Influence of sera from interstitial lung disease patients on angiogenic activity of mononuclear cells.

Chronic inflammation stimulates of neovascularization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sera from interstitial lung diseases (ILD) patients on angiogenic capabilities of different subsets of mononuclear cells. Serum samples were obtained from 22 patients with sarcoidosis, 20 with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, 20 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 9 with systemic sclerosis, 6 with pulmonary Langerhans cells histiocytosis, and from 20 healthy volunteers. Animal model of leukocyte induced angiogenesis assay was used as an angiogenic test. The pattern of angiogenic reaction was different in different diseases. Sera from systemic sclerosis and pulmonary Langerhans cells histiocytosis patients exerted inhibitory effects on angiogenesis, but sera from sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients stimulated angiogenesis. Sera from sarcoidosis and pulmonary Langerhans cells histiocytosis primed monocytes for the production of angiogenic factors. The number of microvessels created after incubation of mononuclear cells depleted of monocytes with sera from systemic sclerosis patients significantly decreased. We conclude that the role of monocytes in the modulation of angiogenesis varies depending on the type of ILD. Sera from sarcoidosis stimulate and from pulmonary Langerhans cells histiocytosis patients inhibit neovascularization induced by monocyte mediators. Sera from systemic sclerosis inhibit angiogenesis induced by lymphocyte products.

Angiogenic activity of sera from interstitial lung disease patients in relation to angiotensin-converting enzyme activity.

The role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) is unknown. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a marker of sarcoidosis activity and may modulate angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ACE activity in ILD patients' sera and their effect on microvessels formation in an in vivo model of leukocyte-induced angiogenesis. The study population consisted of 77 sarcoidosis patients, 22 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, 16 bird fanciers lung patients, eight silicosis patients and 14 healthy donors. Serum ACE activity was assayed by spectrophotometric method. As an angiogenic test, a leukocyte-induced angiogenesis assay in an animal model was used. Sera from interstitial lung disease patients significantly stimulated angiogenic activity of mononuclear cells compared with healthy donors (p < 0.001). The highest ACE serum activity was measured in sera from the silicosis patients, and lowest in sera from the sarcoidosis and IPF patients. A significantly lower serum ACE activity was detected in the bird fanciers lung patients. Serum angiogenic activity of ILD patients measured by angiogenesis index negatively correlated with ACE serum activity (r = ;-0.52; p < 0.01). This correlation was highest in the sarcoidosis group (r = -0.6; p < ). Sera from ILD patient constitute the source of factors modulating angiogenesis.

Angiogenic activity of sera from interstitial lung disease patients in relation to pulmonary function.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic inflammation and fibrosis are characteristic of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) and are accompanied by neovascularisation. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the angiogenic activity of sera from ILD patients and pulmonary function tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from 225 ILD patients: 83 with sarcoidosis, 31 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 29 with extrinsic allergic alveolitis, 16 with collagen vascular diseases, 13 with scleroderma with pulmonary manifestations (SCL), 14 with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), 12 with silicosis, 12 with pulmonary Langerhans cells histiocytosis, 10 with drug-induced pulmonary fibrosis, 5 with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, and 36 healthy volunteers. An animal model of leukocyte induced angiogenesis assay was used as an angiogenic test. In all patients spirometry, whole body plethysmography, static lung compliance, and single breath diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLco) were performed. RESULTS: The angiogenic properties of sera from ILD differed, depending on the disease. In the examined ILD, the most important functional disturbances were decreases in static compliance and DLco. The correlation between DLco and angiogenic activity of sera was observed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The data show that sera from ILD patients constitute a source of mediators modulating angiogenesis. Angiogenic activity of sera of ILD patients is related to DLco.

Knowledge, attitudes, and influenza vaccination of medical students in Warsaw, Strasbourg, and Teheran.

OBJECTIVE: Influenza vaccinations are recommended for health professionals by the WHO and the CDC. Medical students are important health professionals not only as future physicians, but also due to their frequent contact with patients during their education. The aim of this study was to compare the knowledge, attitudes, motivations and influenza vaccinations of medicine students in three different countries: Poland, France, and Iran. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1045 self-reported questionnaires were given to medical students of Warsaw Medical University (n = 502), the Faculty of Medicine of Strasbourg University (n = 371) and Teheran University of Medical Sciences (n = 172). In France, students working in a hospital can be vaccinated free of charge. In Poland and Iran students are required to pay for the vaccine and have to arrange the administration of the vaccine on their own. RESULTS: Vaccination of students during the year of the study time was generally infrequent: the highest was in Strasbourg 29.7%; it was lower in Warsaw 15.2%, and lowest in Teheran at 4.7%. Similarly, 60% of medical students in Strasbourg, 65% of students in Warsaw and 86% of students in Teheran have never been vaccinated. The percentage of students knowing that they belong to the group of people that have strong indications for being vaccinated was 78% in Strasbourg, 48% in Warsaw and 40% in Teheran. The main reasons for obtaining a shot, cited by students, were to protect from influenza and the fear of disease sequelae. The most important reasons for not being vaccinated were laziness, lack of time, and also lack of knowledge of the indications in favor of being vaccinated. Being vaccinated at least once in the past is the most important predictor of the vaccination in the current season. CONCLUSIONS: Few medical students in all of the examined countries are immunized against influenza. Data indicate that providing access to free vaccinations, although very important, cannot alone solve the problem. Strengthening educational efforts seems crucial, although no immediate effects should be expected due to remarkable inertia. Influencing attitudes at an earlier stage can be more advantageous.