Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 in Alveolar Macrophages, Type II Pneumocytes, and Airways in Smokers: Relationship to Lung Function and Emphysema
التفاصيل البيبلوغرافية
العنوان:
Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 in Alveolar Macrophages, Type II Pneumocytes, and Airways in Smokers: Relationship to Lung Function and Emphysema
Background An imbalance between proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Matrix metalloproteinase-1, also known as interstitial collagenase, has been implicated as a potentially important proteinase in the genesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and, more specifically, emphysema. Methods We performed quantitative immunohistochemical assessment of matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in the resected lung of 20 smokers/ex-smokers who had varying severity of airflow obstruction and emphysema and compared this with the lungs of 5 nonsmokers. Emphysema was measured using a morphometric measure of the lungs’ surface area/volume ratio and with qualitative and quantitative computed tomography (CT) measures of emphysema. Results There were significantly more matrix metalloproteinase-1-expressing alveolar macrophages and type II pneumocytes as well as a greater percentage of small airways that stained positively for matrix metalloproteinase-1 in the lungs of smokers than in those of nonsmokers (p
