National Jewish Health

About: National Jewish Health is a healthcare organization based out in Denver, Colorado, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Asthma & T cell. The organization has 883 authors who have published 833 publications receiving 79201 citations. The organization is also known as: National Jewish Medical and Research Center.

Radiologic and pathologic features of bronchiolitis.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate the clinical, pathologic, and imaging features of the inflammatory and fibrotic forms of bronchiolitis. The CT features presented in this article represent the typical features associated with each entity.CONCLUSION. Direct signs of bronchiolitis include centrilobular nodules and tree-in-bud pattern. Indirect signs include mosaic attenuation and air trapping. Although classic examples of each entity exist, there can be substantial overlap in the appearances, and distinguishing among these entities is not always possible. When high-resolution CT features overlap, clinical details will usually help to narrow the differential diagnosis.

Contribution of Antigen-Primed CD8+ T Cells to the Development of Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Inflammation Is Associated with IL-13

Abstract: The role of Th2/CD4 T cells, which secrete IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, in allergic disease is well established; however, the role of CD8+ T cells (allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation) is less clear. This study was conducted to define the role of Ag-primed CD8+ T cells in the development of these allergen-induced responses. CD8-deficient (CD8−/−) mice and wild-type mice were sensitized to OVA by i.p. injection and then challenged with OVA via the airways. Compared with wild-type mice, CD8−/− mice developed significantly lower airway responsiveness to inhaled methacholine and lung eosinophilia, and exhibited decreased IL-13 production both in vivo, in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and in vitro, following Ag stimulation of peribronchial lymph node (PBLN) cells in culture. Reconstitution of sensitized and challenged CD8−/− mice with allergen-sensitized CD8+ T cells fully restored the development of AHR, BAL eosinophilia, and IL-13 levels in BAL and in culture supernatants from PBLN cells. In contrast, transfer of naive CD8+ T cells or allergen-sensitized CD8+ T cells from IL-13-deficient donor mice failed to do so. Intracellular cytokine staining of lung as well as PBLN T cells revealed that CD8+ T cells were a source of IL-13. These data suggest that Ag-primed CD8+ T cells are required for the full development of AHR and airway inflammation, which appears to be associated with IL-13 production from these primed T cells.

Determinants of Airflow Obstruction in Severe Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

Abstract: Rationale: Severe alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is an autosomal recessive genetic condition associated with an increased, but variable, risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective: To assess the impact of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and sex on the development of COPD in individuals with severe alpha 1- antitrypsin deficiency. Methods: The Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Genetic Modifier Study is a multi-center family-based cohort study designed to study the genetic and epidemiological determinants of COPD in alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. 378 individuals (age range: 33-80), confirmed to be homozygous for the SERPINA1 Z mutation, were included in the analyses. Measurements and Main Results: The primary outcomes of interest were a quantitative outcome, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) as a percent of predicted, and a qualitative outcome, severe airflow obstruction (FEV1 < 50% predicted). In multivariate analysis of the overall cohort, cigarette smoking, sex, asthma, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia were risk factors for reduced FEV1 percent predicted and severe airflow obstruction (p<0.01). Index cases had lower FEV1 values, higher smoking histories, and more reports of asthma, pneumonia, and asthma before age 16 compared to non-index cases (p<0.01). Men had lower pre and post- bronchodilator FEV1 percent predicted measures than women (p<0.0001); the lowest FEV1 values were observed in men reporting a history of childhood asthma (26.9% +9.1). This trend for more severe obstruction in men remained when index and non-index groups were examined separately, with males representing the majority of non- index individuals with airflow obstruction (71%). Chronic bronchitis (OR 3.8, CI: 1.8-12.0) and a physician9s report of asthma (OR 4.2, CI: 1.4-13.1) were predictors of severe airflow obstruction in multivariate analysis of non-index men not women. Conclusion: In individuals with severe alpha 1- antitrypsin deficiency, sex, asthma, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia are risk factors for severe COPD, in addition to cigarette smoking. These results suggest that amongst severely AAT deficient subjects, men, individuals with symptoms of asthma or chronic bronchitis, and/or a past diagnosis of pneumonia may benefit from closer monitoring and potentially earlier treatment.

Effect of Polymorphism of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor on Response to Regular Use of Albuterol in Asthma

Abstract: Background: Regular use of inhaled β-adrenergic agonists may have adverse effects in some asthma patients. Polymorphisms of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR)