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A morphometric study of cat sebaceous glands was performed to evaluate the effects of castration and testosterone treatments. Skin biopsies were taken in six cats before castration, after castration and after the testosterone injections administered after castration (total number of biopsies: 18). Ninety 8/im thick sections of each biopsy were assessed for image analysis processing (SAMBA 2005, ALCATEL TITN). The variations in glands and cells size were evaluated on digitized microscopic images by morphometric parameters included in the SAMBA software package. An original software was developed for the analysis of the spacial gland structure. The best morphometric parameters were selected in a first step of the study, and included the nuclear surface (NS), the cell surface (CS) and the nuclear/cellular surface ratio (N/C). These three parameters were then compared in each group of samples for the six cats. It was shown that after castration the N/C (21%) significantly increased compared with prior to castration (12.6%). This 59.8% increase was mainly due to cell cytoplasm shrinking reflecting a decrease of the cell activity. The testosterone administered after castration produced a reverse effect with a N/C ratio back to normal (11.4%) and a significant cell cytoplasm and gland enlargement as shown by the three dimension constructions. This morphometric data correlated with the measurement of sebum and Fel d I productions. The negative effects of castration and the positive effects of testosterone on the sebaceous cells and glands volume favour the hypothesis that cat sebaceous cells are subject to hormonal control this is also likely to apply to the Fel d I production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascular injury is the main mechanism in pathophysiology of PR3-ANCA-associated vasculitis. Soluble serum thrombomodulin (sTM) is a membrane-bound receptor for thrombin expressed by vascular endothelial cells. -, Objective: The aim of study was to determine the blood levels of sTM in patients with PR3-ANCA-associated vasculitis., Material and Methods: Twenty five patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), 13 with generalized WG and 12 with limited WG, with histologically proven disease, and 15 healthy subjects as a control were investigated. An ELISA for detection of sTM and PR3-ANCA was performed. The disease activity was evaluated according to BVAS and DEI indexes., Results: Significant increases in sTM were found in both active generalized and limited active WG compared with control values: 108 +/- 12, 56 +/- 2, and 12 +/- 4 ng/ml, respectively. Elevated ANCA titer correlated with disease activity, but more weakly than sTM levels did. Elevated sTM concentration is a result of vascular endothelial injury in the course of PR3-ANCA associated vasculitis., Conclusions: Soluble serum thrombomodulin is a promising, both diagnostic and therapeutic, marker of endothelial cell injury in relation to disease activity and progression in autoimmune disorders, reflecting the degree of endothelial cell damage.

Background: Bacterial and viral respiratory tract infections may trigger relapses in patients with PR3-positive vasculitis. Data have suggested that treatment with co-trimoxazole may be beneficial, because this antibiotic could act by eliminating the offending microbe and thereby stopping the initiating stimulus., Goal and Methods: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of co-trimoxazole given 960 mg thrice weekly for 18 months in preventing relapses in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) in remission, after treatment with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone was conducted. Relapses and infections were assessed with predefined criteria based on clinical, laboratory, serological, microbiological, and histopathological findings. Sixteen patients were assigned to receive co-trimoxazole and 15 to receive placebo., Results: Seventy five percent of the patients in the co-trimoxazole group remained in remission at 18 months and 55% of those in the placebo group. A proportional hazard regression analysis identified a positive PR3-ANCA test at the start of treatment, chronic nasal crusting, and Staphylococus aureus infection as risk factors for relapse. Furthermore, the analysis identified treatment with co-trimoxazole as an independent factor associated with prolonged disease-free interval., Conclusion: Treatment with co-trimoxazole reduces the incidence of relapses in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis in remission.

