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Bronchiectasis, which is characterized by irreversibly damaged and dilated bronchi, causes significant symptoms, poor quality of life, and increased economic burden and mortality rates. Despite its increasing prevalence and clinical significance, bronchiectasis was previously regarded as an orphan disease, and ideal treatment of this disease has been poorly understood. The European Respiratory Society and British Thoracic Society have recently published guidelines to assist physicians in the clinical field. Guidelines and reports suggest comprehensive management that includes both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment. Physiotherapy and pulmonary rehabilitation are two of the most important non-pharmacologic therapies in bronchiectasis patients; long-term inhaled antibiotics and macrolide therapy have gained significant evidence in reducing exacerbation risk in frequent exacerbators. In this review, we summarize recent updates on bronchiectasis treatment to prevent exacerbation and manage clinical deterioration.
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We experienced a case of disseminated Staphylococcus aureus infection with bacterial pericarditis that progressed to septic shock and multiorgan failure despite pericardiocentesis and surgical removal of the original abscess with intensive antibiotic therapy. We report this case because of the patient’s very rare and remarkable echocardiographic findings and highly turbid pericardial effusion.
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Background@#Although respiratory tract infection is one of the most important factors triggering acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD), limited data are available to suggest an epidemiologic pattern of microbiology in South Korea. @*Methods@#A multicenter observational study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2018 across 28 hospitals in South Korea. Adult patients with moderate-to-severe acute exacerbations of COPD were eligible to participate in the present study. The participants underwent all conventional tests to identify etiology of microbial pathogenesis. The primary outcome was the percentage of different microbiological pathogens causing AE-COPD. A comparative microbiological analysis of the patients with overlapping asthma–COPD (ACO) and pure COPD was performed. @*Results@#We included 1,186 patients with AE-COPD. Patients with pure COPD constituted 87.9% and those with ACO accounted for 12.1%. Nearly half of the patients used an inhaled corticosteroid-containing regimen and one-fifth used systemic corticosteroids. Respiratory pathogens were found in 55.3% of all such patients. Bacteria and viruses were detected in 33% and 33.2%, respectively. Bacterial and viral coinfections were found in 10.9%. The most frequently detected bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.8%), and the most frequently detected virus was influenza A (10.4%). Multiple bacterial infections were more likely to appear in ACO than in pure COPD (8.3% vs. 3.6%, p=0.016). @*Conclusion@#Distinct microbiological patterns were identified in patients with moderate-to-severe AE-COPD in South Korea. These findings may improve evidence-based management of patients with AE-COPD and represent the basis for further studies investigating infectious pathogens in patients with COPD.
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Background@#In 2017, Korea implemented nationwide latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) project targeting healthcare workers (HCWs). We aimed to assess its performance using the cascade of care model. @*Methods@#We included 45,503 employees of medical institutions with positive interferongamma release assay result who participated between March 2017 and December 2018. We described percentages of LTBI participants completing each step in the cascade of care.Poisson regression model was conducted to assess individual characteristics and factors associated with not-visiting clinics for further care, not-initiating LTBI treatment, and notcompleting treatment. @*Results@#Proportions of visiting clinics and initiating and completing treatment in HCWs were 54.9%, 38.5%, and 32.0%, respectively. Despite of less likelihood of visiting clinics and initiating LTBI treatment, older age ≥ 65 years were more likely to complete treatment (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64–0.99), compared to young age < 35 years. Compared to nurses, doctors were less likely to visit clinic; however, were more likely to initiate treatment (aRR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81–0.96). Those who visited public health centers were associated with not-initiating treatment (aRR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.29–1.40). When treated at private hospitals, 9-month isoniazid monotherapy was less likely to complete treatment, compared to 3-month isoniazid and rifampicin combination therapy (aRR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.16–1.53). @*Conclusion@#Among employees of medical institutions with LTBI, only one third completed treatment. Age, occupation, treatment center, and initial regimen were significantly related to LTBI treatment performance indicators. Rifampicin-based short treatment regimens were effective under standard of care.
