[Cell apoptosis and the associated signal expression in epithelial cells from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the changes and significance of cell apoptosis, Fas/FasL and P53 protein in epithelial cells from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).


METHODS
Cell apoptosis and the expressions of Fas/FasL and P53 protein in lung tissues from 12 patients with IPF (IPF group) and 10 normal controls (control group) were detected by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Compared with the control group (0/10), the percentage of apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells and bronchial cells of the IPF group (12/12) was higher. The percentage of Fas, FasL and P53 protein expressions (12/12, 12/12, 11/12) in alveolar epithelial cells of the IPF group were higher than those of the control group (5/10, 2/10, 0/10); and the percentage of Fas, FasL and P53 protein expressions (12/12, 12/12, 11/12) in bronchial cells of the IPF group were also higher than those of the control group (6/10, 3/10, 0/10). There was a significant correlation between the percentage of apoptosis and Fas/FasL and P53 protein expression (r=0.625-0.839, all P<0.01). The correlation of the Fas/FasL and P53 protein expression was also significant (r=0.571-0.760, all P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The apoptosis percentage of epithelial cells and the expression of Fas/FasL and P53 protein are up-regulated in lung tissues of IPF, which may play an important role in the development of the disease.
Wang
Yan-rui
YR
Respiratory Department of Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China.
Ma
Xi-tao
XT
Wang
Si-qin
SQ
Kong
Ling-fei
LF
Yang
Zhi-gang
ZG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017209:Apoptosis; D001980:Bronchi / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054990:Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism; D015854:Up-Regulation; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000096:biosynthesis
D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D019014:fas Receptor