Objective: Clinical symptoms and radiological changes are useful in monitoring patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Neovascularization participates in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other ILD. The objective of the study was to examine the relationships between angiogenic activity of sera from ILD patients and clinical or radiological status., Material and Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 83 patients with sarcoidosis, 31 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 29 with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), 16 with collagen diseases with pulmonary manifestation (CD), 13 with scleroderma (SCL), 14 with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), 12 with pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (HIS), 12 with pneumoconiosis (PNC), 10 with drug-induced lung disease (DLD), 5 with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), and from 36 healthy volunteers. As an angiogenic test we used a cutaneous angiogenesis assay according to Sidky and Auerbach. Clinical status was evaluated using a special questionnaire. In all patients chest radiographs were performed., Results: The angiogenic properties of sera from ILD differed depending on the clinical diagnosis. The strongest proangiogenic effect was induced by sera from patients with HP (mean number of new vessels 16.8), CD (16.6), sarcoidosis (16.3), IPF (16.2), and PNC (15.7). In the case of DLD (13.2), the effect was comparable to healthy controls (13.5). In contrast, sera from SCL (mean number of the vessels 10.5) and HIS patients (10.8) significantly inhibited angiogenesis compared with controls. The angiogenic activity of sera from patients with hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes involvement was higher than that of sera from patients with lung fibrosis. There were also differences in the serum angiogenic activity in relation to the severity of dyspnea., Conclusions: The data showed that sera from ILD patients constitute a source of mediators modulating angiogenesis, but the pattern of reaction is different in various diseases. Sera from HP, sarcoidosis, IPF, and CD patients demonstrated the strongest proangiogenic activity. However, sera from SCL and HIS inhibit angiogenesis. Angiogenic activity of examined sera was related to the clinical and radiological changes.

Wegener's granulomatosis is characterized histologically by necrotizing granulomatous angitis that most commonly involves the upper, lower respiratory tract, and kidneys, but may affect any organ system. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for evaluating pulmonary disease activity in Wegener's granulomatosis patients. Pulmonary disease activity at the time of examination was scored in 66 patients with Wegener's granulomatosis according to clinical, radiological, and bronchoscopic findings: activity group (n=43, Group 1), past activity group (n=14, Group 2). Of 66 staging examinations, 57 (86%) revealed abnormal CT scans: masses or nodules (30 patients in Group 1 and 6 patients in Group 2, parenchymal opacifications (15 in Group 1 and 1 in Group 2), pleural irregularity (3 in Group 1 and 10 in Group 2). We conclude that HRCT may be a useful supplement to clinical scoring of disease activity in Wegener's granulomatosis with pulmonary involvement.

Systemic autoimmune diseases, such as vasculitis and collagen diseases, are characterized by chronic inflammation. Mutual interrelationship between angiogenesis and chronic inflammation has already been demonstrated. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of sera from patients with systemic autoimmune diseases on angiogenesis induced by human mononuclear cells. The study population consisted of 43 patients with a systemic autoimmune disease associated with pulmonary manifestations, divided into three groups: 14 with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), 13 with systemic sclerosis (SS), and 16 with collagen vascular diseases (CVD) such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and dermatomyositis. The control group consisted of 15 healthy volunteers. Clinical status was evaluated using a questionnaire. Standard chest radiographs were performed in all patients. Pulmonary function tests were performed according to the ERS standards. An animal model of a leukocyte-induced angiogenesis assay was used as an angiogenic test. Sera from WG and CVD patients significantly stimulated angiogenesis compared with healthy subjects (P<0.001). On the other hand, sera from healthy donors exerted a proangiogenic effect compared with PBS. In contrast, sera from SS patients significantly (P<0.001) inhibited angiogenesis compared with sera from healthy subjects and PBS. Proangiogenic effect of sera from systemic diseases patients depended on radiological changes. No significant correlation between a degree of dyspnea or functional pulmonary tests and the number of new vessels or angiogenesis index was found. Sera from patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and healthy people constitute the source of mediators modulating angiogenesis. These modulatory effects differ depending on the disease entity.

Wegener's granulomatosis is a systemic disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract and necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis. Nasal carriage of S. aureus is considered a risk factor for S. aureus infections. The aim was to examine possible risk factors for relapse including refractory nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. Swab cultures from anterior nares for S. aureus were taken in consecutive patients (n=28), with limited (n=15) and systemic forms (n=13) of biopsy-proven Wegener's granulomatosis. The occurrence of infection and relapses were identified according to defined criteria. Seventeen of the 28 patients (60%: 95% Cl, 41-76%) were found to be chronic nasal carriers of S. aureus (> or =80% of nasal cultures positive for S. aureus). A hazard regression analysis identified chronic nasal carriage of S. aureus as independent risk factor for relapse (HR-4.56; Cl 2.45-7.65) in patients with limited Wegener's granulomatosis. Chronic nasal carriage of S. aureus characterized patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, who are more prone to relapses.

