红霉素对慢性阻塞性肺疾病大鼠ICAM-1、MMP-9的表达影响

目的：观察慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）大鼠肺组织中ICAM-1及MMP-9的表达及红霉素的干预作用。方法：复制COPD大鼠模型,并用红霉素干预,收集支气管肺泡灌洗液行细胞学计数和分类检查;采用HE染色观察病理形态变化;免疫组化法检测大鼠支气管肺组织ICAM-1、MMP-9的表达。结果：与模型组比较,干预组支气管肺组织中ICAM-1、MMP-9表达显著降低;模型组中ICAM-1、MMP-9的表达与BALF中白细胞总数及中性粒细胞数成正相关;ICAM-1与MMP-9的表达成正相关。结论：COPD大鼠肺组织中的ICAM-1、MMP-9表达明显升高,可能与COPD的发病机制有关;红霉素可降低ICAM-1、MMP-9的表达,可能是红霉素在COPD中抗炎症反应的作用机制之一。     

磷脂酶C抑制剂U73122对COPD大鼠肺组织内MMP-9,MMP-12表达影响的实验研究

目的:探讨磷脂酶C抑制剂U73122对COPD大鼠肺组织内MMP-9,MMP-12表达的影响.方法:通过烟熏及气管内注入脂多糖(LPS)建立COPD大鼠模型,从第1d起通过尾静脉注射磷脂酶C(PLC)抑制剂U73122(以U73343为阴性对照),持续28天.第28d,观察各组大鼠肺组织病理变化,western blot法检测肺组织中MMP-9、MMP-12表达水平.结果:模型组和干预组大鼠MMP-9、MMP-12蛋白表达高于对照组(P＜0.05),干预组低于模型组(P＜0.05).干预组肺组织形态学改变较模型组改善(P＜0.05).结论:U73122通过抑制磷脂酶C(PLC)信号途径减少了COPD中MMP9、MMP12的表达,减轻肺组织结构破坏.     

COPD大鼠模型气道MMP-9和TIMP-1表达的研究

目的:探讨基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)及组织金属蛋白酶抑制因子-1(TIMP-1)在慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)大鼠模型气道的表达.方法:Wistar大鼠25只随机分为COPD模型组和正常对照组,采用单纯被动吸烟法建立COPD大鼠模型,以酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定两组大鼠血清及支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达水平.结果:COPD组血清及BALF中MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达明显高于正常组(P＜0.05和P＜0.01);COPD组血清及BALF的MMP-9/TIMP-1低于正常组血清及BALF的MMP-9/TIMP-1,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);COPD组和正常组BALF中MMP-9和TIMP-1水平高于血清中MMP-9和TIMP-1水平,但差异无统计学意叉(P＞0.05).结论:MMP-9和TIMP-1平衡失调参与了COPD的发病,调节MMP-9和TIMP-1的平衡可能是治疗COPD的新方法.     

重组CC16蛋白对慢性阻塞性肺疾病小鼠肺组织结构及MMP-9和TIMP-1表达的影响

目的研究重组大鼠CC16(rCC16)蛋白质对减轻慢性阻塞性肺疾病(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,COPD)小鼠模型肺组织损伤的作用,及对肺组织中基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-9和基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子(TIMP)-1表达的调节作用。方法将40只清洁级C57BL/6小鼠随机分为4组,分别为空白组、COPD模型组、rCC16剂量组1和剂量组2。除空白组外,其余小鼠均采用吸烟3月法制备COPD模型,从第3月开始空白组和模型组给予PBS滴鼻,rCC16剂量组1和剂量组2分别给予1μg/g体重和2.5μg/g体重的rCC16滴鼻干预。观察各组小鼠精神状态、饮食情况、体重变化及大小便情况等,H&E染色观察各组小鼠肺组织形态结构变化,荧光定量聚合酶链式反应、免疫组织化学法检测MMP-9和TIMP-1信使RMA(mRNA)和蛋白质的表达变化。结果空白组小鼠体重随饲养周期增大,COPD组小鼠体重较空白组明显减轻,rCC16干预组后,干预组2小鼠体重逐周增大,但干预组1小鼠体重增加较缓慢,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);COPD模型组小鼠肺组织结构明显破坏,肺泡间隔增宽,部分形成肺气肿,rCC16干预组后,小鼠肺部的肺泡结构趋于完整,肺大泡的形成也减少;COPD模型组小鼠肺组织MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达均明显高于空白组(P<0.05);rCC16干预后,均可降低MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),rCC16对MMP-9的降低作用具有剂量依赖性,而对TIMP-1的调节不呈剂量依赖性。结论 rCC16滴鼻干预可以减轻COPD小鼠肺组织的损伤,降低肺组织中MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达,对COPD的治疗具有积极意义。     

