Elevated MMP-12 protein levels in induced sputum from patients with COPD

IK Demedts, A Morel-Montero, S Lebecque, Y Pacheco… - Thorax, 2006 - thorax.bmj.com
IK Demedts, A Morel-Montero, S Lebecque, Y Pacheco, D Cataldo, GF Joos, RA Pauwels…
Thorax, 2006thorax.bmj.com
Background: Several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the pathogenesis of
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In mice, MMP-12 plays a crucial role in the
development of cigarette smoke induced emphysema. A study was undertaken to
investigate the role of MMP-12 in the development of COPD in human smokers. Methods:
Induced sputum samples were collected from patients with stable COPD (n= 28), healthy
smokers (n= 14), never smokers (n= 20), and former smokers (n= 14). MMP-12 protein levels …
Background: Several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In mice, MMP-12 plays a crucial role in the development of cigarette smoke induced emphysema. A study was undertaken to investigate the role of MMP-12 in the development of COPD in human smokers.
Methods: Induced sputum samples were collected from patients with stable COPD (n = 28), healthy smokers (n = 14), never smokers (n = 20), and former smokers (n = 14). MMP-12 protein levels in induced sputum were determined by ELISA and compared between the four study groups. MMP-12 enzymatic activity in induced sputum was evaluated by casein zymography and by cleaving of a fluorescence quenched substrate.
Results: Median (IQR) MMP-12 levels were significantly higher in COPD patients than in healthy smokers, never smokers, and former smokers (17.5 (7.1–42.1) v 6.7 (3.9–10.4) v 4.2 (2.4–11.3) v 6.1 (4.5–7.6) ng/ml, p = 0.0002). MMP-12 enzymatic activity was significantly higher in patients with COPD than in controls (4.11 (1.4–8.0) v 0.14 (0.1–0.2) μg/μl, p = 0.0002).
Conclusion: MMP-12 is markedly increased in induced sputum from patients with stable COPD compared with controls, suggesting a role for MMP-12 in the development of COPD in smokers.
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