Differential diagnosis of infection during active immune disease, such as Wegener's granulomatosis (Wegener's granulomatosis), is a major clinical challenge. Laboratory measures, erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein, can be elevated in infections that supervene, or coinciding with, in active Wegener's granulomatosis, and thus are nonspecific. The aim of the study was to compare the serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT) in patients with active and inactive disease. Twenty two sera were tested from 10 patients with active, generalized, and biopsyproven Wegener's granulomatosis, with pulmonary involvement, and 12 patients with nonactive one. PCT levels were measured using an immunoluminometric assay. The PCT level was markedly elevated (1.2-3.6 ng/ml) in 9 of the 10 sera from active and 2 of the 12 sera from nonactive Wegener's granulomatosis. PCT levels were in the normal range (0.28-0.56 ng/ml) in the remaining patients with nonactive Wegener's granulomatosis. We conclude that serum procalcitonin levels may be a potentially useful marker in the diagnosis of bacterial infection supervening in active Wegener's granulomatosis.

Angiogenesis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases. A correlation between serum angiogenic cytokines level of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and radiographic manifestations or functional pulmonary changes has been described, but the role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of other interstitial lung diseases such as silicosis and pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis remains unclear. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of sera from silicosis and pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis patients on angiogenesis induced by human mononuclear cells (MNC) in relation to pulmonary function. The study population consisted of 12 patients with silicosis, 12 patients with pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLH), and 14 healthy volunteers. Spirometry, whole-body plethysmography, static lung compliance (Cst), and diffusing capacity of the lung for CO (DL(CO)) were performed in all patients. As an angiogenic test, leukocyte induced angiogenesis assay according to Sidky and Auerbach was used. Sera from PLH patients exerted a significant inhibitory effect on angiogenesis (P<0.001). Sera from silicosis patients significantly (P<0.001) stimulated angiogenesis compared with sera from healthy donors. However, sera from healthy donors significantly stimulated the angiogenic activity of MNC compared with the control with PBS. The mean value of DL(CO) was significantly lower in the group of patients with PLH compared with patients with silicosis (P<0.05). A significant correlation between angiogenesis index and DL(CO) was observed (P<0.05). No significant correlation between the angiogenesis index and other functional parameters was found. Sera from interstitial lung diseases patients and healthy donors constitute a source of mediators modulating angiogenesis. Sera from silicosis patients stimulate neovascularization but sera from PLH patients exert an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis. A correlation between serum angiogenic activity and DL(CO) was found.

Angiogenesis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis occurs also in many diseases, such as other types of interstitial pneumonias or drug-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of sera from patients with various types of pulmonary fibrosis on angiogenesis induced by human mononuclear cells (MNC) in relation to lung functions. The study population consisted of 32 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 11 patients with drug-induced pulmonary fibrosis (DIPF), 6 with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), and 20 healthy volunteers. An animal model of leukocyte-induced angiogenesis assay was used as an angiogenic test. Spirometry, whole-body plethysmography, static lung compliance (Cst), and diffusing capacity of the lung for CO (DL(CO)) were performed in all patients. Sera from IPF and COP patients significantly stimulated angiogenic activity of MNC, compared with sera from healthy donors and from DIPF patients (P<0.001). However, sera from healthy donors and DIPF significantly stimulated angiogenic activity of MNC compared with the control group with PBS (P<0.001). In all groups, a decrease in the mean value of Cst and DL(CO) was observed, but no significant correlation between VC, FEV(1), DL(CO), Cst, and angiogenic activity of sera from examined patients was found. Sera obtained from patients with pulmonary fibrosis constitute a source of mediators modulating angiogenesis, but the pattern of reaction is different in various diseases. The strongest reaction is observed in IPF and the weakest one in DIPF. The angiogenic activity of sera did not correlate with the pulmonary function of patients with pulmonary fibrosis.

