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Rigid bronchoscopy.

Clin Chest Med. 2013 Sep;34(3):427-35

Authors: Dutau H, Vandemoortele T, Breen DP

Abstract
Complex airway diseases represent a therapeutic challenge and require multidisciplinary input. Surgery remains the definitive modality. Minimally invasive endobronchial techniques have resulted in symptom control and long-term improvements. The rigid bronchoscope remains the method of choice for the treatment of both benign and malignant central airway obstruction. However, it has limited use if lesions are located in the upper lobes or lung periphery, but significant technological advances allow for effective treatments using the flexible bronchoscope. Rigid and flexible bronchoscopes should be seen as complementary procedures and most cases require the use of both modalities.

PMID: 23993814 [PubMed - in process]

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The role of the adenosynergic system in lung fibrosis.

Pharmacol Res. 2013 Aug 28;

Authors: Della Latta V, Cabiati M, Rocchiccioli S, Del Ry S, Morales MA

Abstract
Adenosine (ADO) is a retaliatory metabolite that is expressed in conditions of injury or stress. During these conditions ATP is released at the extracellular level and is metabolized to adenosine. For this reason, adenosine is defined as a "danger signal" for cells and organs, in addition to its important role as homeostatic regulator. Its physiological functions are mediated through interaction with four specific transmembrane receptors called ADORA1, ADORA2A, ADORA2B and ADORA3. In the lungs of mice and humans all four adenosine receptors are expressed with different roles, having pro- and anti-inflammatory roles, determining bronchoconstriction and regulating lung inflammation and airway remodeling. Adenosine receptors can also promote differentiation of lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, typical of the fibrotic event. This last function suggests a potential involvement of adenosine in the fibrotic lung disease processes, which are characterized by different degrees of inflammation and fibrosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the pathology with the highest degree of fibrosis and is of unknown etiology and burdened by lack of effective treatments in humans.

PMID: 23994158 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Nanomedicine as an innovative therapeutic strategy for pediatric lung diseases.

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013 Sep 2;

Authors: Tian Y, Chen J, Zahtabi F, Keijzer R, Xing M

Abstract
Nanomedicine is a rapidly emerging technology and represents an innovative field for therapy. Nanomaterials have intrinsically defined features for biomedical applications due to the high specific surface area, the amazing diversity, versatility in structure and function and the possibility of surface charge. In particular, the functionalization of targeting or stimuli-responsive unit on the surface of these materials gives them specific targeted therapeutic properties. There are many pediatric lung diseases that could potentially benefit from nanomedicine. Herein, we aim to review various drug carrier systems and release systems specifically targeting pediatric lung diseases. The injection of nanomedicine into in vivo models and their elimination will also be discussed. Finally, the potential toxicity of nanomaterials will be addressed. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID: 23997035 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Common pathways in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cancer.

Eur Respir Rev. 2013 Sep 1;22(129):265-72

Authors: Vancheri C

Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is marked by a very disappointing survival rate and still represents a clinical dilemma. According to the current pathogenic hypothesis, chronic damage of the alveolar epithelium is followed by abnormal tissue repair and impairment of the alveolar structure. This process is driven by pathogenic events very similar to cancer, including epigenetic and genetic changes, altered response to regulatory signals, abnormal expression of microRNAs and activation of specific signalling pathways. IPF also resembles cancer with regard to its poor response to medical treatment and prognosis, which is very often worse than many cancers. We have hypothesised that IPF might be assimilated to a neoproliferative disorder of the lung. Viewing IPF as a cancer-like disease may satisfy the need for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of IPF by exploiting the large amount of knowledge that cancer biology evokes. The recognition of common pathogenic pathways between the two diseases may stimulate new clinical trials with cancer drugs, different drug combinations and different lines of drugs, as already experimented in oncology. Moreover, the concept of IPF as a cancer-like disorder may improve the attention given to this dreadful disease on a public, political and healthcare level.

PMID: 23997054 [PubMed - in process]