自血疗法对慢阻肺稳定期大鼠治疗效果及对MMP-9和TIMP-1水平的影响

摘要 目的：分析自血疗法对慢阻肺稳定期大鼠治疗效果及对MMP-9和TIMP-1水平的影响。方法：将30只大鼠随机分成正常对照组、慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）模型组和自血疗法组,每组10只。除正常对照组,其余大鼠采用熏香烟联合气道内灌注大肠杆菌内毒素建立慢阻肺稳定期大鼠模型。正常对照组和COPD模型组大鼠给予生理盐水治疗,自血疗法组给予穴位注射自体血液治疗。比较各组大鼠一般症状、肺功能、血清炎性因子、血清基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）和金属蛋白酶抑制剂-1（TIMP-1）水平以及肺组织中MMP-9和TIMP-1水平。结果：与正常对照组相比,COPD模型组大鼠的肺功能受损,体重、低0.3s用力呼气量（FEV0.3s）、用力肺活量（FVC）、FEV0.3s/ FVC（%）和呼气峰流速（PEF）均明显降低（P＜0.05）,血清白介素-2（IL-2）、白介素-6（IL-6）、C反应蛋白（CRP）、降钙素原（PCT）、MMP-9和TIMP-1表达水平,呼吸频率以及肺组织中MMP-9和TIMP-1表达水平均明显升高（P＜0.05）。与COPD组相比,自血疗法组大鼠体重、FEV0.3s、FVC、FEV0.3s/ FVC（%）和PEV均明显升高（P＜0.05）,血清IL-2、IL-6、CRP、PCT、MMP-9和TIMP-1表达水平,呼吸频率以及肺组织中MMP-9和TIMP-1表达水平均明显降低（P＜0.05）。结论：自血疗法可通过改善大鼠炎性反应程度,降低血清及肺组织中MMP-9和TIMP-1表达水平,达到改善或缓解大鼠肺慢阻症状的作用。     

维生素A缺乏对大鼠肺脏发育的影响

目的探讨维生素A缺乏（vitamin A deficiency,VAD）对大鼠肺脏发育的影响及其可能的机制。方法建立VAD大鼠模型,取出生后2周正常及VAD幼鼠肺脏,HE、Weigert染色分别观察其肺脏组织形态变化和弹力纤维变化;Image Pro Plus5．0软件做肺脏形态学定量分析,蛋白质免疫印记检测大鼠肺组织MMP-9及TIMP-1蛋白含量变化。结果①VAD组大鼠肺上皮细胞堆积,出现明显的肺气肿,并发弥散的间质性肺炎,肺组织弹力纤维显著减少;②VAD组大鼠肺MMP-9的蛋白质表达水平明显高于对照组,TIMP-1水平变化不大,MMP-9与TIMP-1的比值升高。结论VAD导致大鼠肺脏正常发育受损,肺脏组织形态异常,可能通过上调MMP-9的表达诱发大鼠肺气肿。     

