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BACKGROUND: Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) have different pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and outcomes than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The intention of this study was to identify unknown differences between CPFE and IPF by a retrospective comparison of clinical data including baseline and annual changes in pulmonary function, comorbidities, laboratory findings, clinical characteristics and cause of hospitalization. METHODS: This study retrospectively enrolled patients with CPFE and IPF who had undergone PFTs once or several times per year during a follow-up period of three years. Baseline clinical characteristics and the annual changes in the pulmonary function during the follow-up period were compared between 26 with CPFE and 42 patients with IPF. RESULTS: The baseline ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%) in patients with CPFE was lower than that in patients with IPF (78.6±1.7 vs. 82.9±1.1, p=0.041). The annual decrease in FEV1/FVC in the CPFE was significantly higher than in the IPF. The annual decreases in diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide and FVC showed no significant differences between the two groups. The symptom durations of cough and sputum were in the CPFE significantly lower than in the IPF. The serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate level at the acute stage was significantly higher than in the IPF. There were no significant differences in the hospitalization rate and pneumonia was the most common cause of hospitalization in both study groups. CONCLUSION: The annual decrease of FEV1/FVC was in patients with CPFE significantly higher than in the patients with IPF.

Background: Asian dust storms can be transported across eastern Asia. In vitro, Asian dust particle-induced inflammation and enhancement of the allergic reaction have been observed. However, the fibrotic effects of Asian dust particles are not clear. Production of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and fibronectin were investigated in the bronchial epithelial cells after exposure to Asian dust particulate matter (AD-PM10). Methods: During Asian dust storm periods, air samples were collected. The bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to AD-PM10 with and without the antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Then TGF-β1 and fibronectin were detected by Western blotting. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by the measurement of dicholorodihydrofluorescin (DCF), using a FACScan, and visualized by a confocal microscopy. Results: The expression of TGF-β1, fibronectin and ROS was high after being exposed to AD-PM10, compared to the control. NAC attenuated both TGF-β1 and fibronectin expression in the AD-PM10-exposed the bronchial epithelial cells. Conclusion: AD-PM10 may have fibrotic potential in the bronchial epithelial cells and the possible mechanism is AD-PM10-induced intracellular ROS.

Background Recent studies show that mitophagy, the autophagy-dependent turnover of mitochondria, mediates pulmonary epithelial cell death in response to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure and contributes to the development of emphysema in vivo during chronic cigarette smoke (CS) exposure, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods In this study, we investigated the role of mitophagy in the regulation of CSE-exposed lung bronchial epithelial cell (Beas-2B) death. We also investigated the role of a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, roflumilast, in CSE-induced mitophagy-dependent cell death. Results Our results demonstrated that CSE induces mitophagy in Beas-2B cells through mitochondrial dysfunction and increased the expression levels of the mitophagy regulator protein, PTEN-induced putative kinase-1 (PINK1), and the mitochondrial fission protein, dynamin-1-like protein (DRP1). CSE-induced epithelial cell death was significantly increased in Beas-2B cells exposed to CSE but was decreased by small interfering RNA-dependent knockdown of DRP1. Treatment with roflumilast in Beas-2B cells inhibited CSE-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy by inhibiting the expression of phospho-DRP1 and -PINK1. Roflumilast protected against cell death and increased cell viability, as determined by the lactate dehydrogenase release test and the MTT assay, respectively, in Beas-2B cells exposed to CSE. Conclusion These findings suggest that roflumilast plays a protective role in CS-induced mitophagy-dependent cell death.

Methotrexate (MTX) has been established as a standard disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. If adequate disease control is achieved for a reasonable period of time, tapering the MTX dosage is recommended because the chronic use of MTX can result in opportunistic infection. We present here a case of a woman with rheumatoid arthritis taking MTX, and the woman developed actively caseating endobronchial Mycobacterium intracellulare disease with pulmonary infiltrations. After discontinuing the MTX, the patient was able to tolerate 18 months of antimycobacterial treatment without flare ups of rheumatoid arthritis, and she completely recovered from nontuberculous mycobacterial respiratory disease.

Recently, a novel influenza A (H1N1) has been recognized as the cause of a worldwide respiratory infection outbreak. Although the symptoms of a novel influenza A (H1N1) are usually mild, the disease can cause severe illness and death. A complication of novel influenza A (H1N1) is pneumomediastinum, a rarely reported condition. We report a case of influenza A (H1N1) complicating pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema, which had initially presented with blood tinged sputum and chest pain. In addition, we demonstrate bronchoalveolar lavage in influenza A (H1N1).

