[The role of apoptosis and Fas/FasL in lung tissue in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of apoptosis and expression of apoptotic related genes on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).


METHODS
Nine patients with ARDS and 5 non-ARDS patients were included. By using TUNEL, histopathology and immunocytochemistry techniques, apoptosis and Fas, FasL protein expression were studied in patients with ARDS in acute stage and in control subjects.


RESULTS
Apoptosis ratio was significantly higher in lung tissues in the patients with ARDS than in those of control subjects, especially in alveolar epithelial cells and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells. Fas, FasL protein expression were up-regulated in lung tissues of patients with ARDS. There was a significant correlation between expression of Fas, FasL and ratio of apoptosis.


CONCLUSIONS
During the acute stage of ARDS, increase of apoptosis ratio in alveolar epithelial cells and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, and activation of Fas/FasL system may contribute to the pathogenesis of this syndrome.
Song
Y
Y
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Command, Nanjing 210002.
Mao
B
B
Qian
G
G
D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000378:metabolism*
C505661:FASLG protein, human; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D019014:fas Receptor