Systemic biomarkers of inflammation and haemostasis in patients with chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis

• Main Authors: Rødland Ernst, Ueland Thor, Bjørnsen Stine, Sagen Ellen, Dahl Christen, Naalsund Anne, Mollnes Tom, Brosstad Frank R, Müller Fredrik, Aukrust Pål, Frøland Stig S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-06-01
• Series: BMC Infectious Diseases
• Subjects: CNPA; Inflammation; Haemostasis; Biomarkers
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/12/144

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The purpose of this study was to investigate mediators of inflammation and haemostasis in patients with chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA), a locally, destructive process of the lung due to invasion by <it>Aspergillus</it> species.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Measurements of selected biomarkers in 10 patients with CNPA and 19 healthy, matched controls were performed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and multiplex methodology. The gene expressions of relevant biomarkers were analyzed with real-time quantitative RT-PCR.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Increased concentrations of circulating mediators of inflammation interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, RANTES, TNF-α, ICAM-1 and mediators involved in endothelial activation and thrombosis (vWF, TF and PAI-1) were observed in patients with CNPA. The concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased both in plasma and in PBMC in the patient population. The gene expression of CD40L was decreased in PBMC from the patient group, accompanied by decreased concentrations of soluble (s) CD40L in the circulation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The proinflammatory response against <it>Aspergillus</it> may be counteracted by reduced CD40L and sCD40L, as well as increased IL-10, which may compromise the immune response against <it>Aspergillus</it> in patients with CNPA.</p>