In this paper we want to study the changes in the expression of cell proliferation factor Ki67 in the respiratory epithelium of patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma.
Material and methods: Twenty one patients with bronchial asthma having different degrees of severity (according to GINA 2002) have been included in our study. Fragments of bronchial mucosa were obtained through fiberbronchoscopy, prepared for histologic examination in view of immune marking with anti-Ki67 antibodies.
Results: Microscopic examination revealed a progressive increase in the number of Ki-67 cells in the respiratory epithelium corresponding to the severity of asthma (following FEV1 parameters).
Conclusion: The increase in the cell proliferation in the respiratory epithelium represents one of the mechanisms that can help in rebuilding the epithelial structure destroyed by the chronic irritation.