A 23-year old woman was admitted to our hospital with hemoptysis. The chest X-ray showed reticulonodular opacity and multiple cysts throughout the entire lung field. The chest CT scan revealed numerous bilateral cysts with various sizes, some of them with thickened walls. An open lung wedge resection was performed. The resected specimen showed scattered small nodules, 0.3 to 0.6 cm in size. Microscopically, each nodule was composed of atypical glands with an occasional papillary architecture spreading to the alveolar septa, which were morphologically consistent with a papillary adenocarcinoma with a bronchioloalveolar carcinoma growth pattern. Immunochemically, the tumor cells were negative for the S-100 protein. The patient was diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma of the lung. A variety of diseases can produce or mimic multiple, thin-walled cysts in the lung. Lung cancer with multiple cysts is quite rare. Nevertheless, adenocarcinoma should be a diagnostic consideration. We report a case of a multiple cystic adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Background: Dust clouds blown by the wind from the arid deserts of Mongolia and Northeast China are known as Asian dust storms. Ambient particulate matter with a diameter

Results: IPF patients and control subjects differed in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus as assessed by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that diabetes mellitus and obesity were associated with IPF. The adjusted odds ratios for diabetes mellitus were 2.733 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.282∼5.827) and 2.001 (95% [CI], 1.063∼3.766) for obesity. The remaining factors tested showed no differences between the patient group and the control. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus and obesity may be associated with IPF development.

On 7 December 2007, the Hebei Spirit ran aground near Taean and released approximately 10,900 tons of oil into the sea. Crude oil on the coastal areas and fumes in the a ir increased the number of health problems among the local population. We report a case of respiratory failure a fter the oil spill clean-up work. A 66-year-old female was admitted to hospital with cough, sputum, and dyspnea of 1-m onth duration after the oil spill clean-up. She was diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia and treated with empirical antibiotics. However, she had progressive respiratory failure without identification of the p athogen. Respiratory failure due to chronic inhalation of hydrocarbons from the crude oil spill clean-up was suspected . After mechanical ventilation care, she recovered from respiratory failure and was discharged. We report a case o f severe respiratory toxic effects after an oil spill clean-up. We concluded that long-term hydrocarbon inhalation during the oil spill clean-up may have induced respiratory failure in this case.Key Words: Petroleum, Hydrocarbons, Respiratory insufficiency

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is characterized by idiopathic acute febrile illness, diffuse pulmonary infiltration, severe hypoxemia, and pulmonary eosinophilia. We report a case of AEP associated with intramuscular administration of progesterone as luteal phase support after in vitro fertilization. A 33-year-old woman presented to our emergency room with tachypnea and hypoxemia, complaining of fever and cough for 4 days, and dyspnea for 2 days. The symptoms began 9 days after the first injection of progesterone. Chest radiograph showed bilateral infiltrates, located predominantly in the periphery of the lungs, with blunting of the costophrenic angle. Symptoms and chest radiograph dramatically improved after corticosteroid therapy and shifting the progesterone from an intramuscular form of administration to a vaginal form of administration.

Desmoid tumor (fibromatosis) is a histologically benign fibrous neoplasm showing locally infiltrating growth. This type of tumor commonly occurs in the abdomen, but intrathoracic desmoid tumor is uncommon. To date, 12 cases of intrathoracic desmoid tumor protruding into the pleural cavity, radiologically mimicking pleural masses, have been reported. Here, we report on a case of intrathoracic desmoid tumor protruding into the pleural cavity, and partially covered by parietal pleura. The main preoperative differential diagnoses included pleural solitary fibrous tumor, inflammatory pseudotumor or malignant mesothelioma. A near-total mass excision was performed. Pathologically, the tumor was composed of a paucicellular arrangement of spindle-shaped cells with fibromyxoid stroma. The resection margin was partially involved with spindle cells present. On histochemical staining, the spindle cells were strongly positive for vimentin and negative for CD34, consistent with a desmoid tumor. The patient was stable without further adjuvant treatment during 6-years of follow-up.

Methods: The patients with PLCH confirmed by biopsy at any body site were included and the patients should have lung lesions present. A questionnaire that had items on the symptoms, lung function tests, the roentgenographic findings and the treatment was collected retrospectively at a Korean ILD Research Meeting. Results: A total of 56 cases were collected. The number of males and females was 48 and 8, respectively, and their median age was 43 years (range: 18∼67 years). The patients were current or ex-smokers in 79% of the cases. The most frequent symptom was coughing (39%), followed in decreasing order by dyspnea (38%), sputum (20%) and chest pain (20%). Pneumothorax was observed in 16 (29%) patients. Lung function tests showed a normal, restrictive, mixed or obstructive pattern in 26 (61%), 7 (16%), 7 (16%) and 3 patients (7%), respectively. Nodular-cystic lesion was most frequently observed in 59% of the patients on HRCT. The lung lesions were located in the middle and upper lobes in almost the cases. The median follow-up period was 90 months (range: 1 ∼180 months) and only two patients died during this period. Conclusion: This study provides a national survey of the patients with PLCH during a long follow-up period.