Sera from interstitial lung diseases (ILD) constitute a source of mediators participating in angiogenesis. The nature of these mediators is unknown. The aim of our study was to asses whether preincubation with sera from ILD patients could influence TNFalpha and INFgamma production by normal mononuclear cells (MNC) challenged with LPS (for TNFalpha) or PHA (for INFgamma), and to correlate the cytokine levels with angiogenic properties of sera. The study population consisted of 53 patients with ILD, 16 with sarcoidosis (SAR), 11 with avian fanciers' lung (AFL), 10 with scleroderma with pulmonary manifestations (SCL), 9 with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), and 7 with pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (PLH). As a control, sera from 10 healthy volunteers were used. Neovascularization was measured by a leukocyte-induced angiogenesis assay according to Sidky and Auerbach. TNFalpha and INFgamma production was estimated by a one-step culture immunoassay CytoTraptrade mark TNFalpha DIA (Biosource Europe S.A.) after 3 h of incubation with LPS (TNFalpha) and 24 h incubation with PHA (INFgamma). Sera from sarcoidosis patients, WG patients, and AFL patients significantly stimulated angiogenesis in comparison with sera from healthy donors (P<0.001). Sera from PLH and SCL patients presented anti-angiogenic properties in comparison with sera from healthy donors and from each examined group (P<0.001). Comparing with other groups, preincubation with sera from AFL and WG patients led to a significant increase in TNFalpha production by normal MNC. Highly significant correlation between serum angiogenic activity and TNFalpha production by MNC was observed in SCL, WG, and AFL (r=0.74, P<0.01). we conclude that TNFalpha may play an important role in neovascularization in ILD.

Sarcoidosis (SAR) is a systemic granulomatous inflammatory disease characterized by recruitment and activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to the sites of disease. Neovascularisation is a principal vascular response in chronic inflammation and hypoxia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of sera from sarcoidosis patients on angiogenic capability of different subsets of normal peripheral human mononuclear cells (MNC) in relation to IL-6 and IL-8 serum levels, to radiological stages of disease and to the presence of extrapulmonary changes. Serum samples obtained from 42 sarcoidosis patients were examined. There were 12 patients in stage I, 16 patients in stage II, and 14 in stage III. In order to quantify angiogenesis, a leukocyte-induced angiogenesis assay was performed by a method of Sidky and Auerbach. MNC were depleted in monocytes by glass adherence and phagocytosis of iron particles techniques. IL-6 and IL-8 in sera from sarcoidosis patients were evaluated by an ELISA-based assay. Sera from sarcoidosis patients enhanced angiogenic capability of normal MNC significantly stronger than sera from healthy donors (P<0.001). Angiogenic activity of sera in sarcoidosis depended on the stage of disease and appeared most pronounced in stage II (P<0.05). Sera from patients with extrapulmonary changes exerted stronger effect on angiogenesis than sera from patients with thoracic changes only (P<0.001). IL-6 and IL-8 serum level correlated with each other, but no correlation was found between IL-6 and IL-8 serum level and angiogenic activity of the examined sera. Removal of monocytes from MNC eliminated the effect of sera from sarcoidosis patients on angiogenesis compared with the effect of these sera on intact MNC (P<0.001). Sera from sarcoidosis patients and from healthy people constitute a source of mediators participating in angiogenesis. Sera from sarcoidosis patients prime monocytes for production of proangiogenic factors.

Pulmonary-renal syndrome (PRS) is defined as a diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. We present a retrospective study of 22 consecutive patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). Logistic regression analysis and a Wilcoxon test were included in the statistics. Survival time death risk were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and the Cox proportional hazard model. At recognition, the median Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener's Granulomatosis (BVAS/WG) was 30.0 (23.0-32.5), PO2 on air was 5.8+/-0.5 kPa, creatinine level was 7.2+/-1.4 mg/dl. Fifteen patients were PR3 positive, among them 4 patients were also positive for anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies (anti-GBM). Renal biopsy was performed in 16 patients. Histological examination reviled segmental necrotizing crescentic GN in 15 patients. Thirteen patients were initially dialysis-dependent, and 7 required ventilatory support. All patients were treated with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide (pulses). The patients were followed up for 24+/-8 months. Of the survivors, 55% and 31% were alive after 1 and 2 years. Early recognition and proper treatment may improve outcome in PRS.

