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Background and objectives: Administration of inhaled medication for asthma and COPD is often difficult and incorrect device use is associated with unfavorable outcomes. We aimed to evaluate device ...

In Sarcoidosis joints-muscles-bones (JMBs) localizations are of the least common. 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging revolutionized detection of JMBs involvement by adding metabolic activity information and al...

Οι μεταφορείς, είναι διαμεμβρανικές πρωτεΐνες μέσω των οποίων πραγματοποιείται η διακίνηση θρεπτικών συστατικών, μορίων σηματοδοτών ή άλλων ουσιών εντός και εκτός του κυττάρου. Αυτό τις καθιστά απαραίτητα μόρια για την επικοινωνία του κυττάρου με το περιβάλλον. Τα τελευταία χρόνια, γενετικά, βιοχημικά και βιοφυσικά δεδομένα που προέρχονται από τη μελέτη αρκετών μεταφορέων, συνέβαλλαν στην κατανόηση των σχέσεων δομής λειτουργίας και των μηχανισμών αναγνώρισης και μεταφοράς υποστρώματος. Παρά τις εξελικτικές, δομικές και λειτουργικές διαφορές τους, όλοι οι μεταφορείς χρησιμοποιούν έναν κοινό μηχανισμό εναλλασσόμενης πρόσβασης, όπου μια θέση πρόσδεσης υποστρώματος εναλάσσεται μεταξύ πολλαπλών διαμορφώσεων προκειμένου να μεταφέρει ένα υπόστρωμα από τη μία πλευρά της μεμβράνης στην άλλη. Αυτός ο βασικός μηχανισμός που διεξάγεται από δυναμικές κινήσεις του κύριου διαμεμβρανικού σώματος και υποβοηθείται από την ευελιξία υδρόφιλων βρόχων, συναντάται σε διάφορες παραλλαγές, γνωστές ως rocker-switch, rocking-bundle και μηχανισμός elevator. Μία από τις μεγαλύτερες οικογένειες δευτερογενών μεταφορέων είναι η υπεροικογένεια amino acid/polyamine/organocation (APC), η οποία περιλαμβάνει μεταφορείς που λειτουργόυν ως συμμεταφορείς διαλυτής ουσίας κατιόντος και αντιμεταφορείς διαλυτών ουσιών με μεγάλη ποικιλία υποστρωμάτων. Η οικογένεια Nucleobase Cation Symporter 1 (NCS1) αποτελεί μία από τις πιο καλά μελετημένες υποοικογένειες της APC υπεροικογένειας, και εκπρόσωποί της συναντώνται σε προκαρυωτικούς οργανισμούς, μύκητες και μερικά φυτά. Αυτό οφείλεται στην πληθώρα γενετικών και βιοχημικών δεδομένων που αφορούν μέλη της οικογένειας σε μύκητες, καθώς και σε εκτεταμένες δομικές και βιοφυσικές μελέτες ενός βακτηριακού ομολόγου, του συμμεταφορέα υδαντοΐνης/Na+, Mhp1. Η οικογένεια NCS1 δεν έχει αντιπροσώπους στα θηλαστικά, κάτι που την καθιστά ιδανική για τη στόχευση ειδικών φαρμάκων κατά των μικροβιακών παθογόνων. Οι μεταφορείς της οικογένειας NCS1 αποτελούνται από 12 διαμεμβρανικά τμήματα (ΔΤ) με δομή α έλικας, που συνδέονται με σχετικά μικρές ενδιάμεσες αλληλουχίες και έχουν κυτταροπλασματικά αμινο και καρβοξυτελικά άκρα. Τα ΔΤ1 10 οργανώνονται σε μια δομή ανεστραμμένης επανάληψης ανά 5 (5-helix intertwined inverted repeat; 5HIRT) που ονομάζεται αλλιώς και LeuT-fold, και συναντάται σε μεταφορείς πολλών διαφορετικών οικογενειών που εμπλέκονται στη μεταφορά νευροδιαβιβαστών, σακχάρων, αμινοξέων ή φαρμάκων. Τα δύο τελευταία διαμεμβρανικά τμήματα (11 και 12) μερικών μεταφορέων που έχουν παρόμοια δομή με τον LeuT, φαίνεται να εμπλέκονται στον ολιγομερισμό, παρά στο μηχανισμό λειτουργίας τους αυτό καθαυτό. Παρόλα αυτά, δεν υπάρχουν επαρκή δεδομένα για το δομικό ή/και λειτουργικό τους ρόλο. Μεταφορείς που ανήκουν στην οικογένεια NCS1 στους μύκητες, είναι από τους πιο καλά μελετημένους σε γενετικό, βιοχημικό και κυτταρικό επίπεδο. Δομικά μοντέλα μυκητιακών μεταφορέων NCS1 βασίζονται σε πολλές διακριτές κρυσταλλικές δομές του βακτηριακού ομολόγου Mhp1 και υποστηρίζονται από γενετικές μελέτες που προκαθόρισαν τη θέση δέσμευσης του υποστρώματος και τα πιθανά στοιχεία που δρουν σαν πύλες, καθορίζοντας την εξειδίκευση. