Increase in macrophage elastase (MMP-12) in lungs from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by an inflammatory process and airway remodeling involving matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Thus, we analyzed the expression and release of MMP-12 (macrophage metalloelastase) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue from COPD patients and control subjects.

METHODS:

Immunocytochemistry and immunochemistry were performed to analyze the expression of MMP-12 in BAL cells and bronchial biopsies. Western blotting was used for the evaluation of MMP-12 in BAL fluids.

RESULTS:

The number of MMP-12 expressing macrophages together with the staining intensity was higher in BAL samples from COPD patients than in controls subjects. Similar results were noted in bronchial biopsies with higher MMP-12 expression in COPD subjects than in controls. Enhanced MMP-12 level was also observed in BAL fluids from patient with COPD in comparison to control subjects.

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrated that COPD patients produce greater quantities of MMP-12 than controls, which may be a critical step in the pathogenesis of COPD and emphysema.

• Authors: S Molet, C Belleguic, H Lena, N Germain, C P Bertrand, S D Shapiro, J-M Planquois, P Delaval, V Lagente
• Journal: Inflammation research : official journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [et al.] (Inflamm Res) Vol. 54 Issue 1 Pg. 31-6 (Jan 2005) ISSN: 1023-3830 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 15723202 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Metalloendopeptidases
• MMP12 protein, human
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 12

Topics

• Biopsy
• Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (chemistry, cytology)
• Female
• Humans
• Lung (enzymology, pathology)
• Male
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 12
• Metalloendopeptidases (metabolism)
• Middle Aged
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (enzymology, pathology)