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Increased expression of placenta growth factor in COPD
1Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan.
Thorax
|January 19, 2008
Summary
Placenta growth factor (PlGF) levels are elevated in COPD patients and correlate with reduced lung function. PlGF, along with inflammatory cytokines, negatively impacts airway epithelial cells, suggesting a role in COPD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is implicated in emphysema pathogenesis.
- The role of placenta growth factor (PlGF) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid levels of VEGF and PlGF in COPD patients.
- To explore the in vitro effects of PlGF on VEGF expression and airway epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Serum and BAL fluid levels of VEGF and PlGF were measured in COPD patients, smokers, and non-smokers.
- In vitro experiments assessed PlGF's effect on VEGF expression and cell viability in bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with inflammatory cytokines.
Main Results:
- Serum and BAL fluid PlGF levels were significantly higher in COPD patients and inversely correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)).
- BAL fluid VEGF levels were lower in COPD patients.
- In vitro, PlGF combined with TNF-alpha and IL-8 reduced VEGF expression and induced cell death in bronchial epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Elevated PlGF in COPD patients is linked to reduced lung function.
- PlGF, in conjunction with inflammatory cytokines, exerts detrimental effects on airway epithelial cells.
- Bronchial epithelial cells expressing PlGF may contribute to COPD pathogenesis.
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