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, ένα σημαντικό εύρημα που προέρχεται από έρευνα του εργαστηρίου μας πάνω στους μυκητιακούς μεταφορείς της NCS1 οικογένειας (τόσο σε μέλη της Fcy όσο και της Fur υποοικογένειας) είναι ότι η εξειδίκευση δεν καθορίζεται μόνο από κατάλοιπα που βρίσκονται στο σημείο πρόσδεσης του υποστρώματος (ΔΤ1, ΔΤ3, ΔΤ6 ή ΔΤ8) αλλά και από δυναμικές κινήσεις του τμήματος ΔΤ9 ΔΤ10 που δρα σαν εξωκυτταρική πύλη.Σε αυτή τη διατριβή, παρέχουμε πειραματικά και in silico δεδομένα που αποδεικνύουν ότι η ενδοκύτωση, η λειτουργία και περιέργως η εξειδίκευση του FurE, ενός μεταφορέα του Aspergillus nidulans που ανήκει στην NCS1 οικογένεια και μεταφέρει ουρακίλη-αλλαντοΐνη και ουρικό οξύ, εξαρτάται από δυναμικές αλληλεπιδράσεις των άμινο και καρβοξυτελικών άκρων μεταξύ τους και με το βασικό σώμα του μεταφορέα. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, τα καρβοξυτελικά άκρα εμπλέκονται σε ενδομοριακές δυναμικές αλληλεπιδράσεις που είναι απαραίτητες για την εκλεπτυσμένη ρύθμιση των πυλών που ελέγχουν την επιλογή των υποστρωμάτων. Πραγματοποιώντας Μοριακές Δυναμικές (ΜΔ) και αναλύσεις μεταλλαγών στο γονίδιο του μεταφορέα, υποθέσαμε ότι αυτό συμβαίνει μέσω αλληλεπιδράσεων των κυτταροπλασματικών ουρών με ενδοκυττάριες θηλιές, οι οποίες με τη σειρά τους επηρεάζουν τη διαδικασία διαλογής υποστρωμάτων μέσω των πυλών στην εξωκυττάρια πλευρά της πλασματικής μεμβράνης. Επιπρόσθετα, τα αποτελέσματά μας έδειξαν ότι αυτές οι αλληλεπιδράσεις εξαρτώνται άμεσα από το pH. Στη συνέχεια, αξιοποιώντας τις πληροφορίες από εκτεταμένες αναλύσεις ΜΔ, πραγματοποιήσαμε συστηματική και στοχευμένη λειτουργική ανάλυση μεταλλαγών στο μόριο του μεταφορέα FurΕ, προκειμένου να χαρακτηρίσουμε το μονοπάτι μετατόπισης του υποστρώματος κατά τη διάρκεια της μετάβασής του από τις διακριτές διαμορφώσεις του. Επιπροσθέτως, παρέχουμε πειραματικά στοιχεία που δείχνουν πως η ταυτότητα των αμινοξέων που απαρτίζουν τα δύο τελευταία ΔΤ του FurE, δεν καθορίζει την κατάλυση της μεταφοράς. Ωστόσο, ένα συντηρημένο κατάλοιπο τυροσίνης είναι απολύτως απαραίτητο για τη σωστή στόχευση του μεταφορέα στην πλασματική μεμβράνη. Στο τελευταίο μέρος αυτής της δουλειάς, συνδυάζουμε βιοφυσικές τεχνικές και υπολογιστικές μεθόδους για να καταλάβουμε σε βάθος το μηχανισμό που διέπει το λειτουργικό ρόλο των κυτταροπλασματικών άκρων στη διαλογή και μεταφορά του υποστρώματος, κάτι που φαίνεται να αντικατοπτρίζει ένα γενικότερο μηχανισμό που χαρακτηρίζει τους μεταφορείς της APC υπεροικογένειας. Το σύνολο της διατριβής αυτής, υποστηρίζει την ευρύτερη ιδέα ότι το μέγεθος των άκρων των ευκαρυωτικών μεταφορέων αυξήθηκε κατά τη διάρκεια της εξέλιξης, προσδίδοντας περισσότερους διακριτούς τρόπους ρύθμισης της λειτουργίας τους.