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Background@#Treatment protocols for light chain (AL) amyloidosis have been derived from myeloma treatment. Bortezomib is a key drug used for the treatment of myeloma and AL amyloidosis. We retrospectively investigated the efficacy and toxicity of bortezomib-based chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis. @*Methods@#We reviewed the outcomes of newly diagnosed autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT)-ineligible AL amyloidosis patients who received bortezomib-based chemotherapy at a referral center between 2011 and 2017. @*Results@#Of 63 patients who received bortezomib-based chemotherapy, 32 were male, and the median age was 66 years (range, 42‒82 yr). The hematologic overall response rate (ORR) was 65.1%, and the chemotherapy regimen with the best hematologic response was VMP (75.7%, 28/37). Sixty patients had significant organ (heart or kidney) involvement; 28.3% of patients (N=17) had major organ responses after chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 34 months, there was no significant difference in progression-free survival (P =0.49) or overall survival (P =0.67) according to regimen. Most hematologic and non-hematologic problems were manageable. @*Conclusion@#Various chemotherapy combinations based on bortezomib are currently employed in the clinical setting, but no difference was found in terms of efficacy or toxicity.
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In 2017, the Korean government launched an unprecedentedly large-scaled latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening project which covered more than a million individuals in congregate settings. A total of 1,047,689 participants of source population (n = 2,336,157) underwent LTBI testing from 2017 to 2018. The overall LTBI test uptake rate during this project was 44.8%. Workers in daycare centers (83.5%) and kindergartens (78.9%) showed high participation rate. A total of 1,012,206 individuals with valid results of interferongamma release assay (IGRA) were selected to constitute the IGRA cohort. Most of the enrolled participants in the IGRA cohort were in their working age. Approximately, threequarters of total enrolled population were female. Investigating the LTBI prevalence, stages of LTBI care cascade, natural history of LTBI, efficacy of LTBI treatment and cost-effectiveness of LTBI screening are feasible within this IGRA cohort.
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In 2017, the Korean government launched an unprecedentedly large-scaled latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening project which covered more than a million individuals in congregate settings. A total of 1,047,689 participants of source population (n = 2,336,157) underwent LTBI testing from 2017 to 2018. The overall LTBI test uptake rate during this project was 44.8%. Workers in daycare centers (83.5%) and kindergartens (78.9%) showed high participation rate. A total of 1,012,206 individuals with valid results of interferongamma release assay (IGRA) were selected to constitute the IGRA cohort. Most of the enrolled participants in the IGRA cohort were in their working age. Approximately, threequarters of total enrolled population were female. Investigating the LTBI prevalence, stages of LTBI care cascade, natural history of LTBI, efficacy of LTBI treatment and cost-effectiveness of LTBI screening are feasible within this IGRA cohort.
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Background@#Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been used frequently, and its use continues to increase in lung cancer patients, despite insufficient scientific of its efficacy. To investigate this situation, we analyzed the current awareness and use of CAM in Korean lung-cancer patients. Methods: This prospective survey–based study was performed at seven medical centers in South Korea between August and October 2019. The survey assessed general patient characteristics and the awareness and use of CAM. We analyzed differences in the clinical parameters of patients aware and not aware of CAM and of CAM non-users and users. @*Results@#Of the 434 patients included in this study, 68.8% responded that they were aware of CAM and 30.9% said they had experienced it. In univariate analysis, the patients aware of CAM were younger with poor performance status, had advanced-stage lung cancer, received more systemic therapy, and received concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT). By multiple logistic regression, younger age, poor performance status, advanced stage, and prior CCRT were identified as independent risk factors for CAM awareness. There were no significant differences in the general characteristics and cancer-associated clinical parameters of CAM non-users and users. @*Conclusion@#Specific clinical parameters were associated with patients’ awareness of CAM, although there were no significantly different characteristics between CAM users and non-users.