Setting: The diagnosis of bone and joint tuberculosis (BTB) is difficult, and diagnostic delays often occur. A reliable serological test detecting anti-mycobacterial antibodies would thus be of some use in this form of the disease., Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of an assay detecting IgG against 38-kDa and 16-kDa recombinant mycobacterial antigens in BTB., Materials and Methods: In a prospective study, serum samples from 124 subjects were examined: 30 BTB cases, 40 non-specific bone and joint infection patients (NSBI), 30 lung cancer patients (LC), and 24 healthy volunteers (HC). An ELISA-based test (Pathozyme TB complex plus) was used., Results: The cut-off level was established at 150 U/ml according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The quantified level of sensitivity of the test detecting BTB was 56%, at a specificity of 99%. The positive and negative predictive values were respectively 94% and 88%. Mean IgG level in the BTB group was 470 +/- 761 U/ml (mean +/- SD), and was significantly higher than the antibody level in the control groups (NSBI 58 +/- 42 U/ml, LC 43 +/- 38 U/ml, HC 40 +/- 29 U/ml)., Conclusion: The test presents an acceptable level of sensitivity and very good specificity in the diagnosis of BTB, and can be used in combination with other methods to increase diagnostic accuracy in this disease.

Isoniazid (INH), antituberculous drug with immunomodulatory properties, have been described as lupus-like syndrome inducer. The development of autoimmunological phenomena results from immunoregulatory disturbances. The goal of this work was to determine the influence of INH on selected parameters of the immune response in vivo and in vitro. In vivo (in B6AF1 mice) the influence of long-term treatment on primary humoral response and cellular response was evaluated. Drug dose was 25 mg/kg. In vitro (using peripheral blood of volunteers) the influence of INH on mitogen induced proliferation, metabolic activity of granulocytes and production of angiogenic cytokines by diverse subpopulation of mononuclear cells was examined. The concentrations tested were 0.5 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml. No effect of INH could be demonstrated on the production anti-SRBC antibodies nor on the cellular response in mice. In vitro INH added to the cell cultures increased PHA and ConA stimulated proliferation. The chemiluminescence of human granulocytes increased in the presence of INH. Drug enhanced production of angiogenic cytokines by human lymphocytes CD4+ and suppressed angiogenic activity of CD8+ cells. The results suggest that INH has strong immunomodulatory properties which may explain its involvement in pathogenesis of lupus-like disease.

Despite of a fast development in the techniques of rapid identification of mycobacteria by molecular genetic techniques, serodiagnosis may be of special values as non-expensive, easy to perform method. Several serodiagnostic tests, principally those using immunoenzymatic (ELISA) methodology are available. The goal of our study was to evaluate one step coloured immunochromatographic assay detecting IgG antibodies against antigen 38 kDa (Rapid Test TB). Our material consisted of 278 serum samples--tuberculosis (n = 155), healthy (n = 36), sarcoidosis (n = 50), lung cancer (n = 25) mycobacterial infections other than tuberculosis (n = 12). Tuberculosis group consisted of new culture positive cases (n = 66), new culture negative cases (n = 23), chronic cases (n = 43) and extrapulmonary TB (n = 23). Specificity of 96% and sensitivity of 54% was obtained. In pulmonary TB sensitivity of 50% and in extrapulmonary TB of 74% was obtained. In chronic cases sensitivity of 70% and in new cases of 40% was received. Sensitivity of 44% in new culture positive cases and 30% in new culture negative cases was obtained. We conclude that immunochromatographic test may be a very useful tool improving tuberculosis diagnosis, especially in extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Strip test may be an interesting alternative as it is an extremely simple, rapid, and cheap technique.

