Airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis

Article Abstract:

The use of anti-inflammatory drugs may be an effective way to preserve lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis. People with cystic fibrosis survive much longer now because a simple sweat test can detect the disease early and antibiotics and pancreatic enzymes can treat many of the complications of the disease. A 1995 study found that treatment with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen can maintain lung function and thereby prolong survival. Lung inflammation from repeated bacterial infections can damage the lungs. Other researchers have tried corticosteroids for the same purpose but found that the incidence of side effects was unacceptably high. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs in infection has been controversial, but researchers are starting to understand that the body's response to infection can itself cause serious complications. Anti-inflammatory drugs might benefit patients with any acute or chronic infection.

Health aspects, Editorial, Drug therapy, Corticosteroids, Adrenocortical hormones, Ibuprofen, Cystic fibrosis

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Molecular heterogeneity of C2 deficiency

Article Abstract:

There may be two types of C2 complement deficiency. Complement proteins (C1 through C9) are substances in the blood that destroy bacteria and other cells through a series of complex interactions. A study of individuals from two families with C2 deficiencies found that they had two different types of C2 deficiency. In one family, individuals with C2 deficiency did not synthesize enough C2 protein. Individuals with the disorder in the other family made an adequate amount of C2 protein, but they did not secret enough protein into the blood. The two types of C2 deficiency may be caused by different types of genetic abnormalities. Individuals from both families had increased susceptibility to infections rather than the rheumatic diseases more commonly associated with C2 deficiency. Further studies need to examine whether individuals with different types of C2 deficiency may have different medical conditions.

Genetic aspects, Complement deficiency (Immunology), Complement deficiencies

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Pulmonary inflammation - a balancing act

Article Abstract:

The identification of naturally-produced chemicals in the lung that mediate inflammation provides targets for drug therapy of many inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. One such chemical is substance P, which is a peptide that stimulates the production of several chemicals involved in inflammation. Although the inflammatory response can injure tissues, it is designed to kill infectious organisms. Consequently, any drug must mitigate the adverse effects of inflammation without destroying its beneficial effects.

Physiological aspects, Lungs, Lung, Inflammation, Inflammation mediators, Substance P

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