Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder, characterized by enhanced
paracellular permeability across the intestinal epithelium. The complex system of …

In disease settings, vitamin D may be important for maintaining optimal lung epithelial
integrity and suppressing inflammation, but less is known of its effects prior to disease onset …

The lungs are in direct contact with the environment through the tubular structure that
constitutes the airway. Starting from the nasal orifice, the airway is exposed to foreign …

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is thought to develop as a result of chronic
exposure to cigarette smoke, occupational or other environmental hazards, and it comprises …

Allergic diseases represent a global burden. Although the patho-physiological mechanisms
are still poorly understood, epithelial barrier dysfunction and Th2 inflammatory response …

Background House dust mite (HDM) affects the immunological and physical barrier function
of airway epithelium, leading to allergic sensitization, airway remodeling, and eosinophilic …

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a long chain per-and polyfluoroalklyl substance
(PFAS) that has been used in aqueous film-forming foams. Emerging epidemiological …

Aspergillus fumigatus is a critical pathogen of humans. Exposure to A. fumigatus conidia
occurs frequently but is normally cleared from the respiratory airways. In contrast, individuals …

Epithelial cells line all cavities and surfaces throughout the body and play a substantial role
in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Asthma and other atopic diseases are increasing …

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (12): 1339–1352 Abstract Background Asthma is a disorder of the
conducting airways that contract too easily and too much to cause variable airflow …