Measurement of antimycobacterial antibody may be used as potential diagnostic tool in tuberculosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum IgG level against A60 mycobacterial antigen measured by ELISA method. Material consisted of 144 persons divided into 5 groups (76 tuberculosis patients, 20 sarcoidosis patients, 17 lung cancer patients, 8 patients with mycobacterial infections other than tuberculosis and 23 healthy controls). In the tuberculosis group there were 50 culture positive cases and 26 culture negative ones, 43 new cases and 32 chronic cases. Positive results were obtained in 51% of tuberculosis patients. Sensitivity increased to 62% in culture positive group and 63% in chronic cases. Specificity of the test was 96%. The results indicate that Immunozyme Mycobacterium test is a valuable tool in tuberculosis diagnosis.

In interstitial pulmonary diseases investigations are conducted to find markers of the activity of the interstitial processes so that noninvasive monitoring of the disease might be possible. In 188 patients divided into 9 groups: 42 with active sarcoidosis, 24 with inactive sarcoidosis, 16 with active sarcoidosis treated with steroids and 22 with inactive sarcoidosis after corticotherapy, 17 with avian fanciers' lung exposed to the antigen, 16 with avian fanciers' lung after a year interval in exposure to the antigen, 20 with advanced and 13 with moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and 18 healthy persons the BAL was performed. In the BALF concentrations of protein and phospholipids were assayed by colorimetric method. The results indicate usefulness of the studied biochemical parameters in BALF in evaluation of the activity of interstitial pulmonary diseases. Significant differences were found between the results in the active group of patients compared to the control group and to the inactive forms of interstitial pulmonary diseases. Particularly valuable is phospholipids to protein concentration ratio in BALF.

Restriction is a typical functional abnormality in interstitial lung diseases (ILD) patients but not all of them represent this pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate 164 patients with ILD in whom normal lung volumes (FVC and TLC > 80% predicted) were found. There were 111 patients with sarcoidosis (phase I--9, II--77, III--25 patients), 25 patients with pulmonary fibrosis, 12 patients with allergic alveolitis and 16 patients with disseminated radiological changes in the lungs of different etiology. Some patients (40%), mostly with fibrosis and allergic alveolitis, were treated with corticosteroids. Measured parameters included static compliance (Cst), transfer factor for CO (TLco and Kco) and maxima expiratory flow-volume curves (MEF50). 33% of patients had all examined functional parameters in normal range, 50% had decreased maximal expiratory flows (particularly in the sarcoidosis group), 46% decreased Cst and 24% decreased transfer factor. Decreased Cst was found in 31% of patients with sarcoidosis, in 67% of patients with allergic alveolitis and in 96% of patients with lung fibrosis. Decreased TLco or Kco was found only in 11% of patients with sarcoidosis, in 42% of patients with allergic alveolitis and in 60% of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. It seems that, these discussed tests are very helpful in detecting functional abnormalities in patients with ILD without signs of restriction. Increased lung elasticity and decreased transfer factor for CO indicate the existence of early or presisting functional disturbances (despite treatment) in patients with ILD and normal lung volumes.

In interstitial pulmonary diseases a passive transudation of protein into an alveolar space takes place as well as local synthesis of protein by cells in alveolar space and protein leaking out of destroyed cells. Concentration of protein in BALF was assessed in 170 patients with interstitial pulmonary diseases and in 18 healthy persons by means of colorimetric method with Coomassie Blue. Patients were divided into 8 groups: active untreated sarcoidosis, inactive untreated sarcoidosis, active sarcoidosis after corticotherapy, inactive sarcoidosis after corticotherapy, avian fanciers' lung in the period of contact with the antigen, avian fanciers' lung after one year's interval in exposure to the antigen, advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In the group with active forms of diseases the increase of protein concentration in BALF was observed. The increase was statistically significant compared with the results in the control group and in the groups with inactive forms of the diseases. Protein concentration in BALF may play the role as marker of activity in interstitial pulmonary diseases.

