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MMP-9 protein level does not reflect overall MMP activity in the airways of patients with COPD

Gillian E Lowrey1, Neil Henderson, John D Blakey

  • 1Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.

Respiratory Medicine
|March 11, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) protein is elevated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but total MMP activity is not. This suggests MMP-9 protein levels may not fully represent overall MMP activity in COPD airways.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Enzymology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) imbalance is implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis.
  • Elevated MMP-9 protein levels are observed in COPD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate total MMP activity in the airways of COPD patients.
  • To compare MMP activity and protein levels in smokers with and without COPD.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of induced sputum from smokers with and without COPD.
  • Assays used: fluorescence and biotin-labelled MMP assays, RT-PCR, western blotting, ELISA.
  • Measured parameters: total MMP activity, specific gelatinase, elastase, collagenase activity, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2.

Main Results:

  • MMP-9 protein levels were significantly higher in COPD patients (p<0.05).
  • Total MMP activity, specific gelatinase, collagenase, and elastase activities were not elevated in COPD patients.
  • Reduced MMP activity correlated with increased airflow obstruction in COPD (p=0.016).

Conclusions:

  • MMP-9 protein levels are higher in COPD sputum, but overall MMP activity is not.
  • MMP-9 protein levels may not accurately reflect total MMP activity in COPD airways.
  • Future COPD research should include MMP activity measurements alongside protein levels.

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