Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0034067 (emphysema)
 11,506 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Chlamydia pneumoniae has been detected in atherosclerotic plaques by various means. Chlamydiae are able to cause persistent infections. Serologically elevated antibody titers are found in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In atherosclerosis and pulmonary emphysema, inflammatory reactions can be seen by means of light microscopy. Specimens from patients with obliterative arteriosclerosis undergoing thrombendarteriectomy and with advanced emphysema undergoing lung volume reduction surgery were examined using scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, and using immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies and antiserum against chlamydiae. SEM shows spherical bodies (SBs) with a diameter from 0.3 microm to 0.6 microm on the surface of the alveoli and bronchioles, as well as in atherosclerotic plaques. In atherosclerosis and emphysema, SBs reveal a double membrane, adherence to collagen fibers, tissue destruction, as well as intracellular and interstitial localization in TEM. They show in parts a densely packed central structure. SBs are seen both in alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency emphysema and smoker's emphysema. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, spots are seen in corresponding distributions to the SBs. Morphological findings are typical for aberrant chlamydiae seen in persistent infections. Chronic infection and bacterial colonization associated with progressive disease seems to be relevant not only in atherosclerosis but also in pulmonary emphysema.
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PMID:The role of chlamydia in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema. Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence reveal corresponding findings as in atherosclerosis. 1099 81

Alpha-1antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency, an inherited disorder, has been shown to be the cause of lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. One of the treatment strategies to provide appropriate and adequate concentrations of A1AT in the lungsis the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in pulmonary drug delivery. In the current study, biocompatible nanohydrogels were prepared using chemically cross-linked chitosan with ginepin, a natural cross linker reagent, and used as a carrier to deposit A1AT into the lung tissue. Colloidal and monodispersed NPs were synthesized through reverse microemulsion. Nanohydrogels were characterized with TEM, LLS, FTIR, ZTEA potential, UV spectrum, and swelling test. Encapsulation efficacy was determined at different concentrations of A1AT using Bradford assay. Effect of processing variables such as pH, loading efficiency, and release media components on drug release profile was determined in simulated lung fluids. To evaluate the inhibitory activity of the A1AT after release from NPs, trypsin inhibitory capacity assay was carried out. Results from FTIR and UV spectrum confirmed the development of chitosan cross linkage. Spherical chitosan-genipin NPs were sized from 30-100 nm. NPs exhibited the ability to release 49% of the drug within 12-dayperiodatpH 7. However, there were variations with the drug release profile due to pH variations and loading efficacy. Drug release was higher in pseudo alveolar fluid in comparison with saline solution. These data indicate that application of chitosan nanohydrogels can be a useful tool for sustained release of A1AT in the lung tissue.
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PMID:Chitosan-genipin nanohydrogel as a vehicle for sustained delivery of alpha-1 antitrypsin. 2677 72