• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.46 no.9
• /
• pp.558-572
• /
• 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. One of its components, emphysema, has been defined as a lung disease that irreversibly damages the lungs' alveoli. Treatment is currently unavailable for emphysema symptoms and complete cure of the disease. Hyaluronan (HA) and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1), an HA-binding protein linking HA in the extracellular matrix to stabilize the proteoglycan structure, forms a bulky hydrogel-like aggregate. Studies on the biological role of the full-length HAPLN1, a simple structure-stabilizing protein, are limited. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that treating human alveolar epithelial type 2 cells with recombinant human HAPLN1 (rhHAPLN1) increased TGF-β receptor 1 (TGF-β RI) protein levels, but not TGF-β RII, in a CD44-dependent manner with concurrent enhancement of the phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3), but not p-Smad2, upon TGF-β1 stimulation. Furthermore, rhHAPLN1 significantly increased sirtuins levels (i.e., SIRT1/2/6) without TGF-β1 and inhibited acetylated p300 levels that were increased by TGF-β1. rhHAPLN1 is crucial in regulating cellular senescence, including p53, p21, and p16, and inflammation markers such as p-NF-κB and Nrf2. Both senile emphysema mouse model induced via intraperitoneal rhHAPLN1 injections and porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE)-induced COPD mouse model generated via rhHAPLN1-containing aerosols inhalations showed a significantly potent efficacy in reducing alveolar spaces enlargement. Preclinical trials are underway to investigate the effects of inhaled rhHAPLN1-containing aerosols on several COPD animal models.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.60 no.12
• /
• pp.29.1-29.11
• /
• 2018

Background: Respiratory troubles have economic impacts in countries where livestock industry is an important segment of the agricultural sector, as well as these problems may cause significant economic losses for bovine producers. Various practical methods are used to assess diseases that affect the bovine respiratory system. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive tool that has been used frequently in diagnosis of various animal diseases. The present study was designed to establish whether thoracic ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool for detection of respiratory troubles in weaned buffalo and cattle calves, as well as to assess its prognostic value in comparison with clinical respiratory scores. Thirty five (15 buffalo and 20 cattle) calves were included. Twelve (6 buffalo and 6 cattle) clinically healthy calves were enrolled as controls. Results: Based on physical examinations, clinical respiratory scores (CRS), ultrasound lung scores (ULS) and postmortem findings, animals were classified into 4 groups as pulmonary emphysema (n = 8), interstitial pulmonary syndrome (n = 7), bronchopneumonia (n = 12), and pleurisy (n = 8). The mean values of CRS and ULS were significantly higher in diseased calves (P < 0.01). In calves with pulmonary emphysema and interstitial syndrome, thoracic ultrasonography revealed numerous comet-tail artifacts, which varied in numbers and imaging features. Furthermore, variable degrees of pulmonary consolidation with alveolograms and bronchograms were noticed in bronchopneumonic calves. In addition, thick irregular or fragmented pleura with pleural effusions and fibrin shreds were imaged in calves with pleurisy. A weak correlation was calculated between CRS and ULS (r = 0.55, P < 0.01). Hematologically, the counts of white blood cells, activities of aspartate aminotransferase and partial tensions of carbon dioxide were significantly increased in all diseased groups. Serum concentrations of total globulins were higher in claves with bronchopneumonia (P < 0.05). The partial tension of oxygen was decreased in all diseased calves (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Thoracic ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool for various lung troubles and assessment the grade and severity of pulmonary diseases, as well as it can be used as a follow-up tool for evaluating the prognosis of respiratory troubles and monitoring the efficacy of therapies.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.133-140
• /
• 1969

We observed 56 cases of nontraumatic pneumothorax clinically and statistically, which had been experienced at the deparment of chest surgery. St. Mary`s Hospital,Catholic Medical College in theserecent years. 1] In the underlying pathology of spontaneous pneumothorax, nontuberculous origin [60.7%], especially due to pulmonary emphysema or blebs[17.8%], especially due to pulmonary emphysema or blebs[17. 8%], tended to increase as the reports of foreign countries, but tuberculous origin was still high in our country[39.3%]. Considering the 14 cases, unknown underlying pathology, the most of them might have scattered blebs which were not revealed in chest Roentgen films. 2] The principle treatment done in our clinic was as follows; The patients, below 20% lung collapse were treated by bed rest and abdominal respiration. The patients, between 20% and 40% lung collapse were treated by repeated pleural aspiration or closed thoracotomy followed. The cases,over 40% lung collapse were treated by closed thoracotomy initially. 3] The average duration of indweIling catheter was 3 to 4 days in the closed thoracotomy. We used to not remove the indwelling catheter early to promote pleural adhesion. 4] Sometimes, the closed thoracotomy drainage induces bronchial irritation and asthmatic attacks, especially in old age group accompanying pulmonary emphysema. In these cases, respiratory difficulties and acidosis should be prevented and controlled with medical treatment including steroid therapy.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.101-104
• /
• 2003

Although lung transplantation has been accepted as the most effective treatment for end-stage pulmonary emphysema, it is not only very hard to find a donor but also to obtain a relatively healthy lung. Furthermore, it is more difficult to match the size of the allograft, considering the height, the weight, and the size of the thoracic cage. The single lung transplatations for the end-stage emphysema have been more commonly performed than bilateral lung transplantation due to the shortage of the donors and the long-term survival rate of the single lung transplantations has shown no reasonable difference compared with that of the bilateral lung transplantationh. Recently, the functional criteria based on a comparison of predicted TLCs(Total Lung Capacities) of the donor and recipient according to height, sex and age, have been accepted at a more suitable.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.27 no.11
• /
• pp.965-969
• /
• 1994

