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Type I collagenases in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from preterm babies at risk of developing chronic lung disease
D G Sweet1, K J McMahon, A E Curley
1Department of Child Health, The Queen's University of Belfast and Regional Neonatal Unit, Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland. dsweet@dnet.co.uk
Insights
Elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in preterm infants may precede the development of chronic lung disease (CLD). This enzyme
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Pulmonary medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Chronic lung disease (CLD) is a significant complication in preterm infants.
- The pathogenesis of CLD involves complex interactions within the lung extracellular matrix.
- Collagenolysis, the breakdown of collagen, is a potential contributor to lung injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if increased collagenolysis, specifically via matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), precedes the development of severe CLD in ventilated preterm infants.
- To assess the role of MMP-1 and MMP-8 in the early stages of lung injury.
Main Methods:
- Bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected from 45 preterm infants (<33 weeks gestation) within the first 6 postnatal days.
- Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-8 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
- CLD was defined by oxygen requirement at 36 weeks post-conception.
Main Results:
- MMP-8 was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
- Infants who developed CLD had significantly higher median MMP-8 levels (13 ng/ml) compared to those without CLD (2 ng/ml).
- No MMP-1 was detected in any of the samples.
Conclusions:
- MMP-8 is detectable in the early postnatal period of preterm infants.
- Higher MMP-8 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid are associated with the subsequent development of CLD.
- MMP-8 may play a role in the lung injury that precedes CLD in preterm infants.
Objective:
To assess whether increased collagenolysis precedes severe chronic lung disease (CLD).
Methods:
Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-8 (enzymes that degrade type I collagen, the main structural protein of lung extracellular matrix) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 100 bronchoalveolar lavage samples taken during the first 6 postnatal days from 45 ventilated preterm babies < 33 weeks gestation. The median value for each baby was calculated. CLD was defined as an oxygen requirement after the 36th week after conception.
Results:
MMP-8 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were higher (median 13 ng/ml) in 20 babies who developed CLD than in 25 without CLD (median 2 ng/ml). No MMP-1 was detected in any sample.
Conclusions:
MMP-8 can be detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from preterm babies, and higher levels are found in those who later develop CLD. MMP-8 may contribute to lung injury that occurs as a prelude to CLD.