COPD
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The importance of the adaptive immune response, specifically the role of regulatory T (Treg) cells in controlling the obstruction progression in smokers, has been highlighted. To quantify the adaptive immune cells in different lung compartments, we used lung tissues from 21 never-smokers without lung disease, 22 current and/or ex-smokers without lung disease (NOS) and 13 current and/or ex-smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for histological analysis. ⋯ In the lymphoid tissues, Treg, T,B-cells and BAFF+ cells were also increased in COPD; however, changes in Treg inhibitory associated cytokines were not observed in this compartment. Therefore, our results suggest that difference in Treg+ cell distributions in lung compartments and the decrease in TGF-β+ and IL-10+ cells in the airways may lead to the obstruction in smokers.
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Observational Study
Long-term Recording of Night-Time Respiratory Symptoms in Patients with Stable COPD II-IV.
Night-time respiratory symptoms have a considerable impact on sleep and life quality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lack of awareness of night-time symptoms can lead to worsened COPD control. Automated long-term monitoring of respiratory symptoms with LEOSound enables assessment of nocturnal wheezing and cough. ⋯ Night-time symptoms are common in COPD patients. LEOSound offers an opportunity to evaluate objectively night-time symptoms like wheezing and cough in patients with COPD which remain otherwise unnoticed. We found a high incidence of night-time wheezing in these patients, which was related to persistant smoking.