American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · May 2016
Higher Estradiol and Lower Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate Levels Are Associated With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Men.
Recent studies have focused on the role of female sex and estradiol (E2) in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but it is not known whether sex hormones are risk factors for PAH in men. ⋯ Higher levels of E2 and lower levels of DHEA-S were associated with PAH in men. Sex-based differences in sex hormone processing and signaling may contribute to unique phenotypes in pulmonary vascular disease.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · May 2016
Observational StudyLong-Term Ozone Exposure and Mortality in a Large Prospective Study.
Tropospheric ozone (O3) is potentially associated with cardiovascular disease risk and premature death. Results from long-term epidemiological studies on O3 are scarce and inconclusive. ⋯ Findings derived from this large-scale prospective study suggest that long-term ambient O3 contributes to risk of respiratory and circulatory mortality. Substantial health and environmental benefits may be achieved by implementing further measures aimed at controlling O3 concentrations.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · May 2016
In-hospital Mortality Following Surgical Lung Biopsy for Interstitial Lung Disease in the USA: 2000-2011.
Surgical lung biopsy can help to determine a specific diagnosis in interstitial lung disease but has associated risks. Most currently available mortality data are derived from case series and may not be generalizable to broader populations. ⋯ In-hospital mortality after elective surgical lung biopsy for interstitial lung disease is just under 2% but significantly higher for nonelective procedures. Identified risk factors for death should be taken into account when counseling patients on whether to pursue a histologic diagnosis.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · May 2016
Haptoglobin Preserves Vascular Nitric Oxide Signaling During Hemolysis.
Hemolysis occurs not only in conditions such as sickle cell disease and malaria but also during transfusion of stored blood, extracorporeal circulation, and sepsis. Cell-free Hb depletes nitric oxide (NO) in the vasculature, causing vasoconstriction and eventually cardiovascular complications. We hypothesize that Hb-binding proteins may preserve vascular NO signaling during hemolysis. ⋯ Sequential compartmentalization of Hb by erythrocytes and scavenger protein complexes is an archetypical mechanism, which may have supported coevolution of hemolysis and normal vascular function. Therapeutic supplementation of Hb scavengers may restore vascular NO signaling and attenuate disease complications in patients with hemolysis.