記述言語：英語   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

Viral pneumonia caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection is a rare but important complication, especially regarding varicella infections. Although disseminated cutaneous herpes zoster (DCHZ) is often associated with visceral diseases, there have been few reports of DCHZ-related pneumonia. We herein report a rare case of a lethal disseminated VZV infection that caused severe pneumonia in a Japanese patient who had chronic interstitial pneumonia. Physicians should consider the possibility of VZV-related pneumonia, especially in patients with a medical history of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.5396-20

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記述言語：英語   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

It is well known that the prevalence of asthma is higher in athletes, including Olympic athletes, than in the general population. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction by using animal models of athlete asthma. Mice were made to exercise on a treadmill for a total duration of 1 week, 3 weeks, or 5 weeks. We analyzed airway responsiveness, BAL fluid, lung homogenates, and tissue histology for each period. In mice that were treated (i.e., the treatment model), treatments were administered from the fourth to the fifth week. We also collected induced sputum from human athletes with asthma and analyzed the supernatants. Airway responsiveness to methacholine was enhanced with repeated exercise stimulation, although the cell composition in BAL fluid did not change. Exercise induced hypertrophy of airway smooth muscle and subepithelial collagen deposition. Cysteinyl-leukotriene (Cys-LT) levels were significantly increased with exercise duration. Montelukast treatment significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway remodeling. Expression of PLA2G4 (phospholipase A2 group IV) and leukotriene C4 synthase in the airway epithelium was upregulated in the exercise model, and inhibition of PLA2 ameliorated AHR and airway remodeling, with associated lower levels of Cys-LTs. The levels of Cys-LTs in sputum from athletes did not differ between those with and without sputum eosinophilia. These data suggest that AHR and airway remodeling were caused by repeated and strenuous exercise. Cys-LTs from the airway epithelium, but not inflammatory cells, may play an important role in this mouse model.

DOI： 10.1165/rcmb.2019-0325OC

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記述言語：英語   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

BACKGROUND: As indices of asthma control, exacerbations are equally important with symptoms and respiratory function. Thus, it is critical to recognize the risk factors of exacerbation. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a questionnaire survey of asthma patients in Niigata Prefecture to clarify the factors involved in asthma exacerbation. METHODS: The questionnaire survey was carried out in patients and their physicians from September to October 2014. In 2015, the same sample population also received a questionnaire about current asthma control and exacerbation. RESULTS: One hundred patients experienced asthma exacerbation during the 1-year period. There were significant differences in age, sex, history of hospitalization due to asthma, smoking history, Asthma Control Test, treatment step, and transient steroid treatment history in the previous year between the exacerbation group and non-exacerbation group. On multivariate analysis, there was a significant difference in history of transient steroid therapy, history of hospitalization associated with asthma attacks, and nonsmoking history. Cluster analysis of cases with exacerbation was classified into three clusters. Cluster 1 comprised slightly older cases with smoking history, Cluster 2 had more females, non-smoking and nonatopic cases with uncontrolled symptoms, and Cluster 3 had more females, non-smoking and mild atopic cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that patients with asthma exacerbation in the previous year and nonsmoking females are important targets for the study of asthma exacerbation. The adequate treatment of women patients might be important for the prevention of asthma exacerbation.

DOI： 10.12932/AP-080918-0404

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