FurE, a member of the NCS1 family, is an Aspergillus nidulans transporter specific for uracil, allantoin and uric acid. Recently, we showed that C- or N-terminally truncated FurE versions are blocked for endocytosis and surprisingly show modified substrate specificities. Bifluorescence complementation assays and genetic analyses supported the idea that C- and N-termini interact dynamically and through this interaction regulate selective substrate translocation. Here we functionally dissect and define distinct motifs crucial for endocytosis, transport activity, substrate specificity and folding, in both cytosolic termini of FurE. Subsequently, we obtain novel genetic and in silico evidence indicating that the molecular dynamics of specific N- and C-terminal regions exert long-range effects on the gating mechanism responsible for substrate selection, via pH-dependent interactions with other internal cytosolic loops and membrane lipids. Our work shows that expanded cytoplasmic termini, acquired through evolution mostly in eukaryotic transporters, provide novel specific functional roles.

Background: Incorrect use of inhaler devices is associated with unfavorable outcomes Aim: To evaluate device use errors in asthma and COPD patients treated in outpatient clinics of 3 tertiary hospitals and one private practice office in Greece Methods: Demographics and medical history were recorded. Patients demonstrated the use of their prescribed device and use was evaluated according to predefined steps Results: 607 patients (50.2%male, mean age 60.2years) performed 663 demonstrations (56 patients were using 2 different types of devices). 49.8% were treated for asthma and 50.2% for COPD. 79.5% were using DPIs. Errors were documented in 41.2%, were associated with the type of device, p Conclusion: Device use errors are common and associated with unfavorable outcomes. Trained patients were more likely to use the device correctly. Patients should be encouraged to demonstrate the use of their devices during medical visits in everyday clinical practice

Introduction: Alpha1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is an autosomal co-dominant disease related to SERPINA-1 gene mutations predisposing to pulmonary emphysema and/or liver disease. Aim: to examine the genotype and phenotype of a Greek cohort of A1AT-deficiency patients. Methods: This multicenter study enrolled A1AT-deficiency patients under augmentation treatment from 8 centers in Greece. Results: 23 adult patients, 61% male, 17.4% non-smokers, diagnosed at a median age (IQR) of 47(42-58) years with A1AT levels of 0.24 (0.04-0.4) g/L were identified. Indications for A1AT measurement were severe obstructive pulmonary disease at the age Conclusion: In contrast with the literature, where Z and S are the most common A1AT-deficiency alleles, the present study reveals extremely rare deleterious variants in Greek A1AT-deficiency patients under augmentation treatment. Further examination of phenotype-genotype associations and outcome is expected to unveil their clinical significance in the future.

We have previously rationally designed, synthesized and tested a number of 3-deazapurine analogues, which inhibit the ubiquitous fungal nucleobase transporter FcyB, through binding in its major substrate binding site, by specifically interacting with Asn163. Here, in an effort to further understand the molecular details of structure-activity relationships in all three major nucleobase transporters of fungi, we extend this study by designing, based on our previous experience, synthesizing and testing further 3-deazapurine analogues. We thus identify seven new compounds with relatively high affinity (19–106 μΜ) for the FcyB binding site. Importantly, four of these compounds can also efficiently inhibit AzgA, a structurally and evolutionary distinct, but functionally similar, purine transporter. Contrastingly, none of the new compounds tested had any effect on the transport activity of the uric acid-xanthine transporter UapA, albeit this being a structural homologue of AzgA. Besides the apparent importance for understanding how nucleobase transporter specificity is determined at the molecular level, our work might constitute a critical step in the design of novel purine-related antifungals.