他克莫司对大鼠重症急性胰腺炎和其相关的肺损伤的保护作用

目的:观察他克莫司(Tacrolimus)对重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)大鼠的潜在治疗作用并探究其机制.方法:健康雌性SD大鼠90只,随机分为对照组、SAP模型组、SAP Tacrolimus治疗组(0.5、1.0、1.5mg/kg),逆行胆胰管注射5%牛磺胆酸钠制备SAP模型.观察肺组织及胰腺组织的病理变化,检测各组大鼠血清TNF-α及MMP-9表达、支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALD蛋白含量、胰腺组织髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性.结果:SAP组胰腺、肺组织病理损伤随病情进展而逐渐加重,经tacrolimus治疗后缓解.SAP大鼠组血清TNF-α及MMP-9表达、肺灌洗液(BALF)蛋白含量及胰腺组织MPO活性较对照显著升高(P＜0.01),但是经tacrolimus治疗后升高幅度呈非浓度依赖性的明显降低(P＜0.01),各组大鼠存活率提高(P＜0.01).结论:Tacrolimus可有效降低SAP大鼠急性重症胰腺炎的严重程度,其机制可能包括减少肺脏的毛细血管渗透性,抑制由TNF-α,MMP-9以及中性粒细胞(PMN)所释放的MPO等炎症介质产生的炎症反应.     

IL-4抑制COPD大鼠肺组织COX-2和PDGF的表达

目的探讨白细胞介素-4(IL-4)对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)大鼠模型建立的影响,以及COPD肺组织中环氧合酶-2(COX-2)和血小板源性生长因子(PDGF)的表达及IL-4对其表达的影响机制。方法用雄性Wistar大鼠建立吸烟大鼠COPD模型。随机分为对照组,模型组,IL-4组和地塞米松组。用免疫组化法和逆转录聚合酶联反应法(RT-PCR),检测肺组织中COX-2和PDGF-A及PDGF-B的表达情况。结果模型组COX-2和PDGF-A、-B表达明显增高;IL-4组和地塞米松组显著降低。结论IL-4和地塞米松可干预COPD模型的建立;COPD肺组织中COX-2和PDGF的表达显著增高,IL-4和地塞米松可明显降低其表达。     

加味参苓白术散对COPD大鼠血清IL-8和TNF-α的影响

目的:观察加味参苓白术散对COPD肺脾气虚证大鼠血清IL-8和TNF-α的影响。方法:将大鼠随机分为空白组、模型组及加味参苓白术散低、中、高剂量组。除空白组外,其余四组采用气管滴注脂多糖加烟熏28天的方法复制COPD模型,大黄水煎液灌胃8天的方法复制肺脾气虚证的模型,药物干预组给予加味参苓白术散治疗。HE染色观察肺组织病理情况,酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血清中IL-8、TNF-α的表达情况。结果:药物干预组大鼠炎性细胞浸润以及肺大泡融合等症状相较于模型组明显缓解,血清IL-8、TNF-α的表达降低。结论:加味参苓白术散能够改善COPD肺脾气虚证大鼠肺组织病理损伤,降低血清炎症因子IL-8、TNF-α的表达,改善炎症。     

