Expression of ICAM-1 on human bronchial epithelial cells after influenza virus infection

Damage of bronchial epithelium is a feature of airway viral infection and airway inflammatory disease, such as bronchial asthma. Adhesion molecules, which are expressed on bronchial epithelium, play an important role in the pathogenesis of epithelial damage and airway inflammation. We analysed ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression on human bronchial epithelial cell line, NCI-H292, after influenza virus A infection. ICAM-1 was expressed on control cells constitutively. Influenza virus A infection caused a three-fold increase in ICAM-1 expression on NCI-H292 cells. Supernatant of virus-infected cells was analysed for the concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α but these cytokines were not detected. VCAM-1 was not expressed on control cells and did not change after cytokine stimulation or virus infection. These findings suggest that influenza virus infection may induce ICAM-1 expression on bronchial epithelium without intervention of leukocytes, and ICAM-1 expressed on epithelium plays a major part in the pathophysiology of airway inflammatory disease caused by viral infection

Small Intestinal Obstruction Caused by Anisakiasis

Small intestinal anisakiasis is a rare disease that is very difficult to diagnose, and its initial diagnosis is often surgical. However, it is typically a benign disease that resolves with conservative treatment, and unnecessary surgery can be avoided if it is appropriately diagnosed. This case report is an example of small intestinal obstruction caused by anisakiasis that resolved with conservative treatment. A 63-year-old man admitted to our department with acute abdominal pain. A history of raw fish (sushi) ingestion was recorded. Abdominal CT demonstrated small intestinal dilatation with wall thickening and contrast enhancement. Ascitic fluid was found on the liver surface and in the Douglas pouch. His IgE (RIST) was elevated, and he tested positive for the anti-Anisakis antibodies IgG and IgA. Small intestinal obstruction by anisakiasis was highly suspected and conservative treatment was performed, ileus tube, fasting, and fluid replacement. Symptoms quickly resolved, and he was discharged on the seventh day of admission. Small intestinal anisakiasis is a relatively uncommon disease, the diagnosis of which may be difficult. Because it is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves in 1-2 weeks, a conservative approach is advisable to avoid unnecessary surgery