sorted from polarized Th1 cells developed severe airway inflammation and AHR after intranasal administration of Ag and IL-18. Thus, Th1 cells become harmful when they are stimulated with Ag and IL-18. Newly polarized Th1 cells and IFN-γ–expressing Th1 cells, both of which express IL-18 receptor α chain strongly, produce IFN-γ, IL-9, IL-13, granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor α, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α upon stimulation with Ag, IL-2, and IL-18 in vitro. Thus, Ag and IL-18 stimulate memory Th1 cells to induce severe airway inflammation and AHR in the naive host.

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Effect of endothelin antagonism on the production of cytokines in eosinophilic airway inflammation

AJP Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajplung.2001.280.4.l659 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 280 (4) ◽

pp. L659-L665 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

Finn Finsnes ◽

Torstein Lyberg ◽

Geir Christensen ◽

Ole H. Skjønsberg

Keyword(s):

Tumor Necrosis Factor ◽

Airway Inflammation ◽

Bronchial Asthma ◽

Tumor Necrosis ◽

Tumor Necrosis Factor Α ◽

Mrna Level ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Proinflammatory Mediators ◽

Factor Α ◽

Necrosis Factor

Endothelin (ET)-1 has been launched as an important mediator in bronchial asthma, which is an eosinophilic airway inflammation. However, the interplay between ET-1 and other proinflammatory mediators during the development of airway inflammation has not been elucidated. We wanted to study 1) whether the production of ET-1 precedes the production of other proinflammatory mediators and 2) whether ET-1 stimulates the production of these mediators within the airways. These hypotheses were studied during the development of an eosinophilic airway inflammation in rats. The increase in ET-1 mRNA level in lung tissue preceded the increase in mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-8. Treatment of the animals with the ET receptor antagonist bosentan resulted in a substantial decrease in the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-4, IL-1β, interferon-γ, and ET-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In conclusion, the synthesis of ET-1 as measured by increased mRNA level precedes the synthesis of other proinflammatory cytokines of importance for the development of an eosinophilic airway inflammation, and ET antagonism inhibits the production of these mediators within the airways. Whether treatment with ET antagonists will prove beneficial for patients with eosinophilic airway inflammations like bronchial asthma is not yet known.

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Role of nitric oxide in airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in bronchial asthma

Allergology International ◽

10.1046/j.1440-1592.1999.00113.x ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

pp. 25-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hisamichi Aizawa

Keyword(s):

Nitric Oxide ◽

Airway Inflammation ◽

Bronchial Asthma

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Virus Infection-Induced Bronchial Asthma Exacerbation

Pulmonary Medicine ◽

10.1155/2012/834826 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Mutsuo Yamaya

Keyword(s):

Epithelial Cells ◽

Viral Infection ◽

Airway Inflammation ◽

Bronchial Asthma ◽

Inflammatory Mediators ◽

Asthma Exacerbation ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Inflammatory Cells ◽

Airway Epithelial Cells ◽

Airway Epithelial

Infection with respiratory viruses, including rhinoviruses, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus, exacerbates asthma, which is associated with processes such as airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and mucus hypersecretion. In patients with viral infections and with infection-induced asthma exacerbation, inflammatory mediators and substances, including interleukins (ILs), leukotrienes and histamine, have been identified in the airway secretions, serum, plasma, and urine. Viral infections induce an accumulation of inflammatory cells in the airway mucosa and submucosa, including neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils. Viral infections also enhance the production of inflammatory mediators and substances in airway epithelial cells, mast cells, and other inflammatory cells, such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, RANTES, histamine, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Viral infections affect the barrier function of the airway epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells. Recent reports have demonstrated augmented viral production mediated by an impaired interferon response in the airway epithelial cells of asthma patients. Several drugs used for the treatment of bronchial asthma reduce viral and pro-inflammatory cytokine release from airway epithelial cells infected with viruses. Here, I review the literature on the pathogenesis of the viral infection-induced exacerbation of asthma and on the modulation of viral infection-induced airway inflammation.

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