FurE, a member of the Nucleobase Cation Symporter 1 transporter family in Aspergillus nidulans, is specific for allantoin, uric acid (UA), uracil, and related analogs. Herein, we show that C- or N-terminally-truncated FurE transporters (FurE-ΔC or FurE-ΔΝ) present increased protein stability, but also an inability for UA transport. To better understand the role of cytoplasmic terminal regions, we characterized genetic suppressors that restore FurE-ΔC-mediated UA transport. Suppressors map in the periphery of the substrate-binding site [Thr133 in transmembrane segment (TMS)3 and Val343 in TMS8], an outward-facing gate (Ser296 in TMS7, Ile371 in TMS9, and Tyr392 and Leu394 in TMS10), or in flexible loops (Asp26 in LN, Gly222 in L5, and Asn308 in L7). Selected suppressors were also shown to restore the wild-type specificity of FurE-ΔΝ, suggesting that both C- and/or N-terminal domains are involved in intramolecular dynamics critical for substrate selection. A direct, substrate-sensitive interaction of C- and/or N-terminal domains was supported by bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. To our knowledge, this is the first case where not only the function, but also the specificity, of a eukaryotic transporter is regulated by its terminal cytoplasmic regions.

International audience; Previous studies have shown that the co-existence of bone marrow failure and pulmonary fibrosis in a single patient or in a family is suggestive of telomere related genes (TRG) germline mutations. This study presents the genetic background, clinical characteristics, and outcome of a group of five Greek patients co-affected with IPF and MDS. Four out of five patients developed an IPF acute exacerbation that was not reversible. We failed to detect any mutation in the TERT, TERC, DKC1, TINF2, RTEL1, PARN, NAF1, ACD, NHP2 and NOP10 genes in any patient. Moreover, telomere length was normal in the two patients tested. This could suggest that although the co-occurence of IPF and MDS are suggestive of TRG mutation in patients

Introduction In sarcoidosis although no better drug therapy than corticosteroids (CS) has emerged, alternative immunosuppressive agents are used when indicated. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) presents rapid action, a considerable safety profile and absence of lung toxicity. Few data exist so far on its use in patients with sarcoidosis. This is a retrospective study on the effectiveness and safety of MMF in patients with sarcoidosis. Materials and methods All patients with biopsy proven sarcoidosis treated for at least 1 year with MMF from 2008 to 2017 in our department are evaluated. Results Eight patients with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease are included in the analysis. During follow-up, symptoms and chest radiological findings improved in all. A statistically significant improvement of FEV1 and FVC is reported (p = 0.010 and p = 0.021 respectively). Cardiac and renal disease resolved during treatment while dermal disease significantly improved. MMF permitted CS dose reduction from 15.0 (10.0, 35.0) to 2.5 (0.0, 5.0) mg prednisolone (or equivalent), p = 0.016. All patients but one, tolerated well MMF. Conclusion MMF as an alternative drug in systemic sarcoidosis, proved safe and effective, permitting the reduction of the dose of oral CS and leading to clinical, functional and radiological improvement.

FurE, a member of the NCS1 family, is anAspergillus nidulanstransporter specific for uracil, allantoin and uric acid. Recently we showed that C- or N-terminally truncated FurE versions are blocked for endocytosis and, surprisingly, show modified substrate specifities. Bifluorescence complementation assays and genetic analyses supported that the C- and N-termini interact dynamically and through this interaction regulate selective substrate translocation. Here we functionally dissect and delimit distinct motifs crucial for endocytosis, transport activity, substrate specificity and folding, in both cytosolic termini of FurE. Subsequently, we obtain novel genetic andin silicoevidence supporting that the molecular dynamics of specific N- and C-terminal regions affect allosterically the gating mechanism responsible for substrate selection, via pH-dependent interactions with other internal cytosolic loops and membrane lipids. Our work shows that elongated cytoplasmic termini, acquired through evolution mostly in eukaryotic transporters, provide novel specific functional roles.

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is a clinical entity characterized by the coexistence of upper lobe emphysema and lower lobe fibrosis. Patients with this condition experience severe dyspnea and impaired gas exchange with preserved lung volumes. The diagnosis of the CPFE syndrome is based on HRCT imaging, showing the coexistence of emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis both in varying extent and locations within the lung parenchyma. Individual genetic background seem to predispose to the development of the disease. The risk of the development of pulmonary hypertension in patients with CPFE is high and related to poor prognosis. CPFE patients also present a high risk of lung cancer. Mortality is significant in patients with CPFE and median survival is reported between 2.1 and 8.5 years. Currently, no specific recommendations are available regarding the management of patients with CPFE. In this review we provide information on the existing knowledge on CPFE regarding the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, imaging, complications, possible therapeutic interventions and prognosis of the disease.