연구배경: 황사는 동북아시아에서 자연 발생하는 현상으로, 지름 10μm 이하의 미세먼지(particulate matter 10, PM10)를 다수 포함하여, 흡입하면 하부기관지 및 폐의 가스-교환부분까지 침착 가능하여 호흡기계에 손상을 일으킬 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 황사에 포함된 PM10을 기관지상피세포에 작용시켜 활성산소 및 NF-κB, TGF-β, fibronectin이 증가 여부를 확인하고 섬유화의 신호경로를 규명하고자 하였다. 방법: 공기포집기로 포집한 PM10 입자를 추출하여 기관지 상피세포인 WI-26 VA4 cells (KCLB)에 PM10을 농도에 맞게 노출시켰다(0, 50, 100μg/ml). ROS는 DCF-DA를 세포에 반응시킨 후 생성된 DCF를 FACScan을 이용해 측정하였다. TGF-β, fibronectin, NFκB는 western blotting으로 분석하였다. 항산화제인 NAC를 이용하여 각 물질의 발현 억제 여부를 측정하였다. 결과: PM10을 가했을 때 대조군에 비하여 50μg/ml, 100μg/ml에서 ROS, TGF-β, fibronectin, NFκB 발현이 유의하게 증가하였고, 항산화제인 NAC를 처리한 세포는 ROS, TGF-β, fibronectin, NFκB의 발현이 50μg/ml, 100μg/ml에서 유의하게 감소하였다. 결론: 황사의 PM10은 WI-26 VA4 cells에서 ROS 생성을 증가시키고 NF-κB, TGF-β, fibronectin 생성을 증가시켜 섬유화에 기여할 것으로 사료된다.

Background: Residual pleural thickening (RPT) is the most frequent complication of tuberculous pleurisy (TP), and this can happen despite of administering adequate anti-tuberculous (TB) therapy. Yet there was no definite relation between RPT and other variables. The aim of this study was to examine matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and to identify the factors that can predict the occurrence of RPT. Methods: The patients with newly-detected pleural effusions were prospectively enrolled in this study from January 2004 to June 2005. The levels of MMP-1, -2, -8 and -9, and TIMP-1 and -2 were determined in the serum and pleural fluid by ELISA. The residual pleural thickness was measured at the completion of treatment and at the point of the final follow-up with the chest X-ray films. Results: The study included 39 patients with pleural fluid (PF). Twenty-three had tuberculous effusion, 7 had parapneumonic effusion, 7 had malignant effusion and 2 had transudates. For the 17 patients who completed the anti-TB treatment among the 23 patients with TP, 7 (41%) had RPT and 10 (59%) did not. The level of PF TIMP-1 in the patients with RPT () was significantly higher than that of those patients without RPT () at the completion of treatment (p=0.032). In 13 patients who were followed-up until a mean of months after treatment, 2 (15%) had RPT and 11 (85%) did not. The level of PF TIMP-2 in the patients with RPT () was lower than that of those patients without RPT () at the point of the final follow-up (p=0.038). Conclusion: The residual pleural thickening in TP might be related to the TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels in the pleural fluid.

