Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. We examined serum levels of MMP-9 and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), activity of MMP-9, and the effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). After polysomnography, venous blood was collected at 5:00 A.M. from 44 patients with OSAS and 18 control subjects who were obese, and serum levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and enzymatic activity of MMP-9 were measured. In addition, the effects of 1 month of treatment with nCPAP were studied in patients with moderate to severe OSAS. Although serum levels of MMP-9 (p < 0.03) and MMP-9 activity (p < 0.01) were higher in patients with OSAS than in control subjects who were obese, TIMP-1 levels did not differ significantly. In patients with OSAS, the severity of OSAS was the primary factor influencing levels (p < 0.01) and activity (p < 0.01) of MMP-9. nCPAP significantly decreased serum levels (p < 0.01) and activity (p < 0.001) of MMP-9 but did not affect TIMP-1 levels. Therefore, OSAS may increase risks of cardiovascular morbidity, and nCPAP might be useful for decreasing these risks.

Fluvastatin has inhibitory effects on cytokine and chemokine production, and thus might be used as a potential therapeutic agent in severe asthma.

Increased infiltration of eosinophils in the lamina propria and mast cells in smooth muscle and submucosal glands may have a role in airway remodeling of fatal asthma airways but needs further investigation. Moreover, mast cells in cartilaginous airways may participate in the regulation of smooth muscle tone and mucous gland secretion and hyperplasia.

Background: Characterization of seafood allergens is important to understand the immune response to these allergens. Moreover, a detailed comparison between atopic and nonatopic patients with adverse reactions to shrimp has never been reported. Methods: Raw and boiled shrimp extracts were analyzed by immunoblotting using sera from 9 atopic and 7 nonatopic patients with a history of adverse reactions to shrimp, and 13 control subjects. Total IgE, specific IgE and skin prick tests (SPT) to shrimp were also investigated. Results: The level of specific IgE to shrimp was higher in atopic patients than nonatopic patients (p < 0.05). Symptoms, SPT results and major allergens involved were similar in atopic and nonatopic patients. The 16.5-kD protein had the highest frequency of IgE binding followed by the 40-kD protein in these patients. Other minor IgE-binding proteins were observed at the 20-, 22-, 54-, 72-, 129- and 140-kD regions. Patients who had binding to the 16.5-kD protein had either positive (25% raw/31% cooked) or negative (13% raw/cooked) CAP-FEIA-RAST, while patients who recognized the 40-kD protein all had positive (31% raw/19% cooked) CAP-FEIA-RAST. All control subjects had negative immunoblots for these two proteins. Conclusion: The 16.5-kD protein was the most frequent protein identified regardless of CAP-FEIA-RAST results, while the 40-kD protein was only present in patients with positive CAP-FEIA-RAST. Therefore, 16.5-kD protein may be an important allergen that is clinically relevant in both atopic and nonatopic patients with adverse reactions to shrimp even if it is not detected by the CAP-FEIA-RAST system.

Suplatast tosilate inhibits the differentiation, maturation, and function of moDCs.