Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes and lung cancer in chromium exposure -- Circulating thrombospondin-2 and FGF-2 in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: correlation with survival -- Mismatch repair gene polymorphisms and association with lung cancer development -- The potential of Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells in treating patients with cystic fibrosis -- Fatigue in sarcoidosis and exercise tolerance, dyspnea, and quality of life -- The rs1800471 polymorphism of TGFB1 gene, serum TGF-beta1 level and chronic kidney disease progression -- Immunological characteristics of children with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis -- Endostatin and cathepsin V in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis -- Posturography in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Lung cancer and autoimmune diseases are complex entities in that they involve gene disturbance, gene polymorphism, and impaired gene repair mechanisms. The volume focuses on altered gene expression in tumor processes and in chronic autoimmune disorders. The chapters discuss the biological rationale for novel disease protein markers, present relevant clinical results, and give some diagnostic and therapeutic tips.