基于p38MAPK通路探讨银杏叶提取物对慢性阻塞性肺疾病大鼠气道黏液高分泌及血管重塑的影响

摘要 目的：探讨银杏叶提取物（Ginkgo biloba extract, GBE）通过调控p38MAPK通路对慢性阻塞性肺疾病（chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,COPD）大鼠气道黏液高分泌及肺血管重塑的影响。方法：将90只大鼠随机分为空白对照组、COPD模型组、GBE高剂量组、GBE中剂量组、GBE低剂量组、SB203580组。采用香烟烟雾熏吸联合气道内注入脂多糖（LPS）的方法建立COPD大鼠模型,造模结束后分组给药;通过维多利亚蓝+VG染色观察大鼠肺小动脉病理改变,测量血管壁厚度占血管外径百分比（WT%）、管壁面积占血管面积百分比（WA%）的变化;酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）检测大鼠肺泡灌洗液（BALF）与血清中TNF-α、TGF-β的表达;实时荧光定量法（RT-PCR）检测肺组织表皮生长因子受体（EGFR）、黏蛋白5AC（MUC5AC）mRNA表达;蛋白质印迹法（Western Blot）检测肺组织EGFR、MUC5AC、p-p38MAPK蛋白的表达。结果：与空白对照组比较,COPD模型组WT%、WA%明显升高（P＜0.05）;与COPD模型组比较,各药物干预组WT%、WA%明显降低（P＜0.05）;COPD模型组大鼠BALF及血清中TNF-α、TGF-β水平较空白对照组明显升高（P＜0.05）,各药物干预组TNF-α、TGF-β水平较COPD模型组明显下降（P＜0.05）;COPD模型组大鼠肺组织EGFR、MUC5AC mRNA与空白对照组相比明显升高（P＜0.05）,各药物干预组大鼠肺组织EGFR、MUC5AC mRNA与COPD模型组相比显著降低（P＜0.05）;COPD模型组大鼠肺组织中EGFR、MUC5AC、p-p38MAPK蛋白的表达与空白对照组相比明显升高（P＜0.05）,各药物干预组大鼠肺组织中EGFR、MUC5AC、p-p38MAPK蛋白的表达与COPD模型组相比明显降低（P＜0.05）,不同GBE剂量干预组中EGFR、MUC5AC、p-p38MAPK蛋白的表达量随着给药剂量增加而减少。结论：GBE能够抑制COPD大鼠气道黏液分泌、改善肺血管重塑,其机制可能与抑制p38MAPK通路有关。     

地塞米松联合缬沙坦对慢性阻塞性肺疾病小鼠保护作用及机制探讨*

目的: 评估地塞米松联合缬沙坦对香烟所致慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)小鼠的保护作用。方法: 40只C57BL/6小鼠随机分为(n=8):对照组、COPD组、地塞米松组、缬沙坦组和地塞米松+缬沙坦联合处理组。COPD组小鼠持续8周进行香烟暴露;在香烟暴露基础上,地塞米松组小鼠在5~8周香烟暴露前腹腔注射地塞米松(2 mg/kg);缬沙坦组小鼠在1~8周香烟暴露前腹腔注射缬沙坦(30 mg/kg);地塞米松+缬沙坦联合处理组小鼠腹腔注射地塞米松(2 mg/kg)和缬沙坦(30 mg/kg)。8周后收集各组小鼠肺组织及支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF),评估肺组织病理学评分及BALF中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)活性,以及丙二醛(MDA)、细胞内黏附分子1(ICAM-1)、C反应蛋白(CRP)和一氧化氮(NO)含量。结果: 与对照组相比,COPD组小鼠存在肺气肿和肺泡充血,BALF中MDA、ICAM-1、MMP-9、CRP和淋巴细胞升高,SOD、巨噬细胞和NO降低(P均＜0.05)。与COPD组相比,地塞米松或缬沙坦组小鼠肺气肿和肺泡充血无明显改善,BALF中SOD 和NO升高,MDA、淋巴细胞和巨噬细胞降低(P均＜0.05)。与地塞米松或缬沙坦组相比较,地塞米松+缬沙坦联合处理组能更有效预防香烟引起的肺气肿和肺泡充血,降低BALF中MDA、ICAM-1、MMP-9、CRP和淋巴细胞,升高SOD、巨噬细胞和NO(P均＜ 0.05)。结论: 地塞米松联合缬沙坦通过抑制氧化应激和炎症,可以更有效在COPD小鼠中发挥保护作用。     

Shear stress-induced shedding of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 from saphenous vein endothelium

Within 6 h, shear stress upregulated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (two- to four-fold, P<0.001) and induced matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in cultured human saphenous vein endothelial cells. By 8 h endothelial ICAM-1 levels returned to baseline, with concomitant increase in soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) (P<0.001) and MMP-9 had been induced. Inclusion of a hydroxamate metalloproteinase inhibitor partially reversed the effects on ICAM-1 and sICAM-1 at 8 h, whereas TIMP-1, -2 or -3 had no effect. MMP-9, but not MMP-2, co-immunoprecipitated with ICAM-1. sICAM-1 was processed distal to Arg441, indicating that MMP-9, docking to ICAM-1, contributes to sICAM-1 shedding and attenuation of the shear stress-induced upregulation of ICAM-1.     

