Biopsy markers of airway inflammation and remodelling.

摘要: Bronchial inflammation is a consistent feature of asthma and its chronicity probably determines disease progression. Clinical evaluation drugs with potential disease-modifying activity requires measurement their effects on the inflammatory remodelling process using variety techniques including bronchial biopsy, analysis sputum, broncholaveolar lavage, blood, urine exhaled air. Markers key components process, such as number activation T-cells, mast cells, cytokine chemokine release or gene expression, eosinophil neutrophil recruitment, can be determined in biopsy samples. Biopsies also allow assessment integrity structure airway epithelium, thickness reticular basement membrane numbers ultrastructure contractile cells. These other markers may differentiation between subtypes patient according to atopic status will help distinguish from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Airway consequence characteristic asthma, particularly severe when there progressive decline lung function. There are changes surface membrane, smooth muscle, blood vessels mucous glands. Reliable need identified improve our ability evaluate therapy.