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Background/Aims@#Human adenovirus type 55 (HAdV-55), an emerging epidemic strain, has caused several large outbreaks in the Korean military since 2014, and HAdV-associated acute respiratory illness (HAdV-ARI) has been continuously reported thereafter. @*Methods@#To evaluate the epidemiologic characteristics of HAdV-ARI in the Korean military, we analyzed respiratory virus polymerase chain reaction (RV-PCR) results, pneumonia surveillance results, and severe HAdV cases from all 14 Korean military hospitals from January 2013 to May 2018 and compared these data with nationwide RV surveillance data for the civilian population. @*Results@#A total of 14,630 RV-PCRs was performed at military hospitals. HAdV (45.4%) was the most frequently detected RV, followed by human rhinovirus (12.3%) and influenza virus (6.3%). The percentage of the military positive for HAdV was significantly greater than the percentage of civilians positive for HAdV throughout the study period, with a large outbreak occurring during the winter to spring of 2014 to 2015. The outbreak continued until the end of the study, and non-seasonal detections increased over time. The reported number of pneumonia patients also increased during the outbreak. Case fatality rate was 0.075% overall but 15.6% in patients with respiratory failure. The proportion of severe patients did not change significantly during the study period. @*Conclusions@#A large HAdV outbreak is currently ongoing in the Korean military, with a trend away from seasonality, and HAdV-55 is likely the predominant strain. Persistent efforts to control the outbreak, HAdV type-specific surveillance, and vaccine development are required.
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BackgroundInfluenza is a global public health problem causing considerable morbidity and mortality. Although vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection, vaccination coverage is insufficient in people with chronic disease under 65 years, especially diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate influenza vaccination coverage and identify factors associated with influenza vaccination in Korean diabetic adults under 65 years.MethodsData were obtained from 24,821 subjects in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014 to 2017). Socioeconomic, health-related, and diabetic factors were investigated for their relations with influenza vaccination in diabetic patients under 65 years using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsAmong 24,821 subjects, 1,185 were diabetic patients under 65 years and their influenza vaccination rate was 36.5%. Socioeconomic (older age, female gender, non-smoker, light alcohol drinker, lower educational level, and employed status), health-related factors (lower fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level, good self-perceived health status, more comorbidities, recent health screening, more outpatient visits, and diet therapy), and diabetic factors (more awareness and getting treated) were associated with influenza vaccination. In multivariate analysis, more awareness and getting treated for diabetes were associated with influenza vaccination in diabetic patients under 65 years (odds ratio, 1.496 and 1.413; 95% confidence interval, 1.022 to 2.188 and 1.018 to 2.054, respectively).ConclusionInfluenza vaccination rate was low in diabetic patients under 65 years, especially in those with unawareness and not getting treated for diabetes. Active screening and treatment for diabetes may be helpful to improve the influenza vaccination rate in these patients.
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Since the foundation of the Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine in 1961, clinical nuclear oncology has been a major part of clinical nuclear medicine in Korea. There are several important events for the development of clinical nuclear oncology in Korea. First, a scintillating type gamma camera was adopted in 1969, which enabled to perform modern oncological gamma imaging. Second, Tc-99 m generator was imported to Korea since 1979, which promoted the wide clinical use of gamma camera imaging by using various kinds of Tc-99 m labeled radiopharmaceuticals. Third, a gamma camera with single photon emission tomography (SPECT) capability was first installed in 1980, which has been used for various kinds of tumor SPECT imaging. Fourth, in 1994, clinical positron emission tomography (PET) scanner and cyclotron with a production of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose were first installed in Korea. Fifth, Korean Board of Nuclear Medicine was established in 1995, which contributed in the education and manpower training of dedicated nuclear medicine physicians in Korea. Finally, an integrated PET/CT scanner was first installed in 2002. Since that, PET/CT imaging has been a major imaging tool in clinical nuclear oncology in Korea. In this review, a brief history of clinical nuclear oncology in Korea is described.