Phospholipids found in the alveolar space come from the surfactant which is produced by type II pneumocytes and whose surplus is eliminated from lungs by macrophages. In 188 patients with interstitial pulmonary diseases bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. Phospholipids from the supernatant of BALF were extracted using of Folch method and their concentration was measured colorimetrically assaying inorganic phosphorus after prior mineralization by Fiske-Subbarov method. The persons were divided into 7 groups: active sarcoidosis, inactive sarcoidosis, avian fancier's lung in the period of contact with the antigen, and after stopping the contact with the antigen, advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and a control group of healthy persons. Apart from that, the patients were divided into untreated and treated with corticosteroids. In every group of patients we have noticed increased concentration and total amount of phospholipids in BALF. Particularly distinct increase of the total number of phospholipids in BALF in pulmonary fibrosis was observed. However, this parameter does not permit to estimate disease activity in interstitial lung disease. Corticotherapy increases phospholipids concentration in BALF in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and avian fancier's lung but decreases in sarcoidosis patients.

Tuberculosis diagnosis bases on clinical and radiological symptoms and identification of mycobacteria. Accuracy of both methods is limited. Therefore reliable serological test would have considerable advantage. The present study was aimed at evaluating IgG-mediated immune response against specific mycobacterial antigens 38 kDa in group of 200 patients and control subjects. Our material consisted of 104 tuberculosis patients, 25 with sarcoidosis, 24 with lung cancer, 13 with bacterial or fungal pulmonary infection, 8 with mycobacterial infections other than tuberculosis and 26 healthy persons. We used commercially available ELISA based kits (Pathozyme TB-complex). Specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 49% was achieved. Sensitivity increased to 59% in chronic cases and to 52% in culture positive cases. Sensitivity decreased to only 14% in group of new culture negative cases. Measurement of IgG serum level against 38 kDa can be helpful in tuberculosis diagnosis. As the test lacks falsely positive results it indicates its high positive predictive value.

For the first time in Poland we present the case of pulmonary reaction to furazidin which is by chemical structure closely related to nitrofurantoin. 63 years old woman presented generalized symptoms of acute hypersensitivity reaction induced by furazidin as well as features of chronic pulmonary fibrosis. After few months of treatment with this drug patients complained of weight loss, dyspnea on effort, non-productive cough, chills and fever. Radiological and functional evaluation of respiratory system confirmed features of lung fibrosis. Drug provocation test was positive. In vitro furazidin in low concentrations stimulated proliferation of patient's lymphocytes. After cessation of treatment we have observed rapid improvement of clinical, radiological, biochemical and functional parameters.

Angiogenesis is a process of new blood vessels' formation occurring in many physiological and pathological conditions. Neovascularisation is the principal vascular response in chronic inflammation and concomitant fibrotic process. Microvascular changes in various organ sites in sarcoidosis (BBS) and some of the symptoms of the disease may be related to microangiopathy. Moreover, vascular alterations were also observed in lung specimens from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and avian fanciers lung (AFL) patients. The present study was aimed at testing the effects of serum from 43 patients with ILD (24 BBS, 8 AFL, 8 IPF, 3 DIPF--drug induced pulmonary fibrosis) and 11 healthy controls on angiogenic capability of normal blood peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the murine intradermal angiogenesis assay (according to Sidky and Auerbach). The data demonstrated that sera from ILD patients significantly enhanced angiogenic capacity of normal PBMC as compared to control sera (p < 0.001). The effect was more pronounced for AFL patients than for BBS and IPF ones (p < 0.05). Sera from DIPF did not stimulate angiogenesis compared to control sera. The data showed that sera from ILD patients constitute sources of mediators participating in angiogenesis. This phenomenon may play role in pathogenesis of chronic immunological processes in lung.

The course of the pulmonary fibrosis is difficult to estimate as there are no diagnostic tests specific and sensitive enough to assess disease activity. Together 33 patients with pulmonary fibrosis have been studied. They have been divided into 2 subgroups, depending on the intensity of clinical, radiologic, and functional disorders. In all patients bronchoalveolar lavage has been carried out, and the obtained results have been compared with those in 18 healthy individuals. Changes in the cellular composition of BAL fluid had polymorphic character. In the early phase of the disease, only percentage of lymphocytes in BAL fluid has been increased significantly whereas in the more advanced stage percentage of both neutrophils and eosinophils has also been significantly increased. The use of several parameters simultaneously helps to evaluate pulmonary fibrosis.