Related Experiment Videos
Stable bronchiectasis is associated with low serum L-ficolin concentrations
David Chalmers Kilpatrick1, James Duncan Chalmers, Shirley Lynn MacDonald
1Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, National Science Laboratory, Edinburgh, UK. Dave.Kilpatrick@snbts.csa.scot.nhs.uk
The Clinical Respiratory Journal
|March 20, 2010
Summary
Low serum L-ficolin levels may increase the risk of developing bronchiectasis, a chronic respiratory condition. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) levels were not significantly different in bronchiectasis patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway dilation, recurrent infections, and impaired innate immunity.
- Innate immune system deficiencies may play a role in susceptibility to bronchiectasis.
- Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) and L-ficolin are key components of the innate immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between bronchiectasis and deficiencies in mannan-binding lectin (MBL) or L-ficolin.
- To determine if low levels of MBL or L-ficolin predispose individuals to developing bronchiectasis.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of MBL and L-ficolin were measured using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
- Measurements were taken from 119 clinically stable bronchiectasis patients.
- Control groups included 43 age-matched pneumonia patients and healthy blood donors (564 for MBL, 168 for L-ficolin).
Main Results:
- Bronchiectasis patients had significantly lower average serum L-ficolin concentrations compared to controls (P < 0.04).
- Relative L-ficolin deficiency was more common in bronchiectasis patients than in healthy blood donors (P ≤ 0.002).
- No significant differences in average MBL levels were observed among the three groups; MBL insufficiency was linked to pneumonia.
Conclusions:
- A relative deficiency in serum L-ficolin may be a predisposing factor for bronchiectasis.
- While an association exists, other factors could also explain the observed link between L-ficolin and bronchiectasis.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of L-ficolin in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
01:23Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
01:24Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent, occurring at a rate of 1 in 3500. It is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene on chromosome 7, most commonly the ΔF508 mutation, that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This results in thicker mucus secretions and obstruction pathologies in multiple organs, including the lungs and sinuses.
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
01:19Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet cell...