Relationship between plasma matrix metalloproteinase levels, pulmonary function, bronchodilator response, and emphysema severity

Abstract

Objective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation in the airway and lung. A protease–antiprotease imbalance has been suggested as a possible pathogenic mechanism for COPD. We evaluated the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels and COPD severity.

Methods

Plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-12 were measured in 57 COPD patients and 36 normal controls. The relationship between MMP levels and lung function, emphysema index, bronchial wall thickness, pulmonary artery pressure, and quality of life was examined using general linear regression analyses.

Results

There were significant associations of MMP-1 with bronchodilator reversibility and of MMP-8 and MMP-9 with lung function. Also, MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-9 levels were correlated with the emphysema index, independent of lung function. However, MMP-12 was not associated with lung function or emphysema severity. Associations between MMP levels and bronchial wall thickness, pulmonary artery pressure, and quality of life were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-9 are associated with COPD severity and can be used as a biomarker to better understand the characteristics of COPD patients.

Keywords:

• matrix metalloproteinase
• pulmonary disease
• chronic obstructive
• respiratory function test
• pulmonary emphysema
• bronchodilator response

Supplementary material

Figure S1 Correlations between the various MMP levels examined as determined by linear regression analyses.

Abbreviation: MMP, matrix metalloproteinase.

Disclosure

This study was supported by grants from the Environmental Health Center funded by the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.