Introduction Emphysema and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) present either per se or coexist in combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE). Serum surfactant proteins (SPs) A, B, C and D levels may reflect lung damage. We evaluated serum SP levels in healthy controls, emphysema, IPF, and CPFE patients and their associations to disease severity and survival. Methods 122 consecutive patients (31 emphysema, 62 IPF, and 29 CPFE) and 25 healthy controls underwent PFTs, ABG-measurements, 6MWT and chest HRCT. Serum levels of SPs were measured. Patients were followed-up for 1-year. Results SP-A and SP-D levels differed between groups (p = 0.006 and p

Background and objective: Smoking is thought to modify the pattern of airway inflammation. Induced sputum provides useful information on cellular phenotype in inflammatory airways disorders; however, it is time-consuming and difficult to implement in everyday clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine whether exhaled NO (FeNO) and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH differed in asthmatic smokers compared with asthmatic non-smokers and healthy subjects, and to evaluate the performance of FeNO and EBC pH for predicting the cellular phenotype of induced sputum. Methods: Asthmatic smokers (n = 40) and non-smoking asthmatic patients (n = 43) were recruited for the study. Healthy smoking (n = 30) or non-smoking (n = 30) subjects served as controls. FeNO and EBC pH were measured and all subjects underwent sputum induction for assessment of cell counts. Results: EBC pH was significantly lower in asthmatic smokers compared with non-smokers (P 7.20 predicted the paucigranulocytic induced sputum phenotype. Conclusions: EBC pH and FeNO levels were significantly lower in asthmatic smokers compared with non-smokers. Combined specific cut-off levels for FeNO and EBC pH may predict the paucigranulocytic phenotype in asthmatic smokers.

Background: Distinct infl ammatory cellular phenotypes of severe refractory asthma (SRA) have been reported. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (F e NO) primarily is related to eosinophilic infl ammation. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH has been suggested as a noninvasive tool in the assessment of patients with asthma. We sought to determine whether F e NO and EBC pH could identify the presence and type of the underlying cellular infl ammation in patients with SRA. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with SRA, 27 patients with moderate asthma, and 17 healthy subjects underwent F e NO measurement, EBC collection for pH measurement, and sputum induction for cell count identifi cation. Results: F e NO was signifi cantly higher and pH signifi cantly lower in patients with SRA than in the other groups. In SRA, F e NO levels of . 19 parts per billion were associated with a sensitivity of 0.78 and a specifi city of 0.73 for sputum eosinophilia, whereas F e NO levels of , 19 parts per billion were associated with a sensitivity of 0.63 and a specifi city of 0.9 for sputum neutrophilia irrespective of the presence of eosinophils. The pH failed to predict the cellular profi le in SRA, but a cutoff value of , 7.37 could predict sputum eosinophilia in moderate asthma. Conclusions: In patients with SRA, different F e NO threshold values can identify those with predominant eosinophilia as well as those with neutrophilia. F e NO levels were reduced in patients with predominant neutrophilia regardless of the concomitant presence of eosinophilia. Although pH could not identify the cellular profi le in SRA, it seemed to be a better index for predicting eosinophilia in moderate asthma.

We hypothesized that cardiovascular events and/or indices of cardiac dysfunction may be increased in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). Systemic and pulmonary arterial hypertension, arrhythmias, pulmonary embolism, stroke and ischemic heart attack were reported. Patients underwent serum anti-GM-CSF antibodies, disease severity score (DSS), Doppler transthoracic echocardiograph, glucose, thyroid hormones, lipids, troponin and pro-Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) examination. Thirteen patients (8 female) were studied, median age of 47. Pro-BNP inversely related to DLCO% and TLC%; troponin directly related to DSS, age, P(A-a)O2, left atrium-, left ventricle-end-diastole diameter and BMI. On multiple regression analysis DSS was the only parameter significantly and strongly related with troponin (R(2) = 0.776, p = 0.007). No cardiovascular event was reported during follow-up. In PAP cardiovascular risk indices relate to lung disease severity. Therefore, PAP patients could be at increased risk for cardiovascular events. Quantitation of its magnitude and potential links to lungs' physiologic derangement will be addressed in future studies.