연구배경: 특발성 폐섬유화증/통상형 간질성 폐렴은 특발성 간질성 폐렴 중 하나로 세포외 기질의 과도한 침착과 기저막 파괴를 통해 섬유모세포/근섬유모세포가 폐포 내로 이동하면서 발생하는 fibroblast foci가 대표적인 병리학적 현상이며, 결국 비가역적인 섬유화로 진행하는 질환이다. 이에 대하여 기질 분해 효소인 MMPs와 그 길항체인 TIMPs의 과발현이 이러한 병태생리의 한 요인으로 설명되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 특발성 폐섬유화증/통상형 간질성 폐렴을 비롯, 비특이성 간질성 폐렴에서 MMPs와 TIMPs의 발현 양상을 살펴보고자 하였다. 연구방법: 특발성 폐섬유화증/통상형 간질성 폐렴, 비특이성 간질성 폐렴의 폐 조직을 이용하여 MMP-1,-2,-9, TIMP-1, -2에 대한 면역조직화학염색 검사와 MMP-2, MMP-9에 대한 gelatin zymography를 시행하였다. 면역조직화학염색 검사는 통상형 간질성 폐렴 22, 비특이성 간질성 폐렴 13례 였으며, gelatin zymography는 통상형 간질성 폐렴9, 비특이성 간질성 폐렴 4례, 정상 대조군5례였다. 연구결과: 면역조직화학 염색 검사 결과 섬유모세포/근섬유모세포 부위에서 TIMP-1, -2, MMP-2,9이 관찰 되었고, 특히 통상형 간질성 폐렴에서 비특이성 간질성 폐렴보다 TIMP-2가 강하게 발현되었다. Gelatin zymography 결과는 MMP-2, MMP-9 모두 통상형 간질성 폐렴에서 비특이성 간질성 폐렴보다 유의하게 높은 소견을 보여 주었다. 결론: 통상형 간질성 폐렴에서 비특이성 간질성 폐렴보다 TIMP-2, MMP-2, MMP-9의 과발현을 관찰할 수 있었으며, 이는 통상형 간질성 폐렴의 비가역적인 섬유화 진행에 관여할 가능성이 있음을 추측해 볼 수 있다.

Background: (Particulate matter with a diameter (), which is characterized by different environmental conditions, is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. The Asian dust event caused by meteorological phenomena can also produce unique particulate matter in affected areas. This study investigated the cytokine produced by A549 epithelial cells exposed to particles collected during both the Asian dust pfenomenon and ambient air particles in a non-dusty period. Method: Air samples were collected using a high volume air sampler(Sibata Model HV500F) with an air flow at for at least 6 hours. The cytokine messenger RNA(mRNA) was measured using a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The A549 cells were exposed to 10 to of a suspension containing for 24 hours. Each was compared with those in the non-exposed control cells. Result: The mRNA levels of interleukin(IL)-, , IL-8, and the granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF) increased after veing exposed to in the ambient air particles, compared with those in the non-exposed control cells. The increase in and IL-8 were dose dependent at a concentration between and . The mRNA level of IL-8 in the A549 epithelial cells was higher during the in the Asian dust period() than during the non dust period. Conclusion: A549 cells exposed to the collected during the Asian dust period produce more proinflammatory cytokine than during non-dusty period. This cytokine enhances the local inflammatory response in the airways and can also contribute to the systemic component of this inflammatory process.

Background: Extubation failure was associated with poor prognosis and high hospital mortality. Cuff leak test (CLT) has been proposed as a relatively simple method for detecting laryngeal obstruction that predispose toward postextubation stridor (PES) and reintubation. We examined the risk factors of extubation failure and evaluated the usefulness and limitation of CLT for predicting PES and reintubation. Methods: Thirty-four consecutive patients intubated more than 24 hours were examined. The subjects were evaluated daily for extubation readiness, and CLT was performed prior to extubation. Several parameters in the extubation success and failure group were compared. The accuracy and limitation of CLT were evaluated after choosing the thresholds values of the cuff leak volume (CLV) and percentage (CLP). Results: Of the 34 patients studied, 6 (17.6%) developed extubation failure and 3 (8.8%) were accompanied by PES. The patients who had extubation failure were more likely to have a longer duration of intubation and more severe illness. The patients who developed PES had a smaller cuff leak than the others: according to the CLV (22.5±23.8 vs 233.3±147.1ml, p=0.020) or CLP (6.2±7.3 vs 44.3±24.7%, p=0.013). The best cut off values for the CLV and CLP were 50ml and 14.7%, respectively. The sensitivity, negative predictive value, and specificity of CLT were relatively high, but the positive predictive value was low. Conclusion: The likelihood of developing extubation failure increases with increasing severity of illness and duration of intubation. A low CLV or CLP (

Background : According to the 2002 consensus report of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was classified as biopsy proven or probable IPF. Probable IPF is defined as those with distinctive features that allow for a confident diagnosis of IPF/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) within an appropriate clinical setting. The determination of the clinical course of probable IPF, as diagnosed by the ATS/ERS criteria, was studied. Methods : Between March 1995 and August 2002, 36 patients with probable IPF, from two tertiary referral hospitals, were enrolled in this study. The clinical characteristics, prognostic factors and treatment efficacy of these patients were retrospectively evaluated. Results : The mean age of the subjects was years. The one and 3 year survival rates were 82.4 and 50.3%, respectively, and a median survival period of 42.0 months. The total cell count of bronchoalveolar lavage was higher in the death than the survival group (p

Background : The poor prognostic factors of far-advanced pulmonary tuberculosis(FAPTB) are lymphocytopenia in the peripheral blood(PB)(

