[Tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor during specific bronchial challenge in allergic asthma patients].

Allergic asthma is characterized by bronchial inflammation and repair processes at the same time, that cause increased airway obstruction. Recent evidences suggest that monocytes and macrophages may play important role in allergic inflammation. Activated by proinflammatory factors they can express tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate TF and TFPI in plasma of bronchial asthma patients. The study was performed on 17 asthma patients with documented Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) allergy. 15 healthy persons served as negative control. Specific bronchial challenge with Dp extracts was performed in asthma patients. Blood was collected before allergen challenge--A0, during the early asthmatic reaction (EAR)--A0 during the late asthmatic reaction (LAR)--A2, and 24 hours after administration of the first allergen dose--A3. The concentrations of TF and TFPI were measured by ELISA method. The concentration of TF in asthmatic patients was significantly higher as compared with healthy controls. In patients that developed only EAR, the concentration of TF increased at A1, then decreased at time when LAR should be developed (A2) and it was comparable with beginning values 24 hours after starting the challenge. In patients that developed EAR and LAR, the mean TF concentration increased during EAR (A,) with subsequent decline during LAR (A2). 24 hours after starting the challenge the TF concentration was higher than beginning values (A3). The concentration of TFPI in patients that developed only EAR was significantly higher than the values in healthy controls. It decreased during EAR (A1) and increased 24 hours after starting the challenge (A3). The mean concentration of TFPI in patients that developed EAR and LAR was not significantly higher than the values in healthy controls. It increased during EAR and LAR with the highest values 24 hours after starting the challenge. Coagulation system seems to be activated during allergic inflammation after allergen challenge. Increased levels of TF and TFPI in asthma patients may be connected with chronic bronchial inflammation and remodeling of bronchial wall.