Introduction: Emphysema and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) are defined by different clinical, functional, radiological, and pathological criteria that coexist in CPFE. Serum surfactant protein(SP) levels increase in patients with COPD and IPF and correlate to disease severity. We aimed to evaluate SP(A, B, C and D)serum levels in CPFE compared to emphysema, IPF and controls and their associations with disease severity. Methods: Patients with IPF, emphysema, CPFE and controls were included. Subjects underwent PFTs, ABG measurements, 6MWT and HRCT with scoring for the extent of emphysema, fibrosis or their combination. Serum levels of SPs were measured by ELISA Results: 80 subjects(12 controls, 18 emphysema, 35 IPF and 15 CPFE) were included. SPA and D levels(ng/ml) differed significantly between groups:SPA: 128.7±47.2 vs 138.0±61.9 vs 170.9±53.0 vs 198.9±60.2 p=0.008 and SPD: 13.6±12.9 vs 34.1±28.3 vs 242.9±170.3 vs 246.8±191.1 p 1 (p=0.025, r=0.527) and DLCO(p=0.03, r=0.527). In CPFE, SPB levels correlated to FEV 1 (p=0.001,r=0.785) and FVC(p=0.001, r=0.791) whether SPD levels correlated to TLC(p=0.023, r=-0.622) Conclusions: Levels of SPA and D differ in patients with emphysema, IPF and CPFE with CPFE demonstrating the highest values and correlate to the extent of parenchymal damage. The differences in the associations of all SPs except SPC, with functional characteristics could suggest specific pathogenetic roles of SPs in each disease.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is categorized into hereditary, secondary and autoimmune PAP (aPAP) types. The common pathogenesis is the ability of the alveolar macrophages to catabolize phagocytized surfactant is affected. Hereditary PAP is caused by mutations involving the GM-CSF signaling, particularly in genes for the GM-CSF receptor and sometimes by GATA2 mutations. Secondary PAP occurs in hematologic malignancies, other hematologic disorders, miscellaneous malignancies, fume and dust inhalation, drugs, autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies. aPAP is related to the production of GM-CSF autoantibodies. PAP is characterized morphologically by the inappropriate and progressive 'occupation' of the alveolar spaces by an excessive amount of unprocessed surfactant, limiting gas exchange and gradually exhausting the respiratory reserve. Myeloid cells' immunity deteriorates, increasing the risk of infections. Treatment of PAP is based on its etiology. In aPAP, recent therapeutic advances might shift the treatment option from the whole lung lavage procedure under general anesthesia to the inhalation of GM-CSF 'as needed'.

Pulmonary surfactant is a highly surface-active mixture of proteins and lipids that is synthesized and secreted in the alveoli by type II epithelial cells and is found in the fluid lining the alveolar surface. The protein part of surfactant constitutes two hydrophilic proteins (SP-A and SP-D) that regulate surfactant metabolism and have immunologic functions, and two hydrophobic proteins (SP-B and SP-C), which play a direct role in the organization of the surfactant structure in the interphase and in the stabilization of the lipid layers during the respiratory cycle. Several studies have shown that cigarette smoke seems to affect, in several ways, both surfactant homeostasis and function. The alterations in surfactants’ biophysical properties caused by cigarette smoking, contribute to the development of several smoking related lung diseases. In this review we provide information on biochemical and physiological aspects of the pulmonary surfactant and on its possible association with the development of two major chronic diseases of the lung known to be related to smoking, i.e. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Additional information on the possible role of surfactant protein alterations and/or dysfunction in the combination of these two conditions, recently described as combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) are also provided.

Granulocyte macrophage–colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) causes variable improvement in autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP). Upon response to short-term treatment, patients are divided into responders and non-responders. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that long-term inhaled GM-CSF (iGM-CSF) is effective in all patients and that attainment of remission permits gradual de-escalation of the dose to the lowest effective safe dose. Patients were treated with iGM-CSF 250 μg once a day given 4 days on and 4 days off for as long as necessary (the “as far as it takes” protocol). Upon remission, defined as absence of symptoms, oxygen desaturation

SummaryBackgroundVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered to be the most important angiogenic factor in asthma. Cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cyst-LTs) have been implicated in vascular permeability in asthma. Cyst-LTs receptor antagonists modulate vascular permeability by reducing VEGF expression.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the levels of VEGF and Cyst-LTs in sputum supernatants of patients with asthma and to investigate possible associations within them and with airway vascular permeability (AVP) index. Possible confounding factors were also assessed.MethodsOne hundred twenty one patients with asthma (38 with severe refractory asthma, 41 smokers) and 30 healthy subjects (15 smokers) were studied. All subjects underwent lung function tests, and sputum induction for cell count identification and VEGF, Cyst-LTs, measurement in supernatants. AVP index was also assessed.ResultsBoth VEGF & Cyst-LTs (pg/ml) levels were significantly elevated in patients with asthma compared to normal subjects (median, interquartile ranges 845 [487–1034] vs. 432 (327–654) and 209 [171–296] vs. 92 [75–114] respectively, p