Background : There have been several studies showing that the angiotensin II and angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) contributes to the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and the activation of fibroblasts during the process of pulmonary fibrosis. These results suggest that the pulmonary fibrosis can be inhibited by the angiotensin II receptor antagonist(AGIIRA). This study was performed to identify the therapeutic effect of AGIIRA in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF). Method : Thirteen patients with IPF, who were diagnosed with an open lung biopsy(6 patients) and furfilling the ATS criteria(7 patients) between March 1999 and October 2001 at the Gachon medical center, were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, eight patients were treated with a regimen including AGIIRA(AT group), and five were treated without AGIIRA(NT group). The pulmonary function tests and dyspnea(ATS scale) were measured at diagnosis and 1 year after treatment. All the data was collected to analyze the therapeutic effect of AGIIRA on the patients with IPF. Results : The AT group contained 8 patients(M:F=4:4) and the NT group contained 5 patients

연구배경 : 만성기침은 비흡연 성인호흡기환자의 14% - 23%에서 관찰되는 흔한 호흡기 증상이다. 만성기침의 원인으로는 후비루증후군이 가장 흔하며 기침형 천식도 만성기침 환자의 29%에서 보고되고 있지만 우리나라의 정확한 통계는 없다. 이에 저자들은 기관지과민성을 측정하여 만성기침의 원인이 되는 후비루 증후군, 기침형 천식, 단순 기관지염의 빈도를 조사하였고, 각 질환군에서 아토피와 흡연의 영향을 분석하였다. 대상 및 방법 : 3주이상의 만성기침을 주소로 내원하여 흉부청진과 단순 흉부사진에서 정상소견을 보이는 46명의 만성기침 환자와 기관지천식 환자 45명, 알레르기성비염 환자 16명, 정상대조군 25명을 대상으로 병력의 문진, 진찰소견, 폐기능 검사, 비특이적 기관지 유발검사, 즉시형 피부반응검사를 시행하였고 단순 흉부사진 및 부비동 사진을 촬영하였다. 결 과 : 만성기침 환자에서 기침형 천식은 17.4%, 단순기관지염은 21.7%, 후비루 증후군은 35%, 원인을 규명하지 못한 경우가 25.9% 였다. 만성기침환자중 기관지 과민반응의 양성율은 35% 로 정상 대조군과 알레르기성 비염군과 비교하여 의미있게 기관지 과민성이 증가되어 있었고, 후비루 증후군이 있는 환자중 44% 에서 기관지 과민반응에 양성이었다. 만성기침환자에서 기관지 과민성에 영향을 주는 요인으로 동반된 호흡기 증상의 유무와 관련성 있는 경향을 보일뿐, 후비루 증후군, 코증상, 흡연, 폐환기 기능이상, 피부반응검사, 부비동염의 유무와는 무관하였다. 또한 각 질환군에서 아토피나 흡연과의 연관성은 없었다. 결 론 : 만성기침환자는 정상대조군과 알레르기성 비염에 비해 기관지 과민성이 증가되어 있었으나 기관지 과민성에 영향을 주는 요인은 호흡기 증상의 유무만이 관련성 있는 경향을 보였으며 아토피와 흡연과의 연관성은 관찰할 수 없었다. 【Background : Chronic cough is commomly defined as a persistent or recurrent cough exceeding 3 week's duration. The prevalence of chroinc cough is reported to range from 14% to 23 % for nonsmoking adults. The post nasal drip syndrome has been determined to be the most common cause of chronic cough, followed by asthma, chronic bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux and bronchiectasis. Cough can be the only manifestation of asthma. Bronchial provocation tests are useful in diagnosing cough variant asthma. We investigated the clinical or laboratory findings and the incidence of airway hyperresponsiveness and evaluated the etiology in patients with chronic cough. Method : We evaluated 46 patients with chronic cough. Methacholine challenge test were done. Results : The results were as follows : 1) Thirty - five percent(16/46) of the chronic cough patients and 44% of the post nasal drip syndrom(7/16) showed the positive responses to methacholine challenge test 2) The underlying causes of chronic cough were post nasal drip syndrome in 35%, bronchitis in 21.7%, cough-variant asthma in 17.4%, and unknown condition in 25.9%. 3) Airway hyperresponsiveness in chronic cough was not related to respiratory symptom, nasal symptom, post nasal drip, smoking, derangement of ventilatory function, atopy, or sinusitis. Conclusion : Airway hyperresponsivenss in patients with chronic cough increased in frequency when compaired with normal control, allergic rhinitis. Cough-variant asthma account for 17.4% of patients with chronic cough.】