Cystathionine- -synthase gene transfer and 3-deazaadenosine ameliorate inflammatory response in endothelial cells

Although elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy) known as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are associated with increased inflammation and vascular remodeling, the mechanism of Hcy-mediated inflammation and vascular remodeling is unclear. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and adhesion molecules play an important role in vascular remodeling. We hypothesized that HHcy induces inflammation by increasing adhesion molecules and matrix protein expression. Endothelial cells were supplemented with high methionine, and Hcy accumulation was measured by HPLC. Nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability was detected by a NO probe. The protein expression was measured by Western blot analysis. MMP-9 activity was detected by gelatin-gel zymography. We demonstrated that methionine supplement promoted upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) through increased Hcy accumulation. In addition, increased synthesis of collagen type-1 was also observed. MMP-9 gene expression and protein activity were increased in methionine supplement groups. 3-Deazaadenosine (DZA), an adenosine analogue, prevented high methionine-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression and collagen type-1 synthesis. Transfection of endothelial cells with cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) gene construct, which converts Hcy to cystathionine, reduced Hcy accumulation in high methionine-fed cells. CBS gene transfection reduced the inflammatory response, as evident by attenuated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. Furthermore, collagen type-1 expression and MMP-9 activity were dramatically attenuated with CBS gene transfection. These results suggested that methionine supplement increased Hcy accumulation, which was associated with inflammatory response and matrix remodeling such as collagen type-1 synthesis and MMP-9 activity. However, in vitro DZA and CBS gene therapy successfully treated the HHcy-induced inflammatory reaction in the methionine metabolism pathway. extracellular matrix; matrix metalloproteinase-9; intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1; vascular cell adhesion molecule-1; collagen type-1; hyperhomocysteinemia     

Cystathionine-beta-synthase gene transfer and 3-deazaadenosine ameliorate inflammatory response in endothelial cells

Although elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy) known as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are associated with increased inflammation and vascular remodeling, the mechanism of Hcy-mediated inflammation and vascular remodeling is unclear. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and adhesion molecules play an important role in vascular remodeling. We hypothesized that HHcy induces inflammation by increasing adhesion molecules and matrix protein expression. Endothelial cells were supplemented with high methionine, and Hcy accumulation was measured by HPLC. Nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability was detected by a NO probe. The protein expression was measured by Western blot analysis. MMP-9 activity was detected by gelatin-gel zymography. We demonstrated that methionine supplement promoted upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) through increased Hcy accumulation. In addition, increased synthesis of collagen type-1 was also observed. MMP-9 gene expression and protein activity were increased in methionine supplement groups. 3-Deazaadenosine (DZA), an adenosine analogue, prevented high methionine-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression and collagen type-1 synthesis. Transfection of endothelial cells with cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) gene construct, which converts Hcy to cystathionine, reduced Hcy accumulation in high methionine-fed cells. CBS gene transfection reduced the inflammatory response, as evident by attenuated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. Furthermore, collagen type-1 expression and MMP-9 activity were dramatically attenuated with CBS gene transfection. These results suggested that methionine supplement increased Hcy accumulation, which was associated with inflammatory response and matrix remodeling such as collagen type-1 synthesis and MMP-9 activity. However, in vitro DZA and CBS gene therapy successfully treated the HHcy-induced inflammatory reaction in the methionine metabolism pathway.     