Infantile lobar emphysema is a pulmonary hyperinflation state that has the clinical features of an air block syndrome characterized by bronchial cartilaginous abnormalities or unknown origin. Left upper lobe was affected in most of the reported infantile lobar emphysema. Infantile lobar emphyema is divided into two categories. e.g., congenital and acquired. We have experienced a case of left lower lobe involved infantile lobar emphysema which had undergone left pneumonectomy. She had progressive signs of tension accompanied by mediastinal displacement, ventilatory and circulatory failure in infant period. Because of the combined left upper lobe hypoplasia, left pneumonectomy was performed. And there was no cartiliginous abnormality in pathologic finding. This is the first domestic case which was affected in the lower lobe and successful surgical repaired.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.30 no.8
• /
• pp.827-832
• /
• 1997

Lung volume reduction surgery(LVRS) has recently been advocated as an alternative or a bridge to lung transplantation for patients with evere dibbling emphysema. This procedure is a palliative treatment performed to alleviate the dyspnea of patients with emphysema and improve performance in the activities of daily living. The rationale of lung volume reduction for generalized emphysema is that the removing of the diseased and functionless lung may improve the function of remaining, less diseased lung. The factors critical to the success of LVRS are careful patient selection, accurate localization of target areas, meticulous anesthetic and operative technique, and intensive postoperative support. We have experienced a case of severe emphysema in a 59-year-old male patient. After selection process and pulmonary rehabilitation, the patient was treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic LVRS and the post-operative course was uneventful.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.367-376
• /
• 1996

Background : The diagnosis of emphysema during life is based on a combination of clinical, functional, and radiographic findings, but this combination is relatively insensitive and nonspecific. The development of rapid, high-resolution third and fourth generation CT scanners has enabled us to resolve pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities with great precision. We compared the chest HRCT findings to the pulmonary function test and arterial blood gas analysis in pulmonary emphysema patients to test the ability of HRCT to quantify the degree of pulmonary emphysema. Methods : From october 1994 to october 1995, the study group consisted of 20 subjects in whom HRCT of the thorax and pulmonary function studies had been obtained at St. Mary's hospital. The analysis was from scans at preselected anatomic levels and incorporated both lungs. On each HRCT slice the lung parenchyma was assessed for two aspects of emphysema: severity and extent. The five levels were graded and scored separately for the left and right lung giving a total of 10 lung fields. A combination of severity and extent gave the degree of emphysema. We compared the HRCT quantitation of emphysema, pulmonary function tests, ABGA, CBC, and patients characteristics(age, sex, height, weight, smoking amounts etc.) in 20 patients. Results : 1) There was a significant inverse correlation between HRCT scores for emphysema and percentage predicted values of DLco(r = -0.68, p < 0.05), DLco/VA(r = -0.49, p < 0.05), FEV1(r = -0.53, p < 0.05), and FVC(r = -0.47, p < 0.05). 2) There was a significant correlation between the HRCT scores and percentage predicted values of TLC(r = 0.50, p < 0.05), RV(r = 0.64, p < 0.05). 3) There was a significant inverse correlation between the HRCT scores and PaO2(r = -0.48, p < 0.05) and significant correlation with D(A-a)O2(r = -0.48, p < 0.05) but no significant correlation between the HRCT scores and PaCO2. 4) There was no significant correlation between the HRCT scores and age, sex, height, weight, smoking amounts in patients, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and wbc counts. Conclusion : High-Resolution CT provides a useful method for early detection and quantitating emphysema in life and correlates significantly with pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analysis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.720-730
• /
• 1990

The complicated pulmonary emphysema including “Giant bullae” and spontaneous pneumothorax often involve both lungs, and controversy exists concerning which is the more rational means of surgical treatment-bilateral simultaneous operation or two staged operation. We report three cases of the complicated bilateral bullous emphysema and two cases of bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax treated through median sternotomy. We performed the ligation of bullae, bullectomy, cystectomy, wedge resection, and left lower lobectomy through median sternotomy. No technical problems were encountered through this approach, which provided maximum benefit with one operation In conclusions, median sternotomy may be appropriate for resection of emphysematous bullae, specially in a severe COPD patient who may be poorly tolerated the superimposed loss of respiratory function due to incisional pain, because median sternotomy permit bilateral exploration, minimal impairment of pulmonary function, simultaneous restoration of pulmonary function, less incisional pain than routine lateral thoracotomy.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.226-229
• /
• 2013

Prolonged air leakage is a major cause of morbidity in pneumothorax. When conservative management is not effective, surgery should be performed. However, surgery is not appropriate in patients with low pulmonary function. In these patients, occlusion of the airway with endobronchial blockers may be attempted under bronchoscopy. We treated two patients with prolonged air leakage using endobronchial Watanabe spigots under fibrobronchoscopy.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.306-310
• /
• 2011

Elastic fibers are found in the skin, lungs, arteries, veins and other structures. Elastases destroy the elastic fibers and cause the emphysema and pulmonary hypertension. Oxidative stress is needed for these pathologic changes. Accordingly, present study was designed to investigate the effect of Albizziae Cortex extracts (ACE) on elastase activity and anti-oxidative effects of ACE. The in vitro inhibitory effects on elastase and di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) free radical scavenging activities of ACE were measured. The elastase activity was significantly inhibited by ACE. DPPH and NO free radicals were significantly scavenged as well. ACE showed the elastase-inhibiting effects and anti-oxidative activities in vitro. These results suggest that ACE may have potential roles in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema and pulmonary hypertension.