Acute-phase markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), have been studied in inflammatory and malignant disorders. We examined the diagnostic value of these ...

Background Acute exposure to cigarette smoke is related to airway and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Little is known about the acute effect of cigarette smoking in smoking asthmatics. The aim of this study was ...

P>Background The imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants is referred to as oxidative stress and has been associated with various respiratory disorders. The aim of this study was the assessment of 8-isoprostane (8-iso-PGF(2 ...

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the escalation of fibrosis and remodeling which are central to the subsequent progression of a parapneumonic pleural effusion to empyema. Objectives: The ...

Background and Aim. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a component of extracellular matrix and may play a role in the pleural inflammation which is implicated in parapneumonic effusions.The aim of the current study was to investigate ...

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-endopeptidases responsible for degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components including basement membrane collagen, interstitial collagen, fibronectin, and various ...

Background: Many patients with pneumonia develop pleural effusions. Pleural fluid vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels are known to be elevated in complicated parapneumonic effusion and seem to play a major ...