Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Overview of Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Staging and Management
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2016
Pages:
13-25
Received:
26 February 2016
Accepted:
3 March 2016
Published:
31 March 2016
Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease. It is among the fastest growing chronic diseases diagnosed in the world today. COPD is the third most common cause of death in the United States. It is characterized by the development of an inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious substances such as tobacco or air pollution. If the exposure becomes recurrent or persistent, the lungs develop chronic inflammatory response leading to lung parenchymal damage, air trapping and progressive airflow limitation. The Diagnosis of COPD is usually made in the context of symptoms and spirometry evidence of airway obstruction with post bronchodilator spirometry FEV1/FVC < 0.70. Most patients with COPD first seek medical attention when they develop dyspnea. Once the diagnosis of COPD is confirmed, the treatment is geared mainly towards preventing exacerbations and eliminating risk factors and exposures. Several treatment combinations can be used in patients with stable COPD to prevent exacerbations and to improve their quality of life. Patients with COPD exacerbations have to be appropriately diagnosed and promptly treated to prevent complications. Patient’s symptoms, the degree of airflow limitation, risk of exacerbations and the presence of comorbidities have to be assessed. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been used in the management of COPD. Appropriate pharmacologic therapy can reduce COPD symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and improve health status and exercise tolerance. None of the existing medications for COPD have been shown conclusively to modify the long-term decline in lung function.
Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease. It is among the fastest growing chronic diseases diagnosed in the world today. COPD is the third most common cause of death in the United States. It is characterized by the development of an inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious substances such as tobacco o...
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Effects of β-Glucan on Natural Killer Cells in Patients Recovering from Cancer Treatment: Clinical Trial
Josef Richter,
Vlastimil Kral,
Jitka Pohorska,
Lucie Rajnohova Dobiasova,
Vaclav Vetvicka
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2016
Pages:
26-30
Received:
8 March 2016
Accepted:
11 March 2016
Published:
25 April 2016
Abstract: Glucan is the most studied immunomodulator. Among its properties, effects on cancer are the closest to clinical use. In our study, we evaluated the effects of short-term supplementation with glucan on NK cells in patients recovering from different types of cancer treatment. NK cells represent a distinct sub-population of lymphocytes endowed with the capacity to kill tumor cells without prior sensitization and form one of the most important defense mechanisms against cancer. To measure the numbers of NK cells, flow cytometer measuring four colors was used. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we found that adding glucan to the diet strongly increased the number of NK cells in blood.
Abstract: Glucan is the most studied immunomodulator. Among its properties, effects on cancer are the closest to clinical use. In our study, we evaluated the effects of short-term supplementation with glucan on NK cells in patients recovering from different types of cancer treatment. NK cells represent a distinct sub-population of lymphocytes endowed with th...
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