Cell expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in co-cultures of human gingival fibroblasts and monocytes: the involvement of ICAM-1

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) plays an important role in the degradation of collagen in inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular expression of MMP-1 and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), in gingival fibroblasts co-cultured with monocytes and the possible mediating role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). In co-cultures, the expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 increased in fibroblasts, but not in monocytes, although the number of MMP-1+ and TIMP-1+ adhered monocytes increased. Moreover, ICAM-1 expression in both fibroblasts and adhered monocytes increased. In the presence of an anti-ICAM-1 antibody, the expression of MMP-1 in fibroblasts decreased whereas the number of TIMP-1+ adhered monocytes increased. The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 reduced MMP-1 expression in fibroblasts, as well as ICAM-1 expression in both fibroblasts and adhered monocytes. The results suggest that co-culture with monocytes enhances cellular expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in gingival fibroblasts, and that the increased MMP-1 expression, in contrast to TIMP-1, is partly mediated by the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and the p38 MAPK signal pathway.     

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 -1562C/T Promoter Polymorphism Confers Risk for COPD: A Meta-Analysis

Background

The role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene polymorphisms in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been reported with inconsistent results. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the association of MMP-1 -1607G/GG and MMP-9 -1562C/T promoter polymorphisms with COPD susceptibility.

Methods

Published case-control studies from Pubmed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were retrieved. Data were extracted and pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results

A total of fourteen case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled effect size showed an association of MMP-9 -1562 C/T with the risk of COPD (dominant model: TT+CT vs CC; OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.02–2.08; p = 0.04). However, no correlation with COPD was revealed in MMP-1 -1607G/GG polymorphism. When stratified by ethnicity, results indicated MMP-1 -1607G/GG (recessive model: G/G vs G/GG+GG/GG; OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.01–1.44; p = 0.04) and MMP-9 -1562 C/T (dominant model; OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.01–2.71; p = 0.04) were correlated with COPD susceptibility among Caucasians and Asians respectively. According to source of controls, signifiant association of MMP-9 -1562 C/T (additive model: T vs C; OR:1.71, 95% CI: 1.42–2.07; p<0.00001, and dominant model; OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.34–2.76; p = 0.0004) with COPD susceptibility was revealed in the subgroup with smoker-based controls. However, in the aforementioned risk estimates, only the association of MMP-9 -1562 C/T (additive and dominant models) with the risk of COPD in the subgroup with smoker-based controls persisted significantly after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Moreover, after excluding the studies without Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and/or with small sample size, the pooled results were robust and no publication bias was found in this study.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests, when using healthy smokers as controls, MMP-9 -1562 C/T, but not MMP-1 -1607 G/GG polymorphism is associated with the risk of COPD.     

Circulating monocytes from healthy individuals and COPD patients

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by incompletely reversible airflow obstruction associated with inflammation in which monocytes/macrophages are the predominant inflammatory cells. The only known genetic factor related to COPD is inherited PiZZ deficiency of α1-antitrypsin (AAT), an inhibitor of serine proteases.

Methods

We investigated the basal and LPS-stimulated release of pro-inflammatory molecules from blood monocytes isolated from age and gender matched healthy (n = 30) and COPD (n = 20) individuals with and without AAT deficiency.

Results

After 18 h of cell culture the basal release of MMP-9 was 2.5-fold, p < 0.02 greater, whereas IL-8 was 1.8-fold (p < 0.01) lower from COPD patient monocytes than from controls. LPS-stimulated release of IL-6 and MCP-1 was greater from COPD patient's monocytes relative to controls, while activation of control cells resulted in enhanced secretion of ICAM-1 and MMP-9 compared to COPD patients. Independent of disease status, monocytes from PiZZ AAT carriers released less TNFα (by 2.3-fold, p < 0.03).

Conclusions

The basal and LPS-stimulated secretion of specific pro-inflammatory molecules from circulating monocytes differs between healthy and COPD subjects. These findings may be valuable for further studies on the mechanisms involved in recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells in COPD.