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Purpose@#99m Tc-labeled sestamibi scintigraphy combined with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has a high positive predictive value for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid lesions in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) but relatively low sensitivity and specificity in secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) and tertiary hyperparathyroidism (tHPT). The purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness of 99m Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy in persistent hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplant (KT). @*Methods@#Retrospectively evaluated 50 patients who received parathyroidectomy after KT at a single medical center. The parathyroid lesion with the highest sestamibi uptake intensity of a patient was graded from 0 to 3. Uptake intensity was analyzed in correlation with parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, ionized calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. @*Results@#Per-patient analysis, 43 patients had hyperplasia, 6 patients had adenomas, and 1 patient had a carcinoma. Only 3 patients with hyperplasia did not demonstrate any sestamibi uptake in the parathyroid scans. Out of the 148 pathologically confirmed parathyroid lesions, SPECT/CT images were able to identify 89 lesions (60%) and planar images of 71 lesions (48%). The average of sestamibi uptake intensity was mild at grade 1.6. Uptake intensity showed a positive correlation with parathyroid hormone (PTH) level but not with phosphorus, calcium, ionized calcium, or vitamin D levels. The largest lesion showed a high positive predictive value, especially in lesions with a diameter over 1.0 cm. @*Conclusions@#Regardless of relatively low and less discrete uptake in KT patients, it well depicts the largest and the most hyperfunctioning lesion.
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Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a type of systemic amyloidosis, in which abnormal amyloid fibril is deposited in extracellular space of myocardium. Most common subtypes of CA are amyloidosis of immunoglobulin light chain (AL) and amyloidosis of transthyretin (ATTR). With increase in incidence of CA and development of new drugs, the needs of early and accurate diagnosis of CA are increasing. In CA, bone scan and SPECT/CT have long been used for diagnosis. Currently, bone scan is included in almost all practice guidelines as one of key diagnostic examinations for ATTR CA. In some specific scenarios, bone scan can be used as even a substitute for endomyocardial biopsy. Recently, amyloid-targeting PET that is used for Alzheimer dementia has also been attempted as an imaging method for CA. Although the study results are still insufficient, amyloid-targeting has shown promising potential as an imaging method for CA, particularly in AL. Here, imaging method and clinical application and implication of bone scan, SPECT/CT, and amyloid-targeting PET/CT in CA are reviewed.
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Background/Aims@#Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an epithelial cell-derived cytokine that plays a key role in Th2-mediated inflammation, both directly by promoting the proliferation of naïve CD4 Th2 cells, and indirectly by activating dendritic cells (DCs). TSLP-activated DCs induce the expansion of chemoattractant receptor homologous molecule expressed on Th2 (CRTH2)+ CD4+ Th2 memory cells, which undergo a Th2 response and express prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) synthase. CRTH2, a PGD2 receptor, is a selective Th2-cell surface marker. We investigated the effects of an anti-TSLP antibody (Ab) and a CRTH2 antagonist, as well as their mechanisms of action, in a mouse model of acute asthma. @*Methods@#BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. We then evaluated the effects of the administration of an anti-TSLP Ab either alone or together with a CRTH2 antagonist on cell counts, Th2 cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar fluid, and the levels of epithelium-derived cytokines such as TSLP, interleukin (IL) 33, and IL-25 in lung homogenates, as well as airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). @*Results@#Anti-TSLP Ab and the CRTH2 antagonist significantly attenuated eosinophilic airway inflammation, AHR, and the expression of Th2 cytokines. The expression of GATA-3 and the levels of IL-33 and IL-25 in lung tissues were affected by the combined anti-TSLP and CRTH2 antagonist treatment. @*Conclusions@#These results suggest that the dual blockade of TSLP and CRTH2 may serve as an effective treatment target for eosinophilic asthma.
