Introduction: Many theories have been proposed to explain pathogenesis of COPD; however, remains unclear why the majority of smokers (~80%) do not develop COPD, or only develop a mild disease. To explore if COPD has an autoimmune component, the role of T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs) in the lung tissue of COPD patients is of crucial importance. Material and methods: Bronchial tissue biopsy samples were prospectively collected from 64 patients (39 COPD and 25 controls—15 smokers and 10 non-smokers). The patients with COPD were subdivided into mild/moderate (GOLD stage I−II) and severe/very severe (GOLD stage III−IV) groups. Digital image analysis was performed to estimate densities of CD4+ CD25+ cell infiltrates in double immunohistochemistry slides of the biopsy samples. Blood samples were collected from 42 patients (23 COPD and 19 controls) and tested for CD3+ CD4+ CD25+ bright lymphocytes by flow cytometry. Results: The number of intraepithelial CD4+ CD25+ lymphocytes mm-2 epithelium was significantly lower in the severe/very severe COPD (GOLD III–IV) group as well as in the control non-smokers (NS) group (p < 0,0001). Likewise, the absolute number of Treg (CD3+ CD4+ CD25+ bright) cells in the peripheral blood samples was significantly different between the four groups (p = 0.032). The lowest quantity of Treg cells was detected in the severe/very severe COPD and healthy non-smokers groups. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that severe COPD is associated with lower levels of Tregs in the blood and bronchial mucosa, while higher Tregs levels in the smokers without COPD indicate potential protective effect of Tregs against developing COPD.

Diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis (DPL) is a rare disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of anastomosing lymphatic channels in the lungs, pleura and mediastinum. Several palliative treatment options have been suggested for this condition, such as surgical interventions, radiotherapy and systemic medications. However, the existing treatment modalities yield inconsistent results, and their use is often limited by toxic side effects. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate the diagnostic challenges of a rare disease and improvement in the condition of a DPL patient treated with sirolimus. A 27-year-old man presented to the pulmonologist with exertional dyspnea, chronic cough and intermittent hemoptysis. Upon medical investigation, a chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed soft tissue masses infiltrating the mediastinum and bilateral interlobular septal thickening. A surgical biopsy was performed, and pathological tissue analysis showed findings consistent with the diagnosis of DPL. Treatment with sirolimus was initiated, maintaining trough concentrations between 10 and 15 ng/ml. At 21 months of treatment, the patient reported reduced symptoms of cough and dyspnea. A CT scan showed decreased interstitial thickening and reduced infiltrations in the mediastinum. Moreover, pulmonary function tests revealed a significant increase in FEV1 and FVC. The authors believe this is the first article reporting pulmonary function improvement in an adult DPL patient treated with sirolimus. Therefore, sirolimus therapy should be considered for DPL patients as it may be effective in improving their condition and preventing disease progression.

Objective. CT is able to precisely define the pathological process in COPD. There are a number of previous articles discussing the distribution of emphysema and its connection with pulmonary function tests. However, the results obtained by the researchers are not identical. Purpose. To assess relationships between emphysema and pulmonary function test parameters in COPD patients. Materials and methods. Fifty-nine patients diagnosed to have COPD underwent chest CT examinations and pulmonary function tests. For the quantitative assessment, percentages of low attenuation volume LAV950 HU (%) of a both lungs, the right lung, the left lung, and each lobe were obtained. Quantitative CT measurements were compared with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) and total lung capacity (TLC). Results. Except for the right middle lobe and the right upper lobe, respectively, all the quantitative CT measurements showed weak to moderate negative correlations with diffusing capacity (DLco) (r = –0.35 to –0.61, p < 0.05) and weak positive correlations with TLC (r = 0.34 to 0.44, p < 0.05). Group analysis indicated that LAV–950 HU (%) values of both lungs, right lung, left lung, and each lobe, except for right middle lobe, were increased in patients with GOLD stages 3 and 4 of COPD compared to GOLD stages 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion. CT measurements of emphysema are significantly related to pulmonary function tests results, particularly DLco.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is recognized as a long-term inflammatory lung condition, predominantly resulting from smoking tobacco. While all smokers exhibit some level of pulmonary inflammation, only about 15–20% go on to develop significant COPD, indicating that specific individual factors may enhance these inflammatory responses and contribute to the disease’s progression. T regulatory cell (Treg) activity is crucial in mediating pulmonary inflammation in COPD. With accumulating evidence supporting the autoimmune characteristics of COPD, there has been an increasing focus on the role Treg cells play in the disease’s initiation and development. This article aims to review the existing literature regarding Treg cells and their influence on COPD pathogenesis and lung ageing. Treg-mediated suppression is a critical mechanism in the negative regulation of immune-related inflammation, which is significant in various disorders, including autoimmunity, allergies, infections (both acute and chronic), and cancer. The lungs of ageing individuals often resemble those affected by COPD, leading to the perception of COPD as a condition that accelerates lung ageing. Changes in Treg cells with age correspond to decreased adaptive immune responses and a higher likelihood of immune-related disorders. The increased presence of Treg cells in older adults may help explain several immunological conditions commonly associated with ageing, which include malignancies, infections, and COPD.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest literature on the diagnostics and treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Heightened suspicion for PH arises when the advancement of dyspnoea in ILD patients diverges from the expected pattern of decline in pulmonary function parameters. The complexity of PH associated with ILD (PH-ILD) diagnostics is emphasized by the limitations of transthoracic echocardiography in the ILD population, necessitating the exploration of alternative diagnostic approaches. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) emerges as a promising tool, offering insights into hemodynamic parameters and providing valuable prognostic information. The potential of biomarkers, alongside pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary exercise tests, is explored for enhanced diagnostic and prognostic precision. While specific treatments for PH-ILD remain limited, recent studies on inhaled treprostinil provide new hope for improved patient outcomes.

Background and Objectives. COVID-19 infection has a significant burden on global morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly people and in patients with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 infection on patients diagnosed with severe chronic PH. Materials and Methods. A single-center prospective cohort study was performed. Patients were enrolled from 1 November 2020 to 31 December 2022. Follow-up was until 31 December 2023. Data were collected on PH diagnosis, clinical presentation, outcomes, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, pulmonary function test with lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) analysis. Results. During the 26 months of our study, 51 PH patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. The majority, 44 (86.3%) of all COVID-19 infected patients, were treated on an outpatient basis, and 7 (13.7%) required hospitalization. During the follow-up period, 8 (15.7%) patients died: 4 (7.8%) due to complications of COVID-19 infection, and the other 4 (7.8%) died in the later stages of the follow-up period after recovery from acute COVID-19 infection. Therefore, the in-hospital mortality in our study was 43% (n = 3). As mentioned above, the overall mortality was 7.8% (n = 4). Higher BNP levels in the third month after COVID-19 were associated with higher mortality rates (p = 0.028). Lung function, including DLCO, did not significantly worsen with COVID-19. In our study, 24 patients (47.1%) were referred for a follow-up CTPA scan and one of them developed typical fibrotic lung changes after COVID-19. Conclusions. The incidence of COVID-19 infection in patients diagnosed with PH was 34%. In our patients with severe chronic PH, the overall mortality rate due to COVID-19 infection was low. Pulmonary fibrosis was a rare complication in our cohort. COVID-19 infection in severe PH may increase the risk of worsening chronic heart failure.