Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by chronic airway inflammation induced by noxious particles, and protease-antiprotease imbalance is suggested as possible pathogenesis. We evaluated the relationship between matrix met...
Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by chronic airway inflammation induced by noxious particles, and protease-antiprotease imbalance is suggested as possible pathogenesis. We evaluated the relationship between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and COPD severity. Research Design and Methods: The MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-12 levels were measured for 93 subjects including COPD patients and controls. The relationship between the MMPs levels and lung function, emphysema index, bronchial wall thickness, pulmonary artery pressure, and quality of life were determined using general linear regression analysis. Results: There was significant association of MMP-1 with bronchodilator reversibility (both FVC and FEV1), MMP-8 with FVC, and MMP-9 with FEV1. MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-9 were correlated with emphysema index independent of lung function. However, MMP-12 was neither associated with lung function nor emphysema severity. Association of MMPs levels and bronchial wall thickness, pulmonary artery pressure, and quality of life were not significant. Conclusions: The MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-9 levels are associated with COPD severity, and can be used as biomarker to understand characteristics of COPD patients.