BackgroundHuman rhinoviruses, major precipitants of asthma exacerbations, induce lower airway inflammation and mediate angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to assess the possibility that rhinoviruses may also contribute to the fibrotic component of airway remodeling.MethodsLevels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA and protein were measured following rhinovirus infection of bronchial epithelial cells. The profibrotic effect of epithelial products was assessed by DNA synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase activity assays. Moreover, epithelial cells were exposed to supernatants from cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells, obtained from healthy donors or atopic asthmatic subjects and subsequently infected by rhinovirus and bFGF release was estimated. bFGF was also measured in respiratory secretions from atopic asthmatic patients before and during rhinovirus-induced asthma exacerbations.ResultsRhinovirus epithelial infection stimulated mRNA expression and release of bFGF, the latter being positively correlated with cell death under conditions promoting rhinovirus-induced cytotoxicity. Supernatants from infected cultures induced lung fibroblast proliferation, which was inhibited by anti-bFGF antibody, and demonstrated increased matrix metalloproteinase activity. Rhinovirus-mediated bFGF release was significantly higher in an in vitro simulation of atopic asthmatic environment and, importantly, during rhinovirus-associated asthma exacerbations.ConclusionsRhinovirus infection induces bFGF release by airway epithelium, and stimulates stroma cell proliferation contributing to airway remodeling in asthma. Repeated rhinovirus infections may promote asthma persistence, particularly in the context of atopy; prevention of such infections may influence the natural history of asthma.

year of treatment with mepolizumab was safe, resulted in significant reduction of the annual exacerbation rate, reduction (or even discontinuation) of the needed dose of OCS, and improvements of asthma control and lung function.

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INTRODUCTIONThe COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed the capacities of healthcare systems. Primary care physicians had a pivotal role in reducing the unnecessary access of suspected and confirmed cases to hospitals, and they substantially contributed to the success of vaccination programs. In this study, we aim to determine the role of the Greek private primary care pulmonologists (PPCPs) network during the first year of the pandemic. METHODS An electronic questionnaire consisting of 28 simple questions was administered to PPCPs by e-mail or by sharing a link in private social networking groups. RESULTS A total of 150 PPCPs completed the study. According to their answers, they examined a significant portion of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases, and they offered to several patients blood testing and chest radiography. PPCPS maintained close contact with both patients that had faceto-face assessment and patients managed remotely with a great number of telephone contacts. The majority of PPCPs provided information for COVID-19 vaccination by telephone for more than 20 patients weekly. CONCLUSIONS PPCPs offered high quality and specialized support for COVID-19 patients. Besides, they supported the national vaccination program by informing a substantial number of patients.