Extracellular matrix in airway smooth muscle is associated with dynamics of airway function in asthma

Background: Altered deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the airway smooth muscle (ASM) layer as observed in asthma may influence ASM mechanical properties. We hypothesized that ECM in ASM is associated with airway function in asthma. First, we investigated the difference in ECM expression in ASM between asthma and controls. Second, we examined whether ECM expression is associated with bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation in vivo. Methods: Our cross-sectional study comprised 19 atopic mild asthma patients, 15 atopic and 12 nonatopic healthy subjects. Spirometry, methacholine responsiveness, deep-breath-induced bronchodilation (Delta R-rs) and bronchoscopy with endobronchial biopsies were performed. Positive staining of elastin, collagen I, III and IV, decorin, versican, fibronectin, laminin and tenascin in ASM was quantified as fractional area and mean density. Data were analysed using Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: Extracellular matrix expression in ASM was not different between asthma and controls. In asthmatics, fractional area and mean density of collagen I and III were correlated with methacholine dose-response slope and DRrs, respectively (r = 0.71, P < 0.01; r = 0.60, P = 0.02). Furthermore, ASM collagen III and laminin in asthma were correlated with FEV1 reversibility (r = -0.65, P = 0.01; r = -0.54, P = 0.04). Conclusion: In asthma, ECM in ASM is related to the dynamics of airway function in the absence of differences in ECM expression between asthma and controls. This indicates that the ASM layer in its full composition is a major structural component in determining variable airways obstruction in asthma.

Incontinência urinária autorreferida no pós-parto: características clínicas

Este estudo transversal teve como objetivo caracterizar as manifestações de incontinência urinária autorreferida no pós-parto. Foram entrevistadas 288 mulheres atendidas em um Centro de Saúde Escola do município de São Paulo, entre janeiro e agosto de 2009. Os dados indicaram que, dentre as 71 mulheres incontinentes (24,6%), 44 destas (62%) referiram incontinência urinária aos esforços, 65 (91,5%) sentiam a urina escoar, 33 mulheres (46,5%) apresentavam perdas por mais de uma vez na semana e 24 (33,8%) acusaram perda urinária persistente no momento da entrevista. A gravidade, classificada como incontinência urinária moderada, foi constatada em 53 mulheres (74,7%). Os achados realçam a importância de investigações sobre incontinência urinária no período pós-parto, assim como sua abordagem no ensino e na assistência à mulher no período reprodutivo.