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PURPOSE: We developed predictive models using different programming languages and different computing platforms for machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) that classify clinical diagnoses in patients with epiphora. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of these models.METHODS: Between January 2016 and September 2017, 250 patients with epiphora who underwent dacryocystography (DCG) and lacrimal scintigraphy (LS) were included in the study. We developed five different predictive models using ML tools, Python-based TensorFlow, R, and Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio (MAMLS). A total of 27 clinical characteristics and parameters including variables related to epiphora (VE) and variables related to dacryocystography (VDCG) were used as input data. Apart from this, we developed two predictive convolutional neural network (CNN) models for diagnosing LS images. We conducted this study using supervised learning.RESULTS: Among 500 eyes of 250 patients, 59 eyes had anatomical obstruction, 338 eyes had functional obstruction, and the remaining 103 eyes were normal. For the data set that excluded VE and VDCG, the test accuracies in Python-based TensorFlow, R, multiclass logistic regression in MAMLS, multiclass neural network in MAMLS, and nuclear medicine physician were 81.70%, 80.60%, 81.70%, 73.10%, and 80.60%, respectively. The test accuracies of CNN models in three-class classification diagnosis and binary classification diagnosis were 72.00% and 77.42%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: ML-based predictive models using different programming languages and different computing platforms were useful for classifying clinical diagnoses in patients with epiphora and were similar to a clinician's diagnostic ability.
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Humans , Classification , Dataset , Diagnosis , Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases , Learning , Logistic Models , Machine Learning , Nuclear Medicine , Programming Languages , Radionuclide ImagingABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Ultrasonography plays a supplementary role in detecting breast microcalcifications as localizing these microcalcifications without mammographic aid is not always successful. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical implications of intraoperative sonography (IOUSG) in localized excisions after mammographically guided wire insertion. METHODS: Between May 2011 and December 2017, 90 localized excisional biopsies were included. All excisions were preceded by mammographically guided wire insertion. We divided them into two groups according to the use of IOUSG and compared the surgical outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 90 localized excisions analyzed, IOUSG was performed in 40 (the USG group) localized excisions and not in the remaining 50 (the no USG group) localized excisions. The median cluster size of the target microcalcifications and the median specimen volume were smaller in the USG group than that in the no USG group (1.4 cm vs. 2.0 cm, p=0.02; 10.9 cm3 vs. 30.3 cm3, p<0.001, respectively). Additional excisions due to the incomplete coverage of the target microcalcifications on the specimen mammography were more frequent in the no USG group than in the USG group (30% vs. 15%, respectively, p<0.001). In the multivariate analyses, performing an IOUSG was the only significant risk factor, reducing the need for additional excision after adjusting the other risk factors (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.203; 95% confidence interval, 0.078–0.529). Performing an IOUSG significantly reduced the specimen volume excised after adjusting the cluster size of the microcalcifications. CONCLUSION: IOUSG could be helpful in improving the accuracy of surgical excision for breast microcalcifications localized with mammographically guided wire insertion.
Subject(s)
Biopsy , Breast , Calcinosis , Mammography , Multivariate Analysis , Risk Factors , Surgery, Computer-Assisted , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) for chronic empyema-associated malignancy (CEAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images of 33 patients with chronic empyema, and analyzed the following findings: 1) shape of the empyema cavity, 2) presence of fistula, 3) maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) of the empyema cavity, 4) uptake pattern of the empyema cavity, 5) presence of a protruding soft tissue mass within the empyema cavity, and 6) involvement of adjacent structures. Final diagnosis was determined based on histopathology or clinical follow-up for at least 6 months. The abovementioned findings were compared between the ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images of CEAM and chronic empyema. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Six lesions were histopathologically proven as malignant; there were three cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, two of squamous cell carcinoma, and one of poorly differentiated carcinoma. Maximum SUV within the empyema cavity (p < 0.001) presence of a protruding soft tissue mass (p = 0.002), and involvement of the adjacent structures (p < 0.001) were significantly different between the CEAM and chronic empyema images. The maximum SUV exhibited the highest diagnostic performance, with the highest specificity (96.3%, 26/27), positive predictive value (85.7%, 6/7), and accuracy (97.0%, 32/33) among all criteria. On ROC analysis, the area under the curve of maximum SUV was 0.994. CONCLUSION: ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT can be useful for diagnosing CEAM in patients with chronic empyema. The maximum SUV within the empyema cavity is the most accurate ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT diagnostic criterion for CEAM.
Subject(s)
Humans , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Diagnosis , Electrons , Empyema , Fistula , Follow-Up Studies , Lymphoma, B-Cell , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography , Retrospective Studies , ROC Curve , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
PURPOSE@#We developed predictive models using different programming languages and different computing platforms for machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) that classify clinical diagnoses in patients with epiphora. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of these models.@*METHODS@#Between January 2016 and September 2017, 250 patients with epiphora who underwent dacryocystography (DCG) and lacrimal scintigraphy (LS) were included in the study. We developed five different predictive models using ML tools, Python-based TensorFlow, R, and Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio (MAMLS). A total of 27 clinical characteristics and parameters including variables related to epiphora (VE) and variables related to dacryocystography (VDCG) were used as input data. Apart from this, we developed two predictive convolutional neural network (CNN) models for diagnosing LS images. We conducted this study using supervised learning.@*RESULTS@#Among 500 eyes of 250 patients, 59 eyes had anatomical obstruction, 338 eyes had functional obstruction, and the remaining 103 eyes were normal. For the data set that excluded VE and VDCG, the test accuracies in Python-based TensorFlow, R, multiclass logistic regression in MAMLS, multiclass neural network in MAMLS, and nuclear medicine physician were 81.70%, 80.60%, 81.70%, 73.10%, and 80.60%, respectively. The test accuracies of CNN models in three-class classification diagnosis and binary classification diagnosis were 72.00% and 77.42%, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#ML-based predictive models using different programming languages and different computing platforms were useful for classifying clinical diagnoses in patients with epiphora and were similar to a clinician's diagnostic ability.
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OBJECTIVE: We investigated the prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were 76 patients with newly diagnosed myeloma and pretreatment with 18F-FDG PET/CT from four hospitals. The PET/CT features were evaluated and the clinical characteristics were reviewed. Prognostic factors related to poor progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were identified using a Cox proportional hazards regression model and a prediction scale was developed based on the identified factors. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of 18F-FDG-avid focal bone lesions (≥ 3) was a significant and independent predictor of PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.28, p = 0.007) and OS (HR = 11.78, p = 0.001). The presence of extramedullary disease on PET/CT scan was also a significant predictor of poor PFS (HR = 2.79, p = 0.006) and OS (HR = 3.89, p = 0.003). A prognostic scale was developed using these two predictors. An increase in score on the scale corresponded to a significantly increased risk of poor OS (p = 0.005). In addition, Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patient survival varied significantly according to the scale (p < 0.001 for OS and p = 0.001 for PFS). CONCLUSION: 18F-FDG-avid focal lesions and the presence of extramedullary disease on PET/CT scan are significantly associated with poor OS in MM patients. The scale developed according to these predictors represents a potential prognostic tool for evaluation of patients with MM.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cohort Studies , Disease-Free Survival , Electrons , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Multiple Myeloma , Multivariate Analysis , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography , PrognosisABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation, and remodeling. There is emerging interest in the involvement of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel in the pathophysiology of asthma. This study examined whether TRPV1 antagonism alleviates asthma features in a murine model of chronic asthma. METHODS: BALB/c mice were sensitized to and challenged by ovalbumin to develop chronic asthma. Capsazepine (TRPV1 antagonist) or TRPV1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) was administered in the treatment group to evaluate the effect of TPV1 antagonism on AHR, airway inflammation, and remodeling. RESULTS: The mice displayed increased AHR, airway inflammation, and remodeling. Treatment with capsazepine or TRPV1 siRNA reduced AHR to methacholine and airway inflammation. Type 2 T helper (Th2) cytokines (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-5, and IL-13) were reduced and epithelial cell-derived cytokines (thymic stromal lymphopoietin [TSLP], IL-33, and IL-25), which regulate Th2 cytokine-associated inflammation, were also reduced. Airway remodeling characterized by goblet cell hyperplasia, increased α-smooth muscle action, and collagen deposition was also alleviated by both treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment directed at TRPV1 significantly alleviated AHR, airway inflammation, and remodeling in a chronic asthma murine model. The TRPV1 receptor can be a potential drug target for chronic bronchial asthma.